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.
03 December 2019
Future Of Ireland To Be Decided In Ireland, Not Westminster - SF
The future of Ireland will be decided on the island of Ireland, not at Westminster, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said.
Future Of Ireland To Be Decided In Ireland, Not Westminster - SF
The future of Ireland will be decided on the island of Ireland, not at Westminster, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said.
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.
13 January 2020
Up To 50,000 Without Power As Storm Brendan Moves Across Ireland
Up to 50,000 homes and businesses are without power as Storm Brendan makes its way across Ireland. With gusts of up to 135km/h recorded in the west, forecaster Met Éireann has said that there will be "several hours of very dangerous weather".
Up To 50,000 Without Power As Storm Brendan Moves Across Ireland
Up to 50,000 homes and businesses are without power as Storm Brendan makes its way across Ireland. With gusts of up to 135km/h recorded in the west, forecaster Met Éireann has said that there will be "several hours of very dangerous weather".
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Much of the day will be dry with sunny spells and becoming very warm and humid. Cloud will increase from the south later with an increasing risk of showers breaking out this evening. Maximum temperature 25 °C.Tonight:Rather cloudy with scattered showers for a time but many places will stay dry. It will be very mild and humid during the night. Minimum temperature 14 °C.
