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06/07/2006
World Rally Championships to come to Ireland
Secretary of State, Peter Hain has welcomed the announcement that the cross border bid to jointly host a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Ireland during 2007/08 has been successful.
Peter Hain who has been a motorsport fan since his childhood has been a regular attendee at the Wales GB rally over the years.
As Secretary of State for Wales he successfully negotiated with the Motorsport Association to locate their Rally Headquarters in Wales, where it has been since 1999.
Peter Hain has driven in touring car races at Brands Hatch and Donington and last month, presented the first prize to the winning Formula One driver.
The Secretary of State, has supported the bid to secure a round of WRC in Ireland since its inception and attended the inaugural Rally Ireland event on October 16 2005 and the official WRC candidate event featuring stages in Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh on March 10 this year.
Speaking yesterday after the WRC announcement Mr Hain said: “This is a tremendous result for the Rally Ireland team. All along they faced stiff competition from Portugal, Norway, South Africa, Jordan and Poland and they are to be congratulated for their efforts and determination to win through.
“It is also a wonderful outcome for the ambitious joint initiative. Both Governments, North and South have worked together on this unique project which offers an unrivalled and unique opportunity for international promotion. In addition, the impact on the tourism industry and economic benefits, potentially worth millions of pounds to the economy, are further dividends that hosting a full WRC round will generate.
“As a true motorsport fan myself, I know that there is a real passion for the sport across the island of Ireland which is second to none and this announcement will be met with tremendous enthusiasm from a motorsport loving public. Its appeal is both universal and unifying."
He continued: “The unspoilt beauty of our countryside offers the perfect visual backdrop to stage a round of WRC and will provide for compelling viewing for thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers worldwide who will enjoy the thrill of competitive rallying and marvel at the breathtaking scenery in Ireland.”
(EF/SP)
Peter Hain who has been a motorsport fan since his childhood has been a regular attendee at the Wales GB rally over the years.
As Secretary of State for Wales he successfully negotiated with the Motorsport Association to locate their Rally Headquarters in Wales, where it has been since 1999.
Peter Hain has driven in touring car races at Brands Hatch and Donington and last month, presented the first prize to the winning Formula One driver.
The Secretary of State, has supported the bid to secure a round of WRC in Ireland since its inception and attended the inaugural Rally Ireland event on October 16 2005 and the official WRC candidate event featuring stages in Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh on March 10 this year.
Speaking yesterday after the WRC announcement Mr Hain said: “This is a tremendous result for the Rally Ireland team. All along they faced stiff competition from Portugal, Norway, South Africa, Jordan and Poland and they are to be congratulated for their efforts and determination to win through.
“It is also a wonderful outcome for the ambitious joint initiative. Both Governments, North and South have worked together on this unique project which offers an unrivalled and unique opportunity for international promotion. In addition, the impact on the tourism industry and economic benefits, potentially worth millions of pounds to the economy, are further dividends that hosting a full WRC round will generate.
“As a true motorsport fan myself, I know that there is a real passion for the sport across the island of Ireland which is second to none and this announcement will be met with tremendous enthusiasm from a motorsport loving public. Its appeal is both universal and unifying."
He continued: “The unspoilt beauty of our countryside offers the perfect visual backdrop to stage a round of WRC and will provide for compelling viewing for thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers worldwide who will enjoy the thrill of competitive rallying and marvel at the breathtaking scenery in Ireland.”
(EF/SP)
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Cross Border Rally Revs Up For Action
One of the most prestigious rally events in the world accelerates into the border counties this evening.
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26 November 2008
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There will be no high-octane Stormont launch for the World Rally Championships first event of 2009.
Stormont Rally Stalls
There will be no high-octane Stormont launch for the World Rally Championships first event of 2009.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
