Blazing sunshine, glamour, tug-of-war, brush dancing, oyster eating, and a stopover of the Cannon Ball Run were all part of the 2009 Clarenbridge Oyster Festival. More than 4,000 locals and visitors turned out in their finery to officially celebrate Clarenbridge as the home of the oyster on its 55th anniversary.
The event that created the biggest stir was the Townland Tug-Of-War which took place at the Sunday jamboree with Galway Bay FM’s Ollie Turner as compere. Seven local teams competed in what was a passionate no holds barred fight to the end and the two finalists Sherry’s Beer Bellies and the Killeeneen Lightweights left nothing to chance. Sherry’s took the title on the day but rumour has it training has already commenced for next year’s battle. The Sunday event was run in association with the Alan Kerins African Projects with family entertainment and community fun. The day was fun filled with duck races, penalty shoot outs, fancy dress, and art competitions. When asked to sum up the festival chairperson Anne Forde said: “This has been a fabulous weekend from beginning to end, the buzz, energy, and excitement was tremendous, the sense of community palpable and determined. We cannot thank our sponsors and patrons enough for their support and commitment, without them this great festival would not and could not have happened”
A host of Austin Martins, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris added to the occasion with the Clarenbridge stop over of the Cannon Ball Run in aid of Barrettstown. Celebrities and volunteers sampled the world famous oysters and of course a traditional pint of black. Drivers in costume clowns, sheiks, priests and soldiers with their entourage added a dramatic splash of colour to the festivities.
Plans for the 2010 festival have already commenced and promises even more additions to this winning formula. Anne Forde added: “The 2009 festival has been a fantastic success with the sell out of both the Friday and Saturday events. This has been an interesting and challenging year but the attendance speaks for itself and Clarenbridge is ready for more.
