Ace Barry relishing Monte Carlo Rally

THE best-known rally in the world, the Monte Carlo Rally, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and the event has a great resonance for Irish competitors mostly initiated on Paddy Hopkirk’s victory in 1964.

Wicklow’s Daniel Barry (Mitsubishi Evo9) has been lucky enough to secure one of the 150 slots for this year’s spectacular that gets underway on Wednesday, January 19.

Since he made his debut in rallying in a Ford Ka 2004, Barry has been over the roads in Britain and mainland Europe rather than those of his native country. It was a conscious decision and one that has led to Barry being recognised more in Britain than here at home.