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

 

Killyleagh poised for Viking raid

Newtownards Chronicle, Thursday 5th May 2005

Electors in Killyleagh appear to have an extra candidate competing for their vote at the polls today (Thursday).

'Vote for Magnus' signs have appeared around the town over the past few weeks, and sources close to the mystery candidate have revealed their man is campaigning on a platform of brutal taxation, rape and pillage.

Magnus is in fact not standing for election, but is planning to lead a party of marauding invaders to the Strangford Lough shore at the end of May for Killyleagh's annual Viking Boat Festival.

Berserkers from Norway and the Isle of Man will team up with raiders from Sheffield, Cardiff and Litchfield to swamp the province, re-enact battles, make torch lit processions and consume vast quantities of lethal Viking ales like Legbiter and Barelegs Brew.

Festival organiser Bob Little said: "Our campaign has been so successful we might even consider running a real Magnus candidate next time round. Who knows, he may even get elected. After all, Hartlepool elected a monkey as mayor. We think he would certainly liven up Down Council meetings."

Magnus and his cohorts will fight battles at Delamont Country Park on Saturday May 28, before moving to Killyleagh Showgrounds to host a Viking banquet.

The centrepiece of the festival is the Viking Boat Race on Sunday, May 29, when hundreds of people are expected to turn out to join the boat teams as they parade through Killyleagh town centre.

"This festival is rapidly becoming the premier Viking event in Ireland," said organiser Tony Davies. "Last year it attracted 3,000 visitors into Killyleagh and it was a real boost to the economy and Northern Ireland tourism."

"In 2005, we are introducing the first ever Viking Duck Race, racing rubber ducks in the harbour."

Mr Davies said more that 20 teams had already signed up to take part in this year's events.

"We are delighted to have the Hogan Hogan Association from the Bergen in Norway attend the festival. This association rowed their boat across from Norway to Scotland last year and then through the Caledonian Canal. While they may not be the fastest team, they will probably be the most durable."

Local teams include Killyleagh Castle, Ringdufferin Golf Club, Ulster Bank, Down Council and Killyleagh Young Farmers.

New teams are still welcome. "You don't have to be able to row, we supply the boats and the coaching," said Mr Davies. "All you have to do is find 10 volunteers who want to put something back into the community."

Anyone wanting further information can contact the organisers at killyboat@focused.ie or phone (028) 4482 1448