Rally Ireland 09

bennyc

OK so who here is going ?
Where is the best viewing spots ?
What time to be there ?
Getting into the service park best times ? (free times)

Etc etc etc ,

I for one am thinking about heading out by Manorhamilton on friday morning and getting two stages there. Was anyone out there last year ?
I was in Arigna last year and would go again only for it is Sunday morning and running once, also a lot of drop outs at that point in the event.
Donegal Town will be madness and pretty poor if you are looking to see cars pushing it on as the rally will be over by the time that stage runs.

Mint Sauce

was at lough gill and mulagmore last time round, about two hours before the first car came through, as for the service park, ticket is €15 for the whole weekend, its open all day from about 7 ish am till late at night, although to get a good vantage point for the garages, especailly the citron one you would want to be standing in your chosen spot at least 2hrs plus before the cars return for service, even better, once they leave after the prvious service

for example, last time around was very difficult to get a good view of the citron one and i was there about 45minutes before service started, although crowd started clearing once service was finished, people were taking their positions straight away to get a good view of the car and working being done when they returned, and the cars had just left and not due to return for about 2 1/2 hours

you might get into sections of the service park for free on the wed or thurs when their setting it up, altough think the service park/area for the none WRC cars might be free all weekend, walked straight in their last time after leaving the main park, you might not see big names but will still see plenty of cars and work being done

this was my view last time in the park, as close as i could get, people to my left there alot earlier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHpzoyXd_1Q

bennyc

I had a look at the maps and reckon Glenboy spectator point B on the programme could be best suited to me. I dont think I will need to get up at 330 am again, being there for 6am should be enough to secure a good spot.
I might take a scouting trip round there this weekend and see. I was speaking to a guy who went there for the adfernoon last year and he had no problem getting a spot with only minutes to spare.

starbelgrade

Is it just me or does anyone else think that rallies are just an excuse to legalise boy racers for a weekend?

Personally it freaks me out to see dudes in identi-kit Subaru gear, poncing about like some Will Farrell movie - OK, it's funny on film, but in real life, it's really just a load of geeks who drive cars instead of doing other geeky stuff.

Or is that a bit harsh?

jimmmy

starbelgrade wrote: »

Is it just me or does anyone else think that rallies are just an excuse to legalise boy racers for a weekend?

Personally it freaks me out to see dudes in identi-kit Subaru gear, poncing about like some Will Farrell movie - OK, it's funny on film, but in real life, it's really just a load of geeks who drive cars instead of doing other geeky stuff.

Or is that a bit harsh?

No, good point.

I know a lot of people - perhaps the silent majority - do not see anything great about the rally. It causes a lot of traffic inconvenience to a lot of people / people not being able to leave their homes etc. A lot of taxpayers money ( bord failte ) is spent sponsoring and promoting the rally. It can be argued it is environmentally unfriendly / contributes to global warming in no small way. It is not what our unspoilt quiet natural environment is all about. Most daytrippers who come to see it do not spend any money in the region. More than a few people are of the opinion it is noisy / polluting / inconvenient / dangerous / encourages boy racers etc / waste of resources in todays world. I like cars, but I am just saying how some people feel.

Essexboy

jimmmy wrote: »

No, good point.

I know a lot of people - perhaps the silent majority - do not see anything great about the rally. It causes a lot of traffic inconvenience to a lot of people / people not being able to leave their homes etc. A lot of taxpayers money ( bord failte ) is spent sponsoring and promoting the rally. It can be argued it is environmentally unfriendly / contributes to global warming in no small way. It is not what our unspoilt quiet natural environment is all about. Most daytrippers who come to see it do not spend any money in the region. More than a few people are of the opinion it is noisy / polluting / inconvenient / dangerous / encourages boy racers etc / waste of resources in todays world. I like cars, but I am just saying how some people feel.

You have my vote, Jimmy.

Plus why have fuel prices in Leitrim/Donegal risen over the past few days?
eg Prices at Tullaghan were always below Sligo Town but now they are above it. Any connection to the Rally?

Mrs.T

Does anybody know when the fireworks are being held? Will it be on the Sunday when we are all having coffee in Tobergal lane cafe?

genie

starbelgrade wrote: »

Is it just me or does anyone else think that rallies are just an excuse to legalise boy racers for a weekend?

Personally it freaks me out to see dudes in identi-kit Subaru gear, poncing about like some Will Farrell movie - OK, it's funny on film, but in real life, it's really just a load of geeks who drive cars instead of doing other geeky stuff.

Or is that a bit harsh?

No, I completely agree. I live near Geevagh and I don't know who was consulted about the rally. We were just told that it was happening - end of story. :rolleyes: It is noisy and I'm not looking forward to spectators taking a short cut down my very narrow and winding road and driving far too fast like they did last time. In short, I can't wait until it's over.

I met a 'dude' in a green

penis extension

convirtible this afternoon coming down into Geevagh village from the rally route crawling along, mouth wide open in a WTF at the state of the 'road'!

At least by having it in January there won't be lots of people camping on the roadsides, having parties and leaving lots of bottles and other litter behind. Please take your rubbish home with you this time!

EuskalHerria

The sooner this is over the better. Thank god im going to Derry for the bloody sunday rememberance because if i had to listen to those wan*ks revving their car at the clarion at 6 in the morning like the last time... Murders!!!

bennyc

starbelgrade wrote: »

Is it just me or does anyone else think that rallies are just an excuse to legalise boy racers for a weekend?

Personally it freaks me out to see dudes in identi-kit Subaru gear, poncing about like some Will Farrell movie - OK, it's funny on film, but in real life, it's really just a load of geeks who drive cars instead of doing other geeky stuff.

Or is that a bit harsh?

No its not and yes it is ...

bennyc

Any chance of keeping at least one thread on here on topic, this is a thread for information on people who are interested in the Rally and not bashing the event or having a go at boy racers.

darealtulip

EuskalHerria wrote: »

The sooner this is over the better. Thank god im going to Derry for the bloody sunday rememberance because if i had to listen to those wan*ks revving their car at the clarion at 6 in the morning like the last time... Murders!!!

???? murders?? what murders? Who died by a revving car? did somebody get killed last year by a driving revving car? heard nothing about that, would have been on the news wouldnt it? every accident in ireland is broadcatsted normaly.

Ps give boyracers a place to go and they dont have to do it on the road! I love the rally!

bennyc

I drove up half of the Glenboy circuit Friday evening. Where the Dromahair Rd (r297) meets the Manor to Carrick RD (r280), you take a left towards Manor and take the first right the starting point is a few hundred yard in. I am told that if you turn off the Carrick road and take the next right then you will get parking close to the stage. There is a corner about 1KM into the stage where the cars will take a sharp right turn then you will see them go up hill for a good distance. Its on a hill with a gate to the field so there will be no problems viewing. Further up the road about a mile there is viewing point A on the programme which would be good also then after that (2-3kms) there is a straight with a massive jump in the road. Viewing point B and C will be good also with a lot to see and easy access.

starbelgrade

bennyc wrote: »

Any chance of keeping at least one thread on here on topic, this is a thread for information on people who are interested in the Rally and not bashing the event or having a go at boy racers.

In fairness, the thread is titled "Rally Ireland 09" and everyone is entitled to their opinion on the event. The event effects most people in Sligo in some way - be it noise & air pollution, traffic congestion or the hoards of boy racers who invade the county for the weekend... to fans of the Rally, they are not an issue, but to the rest of us they are.

EuskalHerria

darealtulip wrote: »

???? murders?? what murders? Who died by a revving car? did somebody get killed last year by a driving revving car? heard nothing about that, would have been on the news wouldnt it? every accident in ireland is broadcatsted normaly.

I'm saying their will be this year if they rev their engines anywhere near my house while im sleeping:D

starbelgrade

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I'm saying their will be this year if they rev their engines anywhere near my house while im sleeping:D

:D:D

sorella

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I'm saying their will be this year if they rev their engines anywhere near my house while im sleeping:D

Slidey

There is only 38 WRC cars entered in it this year.

It think it will be a flop and probably the last one to be held here.

darealtulip

EuskalHerria wrote: »

I'm saying their will be this year if they rev their engines anywhere near my house while im sleeping:D

Cool that will make head lines, driver killed by revving his own car!:D

cianclarke

What's the story with them selling tickets, is that to just get into the service pits? Are there like official spectator zones?
If i was coming up from Dublin, would I stand any chance of finding a spot to spectate on my own? Would be more than happy to leave Dublin as early as need be, just wondering what people would advise...
THanks!
Edit: No, tickets only for the service bay it seems!
Found maps here:
http://www.rallyireland.org/spectator-information

What stages would people recommend? I'd like to see one of the coastal ones, looking to take photos..

darealtulip

cianclarke wrote: »

What's the story with them selling tickets, is that to just get into the service pits? Are there like official spectator zones?
If i was coming up from Dublin, would I stand any chance of finding a spot to spectate on my own? Would be more than happy to leave Dublin as early as need be, just wondering what people would advise...
THanks!

yep really easy, I live in dromahair and there are always lots of people about here. You can watch for free every where along the route. As we do ourself. You can also ask people if they dont mind you standing in there gardens or fields. most wont mind when asked.

slideways

slideways wrote: »

It think it will be a flop and probably the last one to be held here.

I hope not...

liam7831

Enough negativity about the rally, its worth millions to the local economy.
Iv got a loud car myself and will be up at five each morning... revving excessively

Biro

jimmmy wrote: »

No, good point.

I know a lot of people - perhaps the silent majority - do not see anything great about the rally. It causes a lot of traffic inconvenience to a lot of people / people not being able to leave their homes etc. A lot of taxpayers money ( bord failte ) is spent sponsoring and promoting the rally. It can be argued it is environmentally unfriendly / contributes to global warming in no small way. It is not what our unspoilt quiet natural environment is all about. Most daytrippers who come to see it do not spend any money in the region. More than a few people are of the opinion it is noisy / polluting / inconvenient / dangerous / encourages boy racers etc / waste of resources in todays world. I like cars, but I am just saying how some people feel.

Silent majority my ass... they're the whiniest people going, mouthing non-stop and complaining. No one complains about the environmental impact and disturbances caused by GAA/Soccer/Rugby matches, with all that sewage from people crapping in the same place and all the CO2 by people driving to see the games, but it's fun to take it out on the Rally crew. Only one WRC event every two years is the proposed plan, probably about 20 or 30 fairly significant matches of various sorts per year. Which creates more CO2? Find something else to complain about. Every other country is proud to host it, but our bunch of whine bags love to give out till the fun is spoiled for everyone.
I suppose the Olympic flame should be changed to an energy light saving bulb that's run on solar power too...

Essexboy

Biro wrote: »

Silent majority my ass... they're the whiniest people going, mouthing non-stop and complaining. No one complains about the environmental impact and disturbances caused by GAA/Soccer/Rugby matches, with all that sewage from people crapping in the same place and all the CO2 by people driving to see the games, but it's fun to take it out on the Rally crew. Only one WRC event every two years is the proposed plan, probably about 20 or 30 fairly significant matches of various sorts per year. Which creates more CO2? Find something else to complain about. Every other country is proud to host it, but our bunch of whine bags love to give out till the fun is spoiled for everyone.
I suppose the Olympic flame should be changed to an energy light saving bulb that's run on solar power too...

Every other country is proud to host it
Then let them host it. Boy racers + profiteers = Rally Ireland.

starbelgrade

Biro wrote: »

Silent majority my ass... they're the whiniest people going, mouthing non-stop and complaining. No one complains about the environmental impact and disturbances caused by GAA/Soccer/Rugby matches, with all that sewage from people crapping in the same place and all the CO2 by people driving to see the games, but it's fun to take it out on the Rally crew. Only one WRC event every two years is the proposed plan, probably about 20 or 30 fairly significant matches of various sorts per year. Which creates more CO2? Find something else to complain about. Every other country is proud to host it, but our bunch of whine bags love to give out till the fun is spoiled for everyone.
I suppose the Olympic flame should be changed to an energy light saving bulb that's run on solar power too...

For the next Olympics, they are going to set a "Jock" on fire & see if he can run the distance.

EuskalHerria

liam7831 wrote: »

Iv got a loud car myself and will be up at five each morning... revving excessively

First kill is always the sweetest........so they say:eek:;):D

I'm escaping all the madness anyway to remember 14 people murdered in derry. All I can say is that with many cars pulling out for financial reason and their generally being a smaller buzz about it this year than last then I would assume it won't be the same or as good?

Biro

Essexboy wrote: »

Every other country is proud to host it
Then let them host it. Boy racers + profiteers = Rally Ireland.

We are letting them host it, and they're letting us host it. Are you from Essex? Do you complain about Rally GB too?

Slidey

Yeah but rally GB is held in Wales.

Its good for the locality, brings much needed revenue to the area and from what i saw the last time there was alot less trouble and messing around in cars compared to the normal Sligo Stages.

It is worth the slight inconvenience for the exposure and advertising of our beautiful local countryside.

My 2c

Xiney

starbelgrade wrote: »

For the next Olympics, they are going to set a "Jock" on fire & see if he can run the distance.

Try to keep posts on topic, guys.

Discussion about the benefits/costs of the rally will be allowed, if only because this thread was dying a slow and painful death before everyone started whingeing about the other side :P

bennyc

cianclarke wrote: »

What's the story with them selling tickets, is that to just get into the service pits? Are there like official spectator zones?
If i was coming up from Dublin, would I stand any chance of finding a spot to spectate on my own? Would be more than happy to leave Dublin as early as need be, just wondering what people would advise...
THanks!
Edit: No, tickets only for the service bay it seems!
Found maps here:
http://www.rallyireland.org/spectator-information

What stages would people recommend? I'd like to see one of the coastal ones, looking to take photos..

There is a charge to get into the Diamond in Donegal town also. But IMO the Rally will be well finished as a contest come that part of the weekend so you are better off getting to some of the early stages. Best way is to go out early be at the stage 2-3 hours before it and walk up the stage to find a good spot. They close the roads going into the stages early also so be early. I plan on being at the Glenboy stage at 5.30 , should get parking withen 2miles of where I am planning on watching.
On Sunday morning I am going to the Arigna stage, same again going early and about 1.5 miles form the start there is a excellent viewing point thats not on the programme, you will see the cars for about 1KM going flat out and cornering then going flat out again right past where you are standing leaving you with a mouth full of fumes

darealtulip

starbelgrade wrote: »

For the next Olympics, they are going to set a "Jock" on fire & see if he can run the distance.

I hope Mrs. T doesnt read that one, you brave man!:D

darealtulip

liam7831 wrote: »

Enough negativity about the rally, its worth millions to the local economy.
Iv got a loud car myself and will be up at five each morning... revving excessively

Mine is not loud but silent and fast (more dangerous!:D), got a loud bike which is not fast what one shall I bring??:rolleyes:

muffinob1

Hi guys I'm looking for some advice, I've gone back to do my masters in St Angelas in Lough Gill Sligo and for some strange reason we have college this weekend!!
I'm coming from Carlow and on normal weekends I go up to Dublin and in Lucan get onto the N4 and drive up and it takes about 3 hours. Can ye tell me will traffic be brutal and what's the best way to get into Lough Gill Friday at 7pm and out of it Sat at 4

dardevle

do you normally come into sligo and turn for st angela's at the IT?

if so the only place you will see activity is around the service park area
at the IT and to a lesser extent the park and ride facility which is located in hazelwood on the way to st angela's....there are no stages in the vicinity until sunday morning from what i can recall.....if you wanted to avoid the area altogether you could come/go to st angela's via dromahair.

muffinob1

Thanks a million that doen't sound too bad!! Will traffic around sligo be mental?

AllGunsBlazing

Was at the Lough Gill stage and a few others in '07 and was bored senseless by the lacklustre pace of the drivers. Dani Sordo seemed to be the only one prepared to attack the corners and actually drive as if he were in a rally car.

All in all I came away with the impression that they simply didn't fancy it after Gronholm crashed out. I'm not convinced they will fancy it much this year either to be honest.

dardevle

i would say to expect the worst and that way you won't
be disappointed!......seriously tho it does'nt take much to
snafu the traffic in town so if the crowds forcast/weather
forcast is right then it might not be pretty by times.

Mrs.T

Hoorah! I found out when the fireworks are! Saturday 31st January 7.30 pm Rally festival and fireworks. Live music throughout the day in O'Connell Street, big screen, a street pageant at 7.30pm which finishes at 8.30pm along the riverside. Samba bands along Riverside before the fireworks display around 8.45pm :D:D

4wheelin

Just a harp back to the wum's who were obviously bored with boy racers and at the annoyance of attracting a major sporting event to these parts. I have an ideal solution, lets get rid of it from the NW, lets send it to, let's say North Antrim, Kerry, Armagh, N.Down, Offaly, Waterford, Galway, Tipp, I'm sure they'd be most annoyed like you with all those b----y noisy boy racers, nosey tourists, shattered B&B hosts, hoteliers, publicans,fuel stations, newsagents,cafes, chippies, were all depressed with the "current worldwide economic downturn" so lets all join in and turn down any more opportunities and send the lot packing. Watch out the above mentioned counties, bet you are glad you dont have to put up with all this "hassle"
I've got a big gun lets all shoot ourshelves in the feet this weekend

bennyc

AllGunsBlazing wrote: »

Was at the Lough Gill stage and a few others in '07 and was bored senseless by the lacklustre pace of the drivers. Dani Sordo seemed to be the only one prepared to attack the corners and actually drive as if he were in a rally car.

All in all I came away with the impression that they simply didn't fancy it after Gronholm crashed out. I'm not convinced they will fancy it much this year either to be honest.

Lough Gill was closed down after the crash and times were not being recorded so that would explain the cars just driving through. There is good upto date coverage on Ocean FM (102-104FM) so its always no harm to bring the radio attachment for mobile phones.

jimmmy

genie wrote: »

No, I completely agree. I live near Geevagh and I don't know who was consulted about the rally. We were just told that it was happening - end of story. :rolleyes: It is noisy and I'm not looking forward to spectators taking a short cut down my very narrow and winding road and driving far too fast like they did last time. In short, I can't wait until it's over.

I am neutral enough about the rally, but I have heard others wondering will there be any environmentalists having a silent protest against these gas guzzlers I wonder ?

It must be costing the taxpayer a fortune, given the amount of Gardai about, not to mention the Bord Failte sponsorship / handout etc

Essexboy

4wheelin wrote: »

Just a harp back to the wum's who were obviously bored with boy racers and at the annoyance of attracting a major sporting event to these parts. I have an ideal solution, lets get rid of it from the NW, lets send it to, let's say North Antrim, Kerry, Armagh, N.Down, Offaly, Waterford, Galway, Tipp, I'm sure they'd be most annoyed like you with all those b----y noisy boy racers, nosey tourists, shattered B&B hosts, hoteliers, publicans,fuel stations, newsagents,cafes, chippies, were all depressed with the "current worldwide economic downturn" so lets all join in and turn down any more opportunities and send the lot packing. Watch out the above mentioned counties, bet you are glad you dont have to put up with all this "hassle"
I've got a big gun lets all shoot ourshelves in the feet this weekend

They do not want it in Kerry either. http://www.irishexaminer.com/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=82291-qqqx=1.asp

Sneakee

I would love to see it down South, save you bunch of moaners the annoyance!!
I'm not a huge rally fan but as this still puts money into your local economy in what is a quiet peroid, you lot are the most ungrateful people I have ever heard...You must be all doing great business up there are you in these times???
I'll tell you what, bring it to Cork and Kerry and we'll take it off your hands no problem! The people there would be very glad of it at this time of the year!
By the way I'm not a boy racer, if it was just 4 days of annoyance, then put up with it!!
From what I could see, no one could casue any trouble with the Gardai force involved and was only the noise issue that would be a big thing.
So take it from me you moaners....bug off!! You won't miss it till its gone! Everyone is getting benefits from it directly and indirectly!:mad: Cop on people!

Sneakee

Essexboy wrote: »

They do not want it in Kerry either. http://www.irishexaminer.com/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=82291-qqqx=1.asp

Give the Killarney Hoteliers and people living in the town 6 more months of bad times and they'll change their minds!!
I lived in the town for some time and they would jump at the opportunity to have it with the way the town has declined...
Everyone is linked to tourism in that town, its going through a massive decline, with hotels closing left and right, business in this time of the year is non existant, they would get money in what is a dead peroid of the year!

I know the people can't be seen approving of the image but they'll take the money and shut up! Any rally there (Rally of the Lakes), despite the clean ups, trouble and stuff, pumps millions of euro into Killarney. As much as they hate the image of it and who it attracts they do well not to mess it up given the current climate.

As much as people disapprove of the event up the country, you'll still take the money from extra business you hypocrites !!

dakar

I went out for a look at the shakedown stage today. I was mostly interested from a photography point of view as I wasn't convinced of the thrill of standing in a cold field for an hour just for a car to go past at a ludicrous speed every couple of minutes.

I won't say I'm completely converted but they are pretty impressive up close and there's definitely a buzz to watching the skill with which these guys can drive. That and the fact that they're flying past at that speed 3 or 4 feet from your face:eek:. I'll stick up some shots when I get them off the camera.

Ultimately there are lots of things that humans get up to that probably don't make sense in absolute terms, rallying included, but that doesn't mean it's not fun!:)

Now, anyone got any good suggestions for a spot on Lough Gill for Sunday?

sfhawke7w

i read a report yesterday that most of the hotels in the area are booked out, i think for the sake of a bit of noise for a few days it is good to see money coming into the area and we shouldnt be turning our nose up at it, the rally is viewed by millions of people worldwide and u would be surprised at the amount of people that would travel here just because what they see on the tv.

as for not hosting it again, the drivers relish our roads because they are not used to the challenges, the surface can change in a couple of feet, yes the numbers are down but then again at a cost of over 50k to run a car in one event why wouldnt the numbers be down.

as for the time delay someone mentioned after the crash at lough gill, i have worked at a lot of rallies, and when a car crashes it is radioed back to the beginning of stage where all cars are stopped but between the crash and start there are a no of cars on the route and this have to be accounted for before a service or rescue vehicle can be allowed on.

with regard to people viewing and walking through gardens and leaving crap behind, have seen this firsthand and it is just the menality of irish people in general if u ask me, walk down any street in a town and u will see people throwing rubbish, any rally we worked on we always spoke to people that might be near where we parked the car and most people were lovely would let us use their bathroom, make us tea etc.

as for boyracers - what can u do? there is a few daft ones that dont take anyones safety into consideration but most of them spend so much money on their cars and insurance that they are okay, drive into sligo town anyday on the dual carriageway plenty of drivers not in revved up sports cars thinking they are boy racers!!

it is a huge event a lot of hard work goes into it and it is good for our economy esp with the ways things are going so for the sake of 4 days i think just ignore it.

if people ever had any problem with the sligo stages they complained and this were listened to, but most times it is just some person that likes to complain.

my biggest regret is the times that the rally is on and it is a pity not run a little bit later in the day.

good luck to them all and may they keep their very expensive cars between the ditches

darealtulip

I do like the rally and I'm not a rally fan at all, the buzz in our village is great.

As for the boy racers, we all have been young and did silly things. If you didnt do anything stupid in your teenage years or twenty's you haven't lived! (in my hummble opinion)

Boys=testostoron=stupid behouvior, see we cant help ourselfs!:D

starbelgrade

Boy racers are not necessarily always "boys" - most of them are in their late 20s... a lot of them keep going through their 30's and then there's the bizzarre phenomenon of the really old dudes going round in souped up Subarus. As for girl racers... don't get me started.

darealtulip

not a wrong word about girl racers!! There is something seriously hot about a girl in a tuned up loud car!!!

Ps I'm a boy in my 30th's!!

Mint Sauce

anyone see anything today, was down at the service park my self, was going to head back down there this evening after the completion of the 2 night stages, to get some shots as the cars coming back under the lights, but just heard the they have been canceled due to flooding

oh well, will head back down in the morning