01/12/2008

Lakelands Launch For World Rally Championships

Although there's no super, high profile Belfast launch at Stormont this year, Rally Ireland 2009 will start instead in the lakelands of Fermanagh.

January 29 will mark the revised ceremonial start of Rally Ireland 2009, which takes place in Enniskillen and the event proper will begin the following morning with the first stage in Cavan.

The event - the first part of the overall World Rally Championships - runs up to February 1 and will have 18 stages overall, taking place through seven counties in the North West; Cavan, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, Donegal and Roscommon.

"The first staging of Rally Ireland was a huge success in showcasing Northern Ireland internationally and the 2009 event will give spectators North and South of the border the opportunity to see the worlds best drivers first hand," said Brian Smart, Director of Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Events Northern Ireland.

See: Stormont Rally Stalls

(BMcC)

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