The Nottingham driver's hired Escort WRC was in the wars when driven by another competitor in a recent event - and hasn't had enough time to heal.

As a result, the third seed drops out, and is one of nine starters so far to fall by the wayside before passing underneath the arches on the opening morning.

The only immediately local competitor to make his excuses is Sean Sommon.

The others to follow suit thus far are -

• Michael Nevin - Offaly
• Pat Croke - Kilkenny
• Eoin Doyle - Kilkenny
• Graham Hollis - Carmarthen
• Pete Hughes - Powys
• Francis Courtney - Dublin
• Michael Hally - Tipperary