Keith Cronin has secured his second Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title in a dramatic conclusion at the Cork 20 International Rally, finishing second behind title rival Callum Devine. The victory caps off a stellar season for Cronin, who also triumphed in Galway, West Cork, and Ulster, edging Devine, who had victories in Killarney and Donegal, by consistency and grit throughout the season.
Driving his Ford Fiesta Rally2 alongside co-driver Mikie Galvin, Cronin entered the season finale with a slim lead in the standings. The task seemed simple: shadow Devine and his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 to secure the title. However, with monsoon-like conditions adding to the challenge, the battle for the championship was far from straightforward.
The race between the two contenders was fierce from the outset, with Devine holding a mere 1.5-second lead at the first service. But a slip-up by Cronin on SS4 saw Devine extend his advantage to over 10 seconds, and by SS5, that lead grew to 12.1 seconds. Cronin, showing his trademark resilience, clawed back some time on SS6. However, worsening weather forced organizers to abandon the final two stages, declaring results after SS5.
With more than 50% of the rally completed, full championship points were awarded, and Cronin was crowned the 2024 Irish Tarmac Rally Champion, adding to his 2016 title.
Matt Edwards, the winner of the Circuit of Ireland earlier in the season, completed the final podium of the year, while WRC2 regular Josh McErlean finished fifth after a troubled run, including a spin on SS1 and a puncture on SS2, derailing his hopes for a stronger result.
Despite the challenging weather, Cronin’s calm under pressure and strategic driving across the season made the difference, securing him a well-deserved second Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
