Rally Ireland kicked off the World Rally Championship in torrential rain, a new a season brings fresh hope but on today's six stages, Sebastien Loeb, the five-time World Rally champion, illustrated, yet again, that he's the one they all have to beat in '09.

Kris Meeke and co-driver, Paul Nagle in the Pirelli-backed Subaru WRC have won the Philip White Tyres Ulster Rally, a counting round of both the Irish and British Rally championships.

Reigning Irish Tarmac champions, Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely are in total control of the Rally Isle of Man.

Derek McGarrity and co-driver, Diarmuid Falvey (Subaru WRC) have won the Kelso based Jim Clark International Rally - a counting round of both the Irish and British Rally Championships.