Further news has emerged has emerged on the crash that held up the opening stage. Wexford's Tomás Scallan ditched his Nova, blocking the route. There were no injuries bar hurt price, and we believe both crew are already in the bar drowning their sorrows, leaving the poor crew in the wet to clear the route!!! The two boys live to fight another day (more than can be said for the car!!!)

Update on car 144 has revealed the car to be an Escort, driven by Midleton's Godfrey Kirby, partnered by Mark Kennelly. (Don't blame us for calling it a Lada in the first report!! We only print what we're given!!!)

A large brown envelope has since arrived in the office, and we are able to divulge what will happen later on.

Rallying in 1999 is to go out with a bang - literally - with a dramatic firework display as the event draws to a close. The leading cars will be greeted by a display of pyrotechnics as they make their way into the village as darkness closes in. Most of the fireworks will be released as the final car of the century arrives in, marking the end of tarmac rallying for this Millenium.

Update on the second stage to come....

TOP TEN - PROVISIONAL 
 1   1 David James     Gorey       Escort G3   10:06
 2   2 John Treacy     Kilkenny    Escort      10:16 
 3   3 Martin Taggart  Down        Escort      10:18 
 3  11 Jimmy Lambert   Clonmel     Escort      10:18
 5  10 Eamonn Murphy   Waterford   Escort      10:25
 6 144 Godfrey Kirby   Midleton    Escort      10:28
 7  29 Gary McGiveney  Monaghan    Escort      10:48
 8   5 Clive Williams  Wales       Escort      10:58
 9  12 Sean McEvoy     Laois       Escort      11:00
10   6 Tomás O'Rourke  Wexford     Astra       11:04