Menu
30/01/2009
Pouring Rain Slows Rally World Champion
Rally Ireland is well and truly underway in the North West today as the first of an expected 250,000 spectators braved pouring rain and winds, and freezing temperatures over the rest of the weekend, to view the three-day spectacle.
The rally officially started in Enniskillen yesterday with the last stage to hit Donegal Town on Sunday afternoon.
The crowds are not being put-off though by a controversial €25 euro charge to view the final stage in Donegal town.
The charge has been defended by a local political representative, Councillor Johnathon Kennedy, who also added that the fee is just an option for two small areas in the town.
Meanwhile, as rain poured down this morning, five-times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb began the defence of his title at Rally Ireland poorly and initially had fallen behind, with atrocious conditions forcing him into third place in the first stages, which began last night in Co Fermanagh.
However, he quickly recovered and is now back today leading the field.
The ceremonial opening in Enniskillen on Thursday was followed by the start of competitive action in Glenboy, Co Leitrim early in the darkness this morning.
Loeb, is aiming for a sixth successive title, and will again be the man to beat.
His main rivals will be his Citroen team-mate Daniel Sordo and Ford duo Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala.
Ford are the sole remaining major rival to the Citroen team after the withdrawals of Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Suzuki because of the current world financial crisis.
Other changes to this year's championship include the staging of the opener in Ireland, as opposed to Monte Carlo, which has been the traditional curtain-raiser since 1973.
(BMcC/JM)
The rally officially started in Enniskillen yesterday with the last stage to hit Donegal Town on Sunday afternoon.
The crowds are not being put-off though by a controversial €25 euro charge to view the final stage in Donegal town.
The charge has been defended by a local political representative, Councillor Johnathon Kennedy, who also added that the fee is just an option for two small areas in the town.
Meanwhile, as rain poured down this morning, five-times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb began the defence of his title at Rally Ireland poorly and initially had fallen behind, with atrocious conditions forcing him into third place in the first stages, which began last night in Co Fermanagh.
However, he quickly recovered and is now back today leading the field.
The ceremonial opening in Enniskillen on Thursday was followed by the start of competitive action in Glenboy, Co Leitrim early in the darkness this morning.
Loeb, is aiming for a sixth successive title, and will again be the man to beat.
His main rivals will be his Citroen team-mate Daniel Sordo and Ford duo Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala.
Ford are the sole remaining major rival to the Citroen team after the withdrawals of Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Suzuki because of the current world financial crisis.
Other changes to this year's championship include the staging of the opener in Ireland, as opposed to Monte Carlo, which has been the traditional curtain-raiser since 1973.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2009
Cross Border Rally Revs Up For Action
Cross Border Rally Revs Up For Action One of the most prestigious rally events in the world accelerates into the border counties this evening.
Cross Border Rally Revs Up For Action
Cross Border Rally Revs Up For Action One of the most prestigious rally events in the world accelerates into the border counties this evening.
19 May 2008
Rally Ireland Will Kick Off 2009 Series
The roar of high performance rally cars is to return to Ireland early next year. As Rally Sardinia finished on Sunday - with another victory for Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, marking his 40th World Rally Championship win - news that Rally Ireland will launch 2009's 12-round series has emerged.
Rally Ireland Will Kick Off 2009 Series
The roar of high performance rally cars is to return to Ireland early next year. As Rally Sardinia finished on Sunday - with another victory for Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, marking his 40th World Rally Championship win - news that Rally Ireland will launch 2009's 12-round series has emerged.
25 May 2010
Rally Worth €30M To North West
The Topaz Donegal International Rally is expected to bring €30 million to the North West economy, according to its sponsors. The international event is expected to attract 70,000 spectators this year, 20,000 more than usual owing to the new town stage around Buncrana on the opening day.
Rally Worth €30M To North West
The Topaz Donegal International Rally is expected to bring €30 million to the North West economy, according to its sponsors. The international event is expected to attract 70,000 spectators this year, 20,000 more than usual owing to the new town stage around Buncrana on the opening day.
19 June 2013
Eddie Shaw Resigns Over Anti-Abortion Leaflets Given To Schoolchildren
Eddie Shaw, the man at the centre of the controversy surrounding pro-life leaflets given out to primary school children, has resigned. The leaflets were promoting the anti-abortion legislation rally, Vigil for Life, being held in Dublin on 08 June.
Eddie Shaw Resigns Over Anti-Abortion Leaflets Given To Schoolchildren
Eddie Shaw, the man at the centre of the controversy surrounding pro-life leaflets given out to primary school children, has resigned. The leaflets were promoting the anti-abortion legislation rally, Vigil for Life, being held in Dublin on 08 June.
21 June 2010
Irish Rally Star Dies After Cliff Fall
A young rally driver has died after his car plunged off a cliff at the weekend, during a section of the Donegal International Rally.
Irish Rally Star Dies After Cliff Fall
A young rally driver has died after his car plunged off a cliff at the weekend, during a section of the Donegal International Rally.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
