Philip Wylie in his MGB had started the event as slight favourite, but it was the Fermanagh pairing who were quicker out of the blocks. They raced ahead of the MGB on the short first day, and found themselves in second spot by the time the chequered flag dropped on the final Saturday stage. Out in front was the Lotus Cortina of Philip McDowell, who had eased out a 43 second gap at the head of the field.

    Mervyn started the second day on maximum attack, however, determined to make an impression on his home event, and it had a devastating effect on the opposition. Knowing the Sunday stages would suit the Mini, Mervyn attacked from the off, and after three stages he had reeled in the Lotus Cortina to take a place at the head of the field that he would ever relinquish. The pressure was eased soon afterwards when the throttle linkage of the historic car broke, forcing McDowell into an early retirement. Mervyn’s big threat then became the pre-event favourite, Philip Wylie, although a 60 second cushion with just four final day stages remaining seemed a comfortable margin.

    With the Fermanagh pairing knowing they could afford to lose 15 seconds per stage, they had every right to be confident, however the faster Monday stages suited the MGB, and after just two stages the gap had come down by 36 seconds. When the going gets tough the tough get going, and Mervyn resonded in magnificent fashion, losing only 3 seconds on the penultimate stage. It meant that even the rediscovered pace of Philip Wylie could not close the gap over the last test, and it was the Green Mini Cooper S of the “Tullyhommon Flyer” that received the adulation of the crowd at the packed finsh.

    “I’ve been doing the Circuit since 1961,” said a delighted Mervyn at the finish, “and it’s great to at last be able to say that I have won the Circuit!”

    It was also a special moment for co-driver Austin Frazer. The last time the event started in Enniskillen was 1974, and Austin partnered Cathal Curley to a home victory on the event. 28 years on and he was repeating the champagne spraying performance.

    “Both Mervyn and I particularly wanted to win this rally,” explained Austin. “Despite having previously won the historic rally championship, Mervyn had never been a winner on the Circuit Historic Rally. Personally, having won the event the last time it started in Enniskillen I always thought it would have been nice to go full circle by winning the Historic event on its return to the town.” He still has to reveal whether he intends to be repeating the feat once again in 2030.