WestRun 2010

WestRun 2010 by Ian Doherty

This years WestRun was held on the weekend of 23rd-25th July.

On the Friday afternoon approximately 60 cars were on display at the Spanish Arch where the public came along to view the cars. Despite the increased “red-tape” and costs associated with getting this venue we have continued to use the Spanish Arch. We recently discussed using a different venue due to our cars overheating trying to get through the city traffic on a Friday afternoon, however it was felt that moving it to any other location would deprive people of viewing the cars and we would lose exposure to the general public. The Committee were disappointed that for the first time ever, the Mayor, although invited, did not attend, send an apology or even acknowledge our invitation.

Friday night at the Salthill Hotel was very good with 169 people attending. The finger food was excellent there were complimentary drinks and people generally had a great night.

The Run to Lisdoonvarna left Salthill on Saturday morning with 130 cars taking the route via Kilcolgan and Kinvara, Ballyvaughan and the coast road through Fanore. Entrants were encouraged to stop at their leisure and many had lunch in Ballyvaughan. The starter prizes which were large WVVMC umbrellas came in handy as there were a number of heavy showers throughout the day. On arrival in Lisdoonvarna there were some young musicians playing in the square, however it wasn’t possible to hear them unless you were quite close. There were also some comments from entrants that there was a lack of entertainment and things to do for the afternoon in Lisdoonvarna. This had been left to a local committee to organise. Next year, we will take control of the music and entertainments ourselves.

The Burren Castle Hotel received high praise for their part in making the Gala Ball very enjoyable and accommodation very affordable in these tough times.

There was a lack of amplification in the function room to enable speakers to be heard at the back of the room but generally a great night of dancing to the Brose Walsh Band was enjoyed by all.

It is a shame that of the 130 cars entered, only 30% were members. The committee has discussed this and even considered changing the date of the run so it would no longer clash with Mountbellew in particular. It was felt that no matter what weekend we have it there will be a clash with some event, so it will continue to be the same weekend.