Galway-Clifden
32nd Summer Run, 24th-26th July, 2009
Text By Frank Mullan
The event was opened by the Declan McDonnell, Mayor of Galway, at the Static Display at Spanish Arch on Friday afternoon. Approximately 65 cars were on display and there was a continuous stream of people throughout the afternoon. Everybody seemed to enjoy the spectical. The Mayor was generous in his praise for the exhibitors and their cars.
On Friday Night, we held our usual informal gathering at Salthill Hotel with music by Cois Tine.
Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny and with the exception of a shower just as we were leaving was a perfect day for the run to Clifden by the south Connemara coast.
The start of the Run from Salthill was carefully organised with support from the local Gardai to avoid the difficulties we had at the start of last year’s event. When we arrived in Clifden, the area around the Square was well sectioned off and marshelled. The relaxed atmosphere was greatly enhanced by music on the street.
We were seriously embarrassed that the band at the WestRun Gala Dinner in the Station House Hotel did not play music suitable for dancing. The band which had been booked became unavailable at short notice, and hotel management substituted an alternative group without informing us. This was a big disappointment for a number of our regular WestRun participants, who really enjoy dancing. However, a fairly lively sing-song went on around the piano in the foyer. So hopefully most people enjoyed the night.
Sunday morning was very wet. Some people followed the planned route home through Letterfrack and the Maam Valley, but many headed straight back by the main road. The people of Oughterard welcomed all WestRun participants who stopped for lunch, or to check out the annual Franch market.
