McNulty back for Lakes test

Whatever their individual qualities, the combination of stages in the Killarney area and those within the Beara Peninsula are probably unequalled within Europe.

In the heyday of the Circuit of Ireland, rallying greats such as Billy Coleman, Jimmy McRae and Russell Brookes all marvelled at the challenge they provided.

Since then the roads have virtually remained unchanged, with the exception of improved surfaces. Tomorrow morning, the contenders for the Cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes will begin their assault on 16 formidable stages with the bravest — or perhaps the luckiest — set to conquer. The entry includes most of the regulars of the Irish Tarmac Championship as Killarney hosts the third round.