WestRun 2012

The 2012 WestRun was held over the weekend 27-29 July. We were delighted to welcome participants from all parts of Ireland.

The event kicked off, as usual, with a splendid static display of classic cars at the Spanish Arch. Mayor Terry O’Flaherty arrived in Bill Fennel’s Model T to officially open the event at approx 4:00pm. We thank the family of the late Joe O’Neill for continuing a long tradition by supplying the sound equipment.

Our pre-rally reception on Friday at the Clayton Hotel was a bit disjointed because we were located in the main bar, rather than a private room. This last minute change made it impossible for us to dance to the music of Michael Sexton, who entertained the entire bar. We apologise to members and visitors for this mix-up, which was entirely outside our control.

The gathering for the actual road run started at 9:00 on Saturday morning. The weather was good, and the Gardai arrived at 10:00 to help us with traffic management at the start of the run.

The run took us over the Quincentenial Bridge to the N59 road to Connemara. We turned right at Maam Cross, then up the Maam Valley through Cornamona, Clonbur and Killour to Ballinrobe for the opening day of their 10-day Queen of the Lakes Festival.

The town was en-fate with many of the locals dressed in turn of the 20th century costume. There were demonstrations of threshing, butter making, bread making and a variety of crafts. Local dancers performed both traditional and Can-Can dance during the afternoon. We had a really enjoyable time in Ballinrobe, and the old cars, parked throughout the town, added greatly to the atmosphere.

We returned to the Clayton Hotel for the Gala Dinner and prize giving on Saturday evening. We enjoyed an excellent meal and, after the prize giving, danced the night away with the Philip English Band.
Sunday morning, there was an opportunity to chat and catch up with friends after a leisurely breakfast.

(Note. Some Photos courtesy of Jen Ridge)