Major sunny spells were forecast for today, but so far we haven't seen many of them as the opening stage gets underway at Longgraigue Crossroads.

Heavy mist hung over most of the area this morning, clearing after 6am to allow bright sunshine through - but only for a brief spell.

So, it's an overcast start to the 2002 Dick Bailey Stages Rally, and with the prospect of slight mist returning, that could prove to be a bigger test than had been anticipated.

Eamonn Boland is the first competitor out on the course. We'll have full details of how he and the rest of the 149 competitors get on throughout the afternoon.