Viking Boat Race - Press Room

Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of next year's Viking boat races, five mile challenge run or get involved with the Killyleagh Social Partnership, is asked to contact Mr.  Huddleston, telephone (028) 4482 8114.

If there is anyone who feels they can help by providing the sponsorship, whatever the size - contact Tony Davies - (028) 4482 1461 or email killyboat@focused.ie

 

Vikings are Killyleagh bound

Mourne Observer, Wednesday 4 May, 2005

The Killyleagh Viking Boat Festival has confirmed the attendance of real Vikings from Norway at this year's event!

Hosted by the Magnus Vikings of Downpatrick, a partner in the Killyleagh event, the Bergen boys will arrive on the Thursday before the event and leave on Monday 30 May, contributing to a true Viking Weekend.

Event organiser Tony Davies said: "We are delighted than can attend the boat festival. This association rowed their own boat across from Norway to Scotland last year and through the Caledonian Canal, and are recognised as one of the premier associations in Norway. "

"While they may not be the fastest team in the event, they will probably be the most durable, certainly the most authentic! The Bergen boys attend the major Viking festivals on Europe and we are pleased they have agreed to visit the Killyleagh festival."

Returning this year are the Peel Young Vikings from the Isle of Man. So keen were they to attend the festival, they booked their accommodation at Killyleagh Castle within the hours of the race date being organised.

Disappointed with joint third place last year, they have been planning their team since Christmas.

Trophy

The majority of the Isle of Man team will arrive in Northern Ireland by sea, not the conventional way, but by a chartered rib. As a further gester, the young Vikings have donated a mixed trophy for this year's event.

England and Wales are supplying four or five teams in the competition this year, while the organisers are awaiting confirmation of a team from the Dublin area.

To date 19 teams in total have entered the competition, with local entrants including returnees from last year, Killyleagh Castle, Ringdufferin Golf Club, Ulster Bank and Down Council. New teams include Killyleagh YFC and Killyleagh GAC.

The Killyleagh Social Partnership, who are organising the events hope to have 25-30 teams taking part. Anyone interested in taking part can contact the organisers at killyboat@focused.ie or on (028) 4482 1448

Mr Davies added: "You don't have to be able to row, we supply the boats and coaching. All you have to do is find 10 volunteers who want to have some fun and put something back into the community."

"While the event is not a charity event itself, each set of teams can raise sponsorship and donate it to good causes. The Killyleagh Youth Development Group, who work to provide facilities and developmental experiences for the youth of Killyleagh, are one of the causes recommended by the Killyleagh Social Partnership."