Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin displayed their Irish Tarmac Rally Championship credentials with a 15.4-second victory on Saturday’s 10-stage Ulster Rally.

The Ford Fiesta Rally2 partnership recorded their second Ulster win together, building a strong lead on the demanding, technical stages surrounding Newry. Cronin’s consistency and the demise of Matt Edwards – who led the event early on -  towards the end of the third stage was crucial in his victory over recent Irish Tarmac pacesetters Callum Devine and Noel O’Sullivan, recording four stage wins and six second-fastest times over the event.

“It's good to get the win,” reflected Cronin. “We had a good start to the championship but the last two rounds didn't go great for us so it's great to get the win here today. They were really tough stages, conditions were mixed, and on that last loop I didn't think I'd have to push, but Callum started to push so we had to up it a bit again. I'm delighted with the result, they were some of the toughest stages you will come across.”

The Cork-Kerry crew’s latest success extends their Irish Tarmac Rally Championship lead to 15 points. They will travel to September’s Cork 20 Rally knowing a runner-up finish would guarantee them championship honours.

Josh Moffett held onto third to move closer to Edwards in the ITRC standings and secure the top spot in the Citroen C3 Rally2 Trophy. Eddie Doherty upped his pace on Saturday afternoon to take fourth with Scottish visitor John MacCrone rounding out the top five.

Top five standings
1 Cronin / Galvin (Ford Fiesta Rally2) 1:16:50.3s
2 Devine / O’Sullivan (Skoda Fabia Rally2) +15.4s
3 Moffett / Hayes (Citroen C3 Rally2) +1:55.9
4 Doherty / Murphy (Fabia) +2:29.0
5 MacCrone / Riddick (Fiesta) +3:55.3