Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival, Killyleagh 12 to 14 May 2006

“Dick the Viking Duck to Receive Flu Jab in time for Killyleagh Viking Festival”

As you will be aware, a dead swan has recently been found in Fife, Scotland, and has been confirmed as having the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. Accordingly, the alert level has been raised requesting the need for increased vigilance to any mortality event in ducks, geese, and swans and to report any finding back through the appropriate DARD channels.

In the meantime, concerns had been growing among members of the Killyleagh Social Partnership (KSP), as to the health and well-being of Dick the Viking Duck, their faithful mascot! “I noticed that he was looking a little under the weather last week “, Brigeen Henderson, of the KSP remarked. “So we immediately called in staff from the Department of Agriculture to investigate Dick’s condition. After a long gruelling 2-days of tests, we received the good news that we were hoping for; he had not contracted the deadly avian flu virus, but in fact simply had a cold”.  

However, following this scare, it was decided that it would be best if Dick the Duck, a larger than life character, was to receive a vaccination against the flu (at present, there is no specific immunisation programme for bird flu). Bob Little, Dick’s Manager, adds; “With the forthcoming Killyleagh Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival, where Dick the Duck is due to make a number of special guest appearances, we needed to ensure that his life was not in danger from this avian epidemic that is currently sweeping the globe. Ever since he caught fowl pest at a hen party Dick has been very health conscious.”

Tony Davies, Chairman of the KSP, stated; “Starting on Friday 12th through to Sunday 14th of May, the Magnus Vikings Association and the Killyleagh Social Partnership are running this year's Viking Festival event together and plan to build on the success of previous years. Dick the Duck, will be once again be joining us with the festivities in Killyleagh on the Sunday, by leading a parade through the town and helping us to launch the popular longboat races. It is rumoured that Maisie the Mallard may also be flying in to join us, subject to health checks. Following on the successes of last year, the 3-day festival will be brought to a close with Dick’s very own duck race. 600 plastic ducks will be launched in the River Dibney so as to arrive at the harbour for the final prize giving ceremony. With many other activities going on throughout the day to keep the kids amused, along with a craft fair featuring up to 20 stalls, it promises to be a fun day out for all!”

Up to 30 teams are expected to enter the boat races this year in Killyleagh, but there are still some places available. If you are interested in taking part contact the organisers at killyboat@focused.ie or on 028 44 821 461. You don't have to be able to row; the boats and the coaching are all supplied. All you have to do is find 10 volunteers who want to have some fun and put something back into the community.  

Other events are being planned for Killyleagh on the evenings of the festival, including a Viking Banquet and Torch lit procession on Saturday May 13th. For further details on the 3 days of numerous action packed activities, check out www.killyleagh.org/magnus.