18 November 2002: Gerry Keyes from Crecora, Co Limerick has won the 2002 Ford Ireland KA Rally Championship after finishing third on the final round of the highly charged 2002 series, at the Kingdom Fastfit Kerry Single Stage Rally.

Gerry in the O'Dwyer Steel/ PJ Matthews/ Lyons of Limerick Ford KA has been the pace setter all year, dominating the series with four wins, one second and one third place finish on the seven round national series. However this domination was due to a steely determination and total commitment by the Limerickman, despite a bad accident in September which would have sidelined a lesser mortal.

Gerry made a miraculous recovery to compete on the final round of the series, where he only had to finish in ninth position to clinch the title. He cruised home in a magnificent third position despite the inclement weather to claim the national title after competing on six out of the seven round series throughout Ireland.

In a final twist to the series Gerry&Mac226;s navigator Christina Shanahan also from Limerick has won the co-drivers section of the 2002 Ford Ireland KA Rally Championship for the second year in a row but she is also the girlfriend of second placed David Lyons.

"We must congratulate Gerry Keyes on a brilliant and well deserved victory despite all his setbacks he clinched the title in style on the final round," said Declan Foley, KA Brand Manager. "It has been an extremely tough year for all involved and the final Championship positions were not finalised until the final round of the Championship."