MOTORSPORT:The success of last year's Irish debut in the World Rally Championship was fully realised today with the announcement that Rally Ireland will host the first event on the 2009 calendar. For the first time in almost 30 years, the beginning of the international sporting event will be held outside its traditional home in Monaco's Monte Carlo.
Rally Ireland's John Naylor said its previous success has been recognised by the WRC, who said the circuit was the second best round of the 2007 championship.
"Across the region festivals are been organised and this event will once again provide fans with the opportunity to see the world's top rally drivers battling the testing stages in the North West and all for free," he said.
Around 250,000 spectators visited the region for Rally Ireland 2007, generating €48million for the region, while the event was viewed by some 62 million people in 180 countries.
The WRC will hold 12 rounds across the world, reaching a global TV audience of over 800 million people.
Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh will host the opening ceremony on January 29th, with the first stage taking place the following morning in Cavan.
Competitors will drive through Leitrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, and Roscommon before the final stage, in Donegal on February 1st, is broadcast live worldwide.