Another successful Viking invasion of Killyleagh town

Another successful Viking invasion of Killyleagh town

19 September 2012

THE annual Magnus Barelegs Viking Boat Festival took to the waters of Killyleagh last Sunday and was another major success.

Teams represented during a thrilling afternoon of racing action included those from the Downe, Lagan Valley and Ulster Hospitals and visitors from the Isle of Man and Wiltshire.

A number of MLAs including Simon Hamilton, Jonathan Bell and Sammy Douglas also showed their rowing prowess as did Down Council vice-chairwoman, Maria McCarthy, with The Viking Fathers team being crowned overall winners for the second year in succession.

A traditional parade of competitors through the town prior to racing getting underway was led by Cleland Memorial Pipe band which also provided the music at Hans Sloane Square, while the Harbour Star Accordion Band from Donaghadee also took part in the parade.

Race participants included a blend of old favourites including Peel Young Vikings Again, the National Trust’s Mighty Oaks and Accident and Submergency from the Downe Hospital’s A&E department.

Newcomers included the RSPB which fielded two teams, Nautical but Nice from the Ulster Hospital A&E and Friend-Ship, a local boat led by designers James Fisher and Donna Bates.

Participants were welcomed by Councillor McCarthy who was joined by Elaine Upton from the (Killyleagh Social Partnership) KSP and Roy Baker from the Peel Young Vikings again.

On the water the fastest boats in the heats were the Peel Young Vikings, together with The Viking Fathers, the Mighty Oaks and Simply the Best, the all women’s team from Killyleagh who row in memory of Denis Bennett, made the semi- finals.

Simply the Best, who have featured in the event since its launch, rowed one of the best times ever in two minutes 56 seconds. Unfortunately, the Peel Young Vikings were too experienced for them and were beaten in the semi-final where The Mighty Oaks were defeated for the second year running by eventual winners, The Viking Fathers.

The final was a very fast race with The Viking Fathers not to be denied and obviously Gawn Rowan-Hamilton likes polishing that trophy. Peel Young Vikings won the mixed trophy, with Simply the Best collecting the women’s trophy.

The winners of the Gerry Douglas Trophy for raising the largest amount for charity was Killyleagh Youth for Christ, while Peel Young Vikings sprang a surprise by presenting the Killyleagh Social Partnership with a cheque for £500 which will be used to purchase new Christmas Lights for the town.

A spokesman for the Isle of Man crew said: “We have been coming to Killyleagh since 2004. We love the place and the people always make us feel welcome. They should be proud of yourselves. We’ve done some fundraising this year and want to put something back into the Killyleagh community and present this cheque with our thanks for organising some great festivals.”

Also last weekend the Killyleagh’s Got Talent competition was held at Hans Sloane Square which was a hive of activity.

There was also a magic show and Punch and Judy turned up.

KSP chairman Tony Davies said the weekend rowing event was a major success and revealed competitors have pledged to return next year.

He added: “Our objective is to showcase the positive side of Killyleagh and encourage people to return. There has been considerable negative publicity for Killyleagh recently and the festival is one of the many pieces of work to show the town in a much better light.”