2009 WRC season gets underway in Glenboy

The 2009 World Rally Championship is getting underway in Glenboy this morning.

Rally Ireland is the opening event in this year's championship, with stages due to be held throughout the north-west of the country over the next three days.

The ceremonial launch took place in Enniskillen last night.

Mikko Hirvonen, who finished second in the championship last year, was fastest in the shakedown, with five-times world champion Sebastien Loeb clocking the second-fastest time.

The first three stages this morning are taking place in Glenboy, Cavan and Knocknasheelin.