MOTOR SPORT:Ireland have been awarded a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2009. Not only will Rally Ireland feature in this major event, it will launch the prestigious, 12-round global series in January 2009.

Minister for Sport Brennan welcomed the announcement.

"The decision to award a further round of the WRC to Ireland is another strong vote of confidence by a world sporting body in Ireland's ability to stage major sporting events following on from the WRC in 2007," the Minister said.

"I commend the hard work and professionalism of Rally Ireland, who with support from joint sponsors Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company, organised the successful staging of the 2007 WRC event."