Sixty-nine entries have been received for Rally Ireland 2006, Ireland’s bid for qualification for a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

Around 80,000 spectators are expected to line the roads in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Fermanagh to watch Rally Ireland today.

Details have been announced of this year's Rally Ireland, to take place in the north west on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16.

Ireland launched its bid to host a stage of the World Rally Championship today in what would become the largest annual sporting event held on the island if given the green light.