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

Candidate Magnus wants your 'axe'

News Letter, Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Voters in Down District very nearly had the chance of electing a Viking onto their council this year, it has been revealed.

“Vote for Magnus Barelegs” signs have been sprouting up throughout the area in recent days. The signs are the brain-child of the Killyleagh Viking Boat Festival, which runs from May 27 -29.  Thirty full-costume teams have registered for the races so far, some from as far away as Norway.

One of the organisers, Bob Little, says they were looking for a way to make sure their posters got noticed in among the mass of election candidates' faces.

"We did actually think of putting up a Magnus Barelegs candidate in the local elections as no deposit is required," he said.

"However, we came up with the idea just too late to register, so we will have to put it on hold until next time.

"He would most likely have cross-community manifesto which would involve ensuring good quality beer is supplied across the community. After all, if Hartlepool elected a monkey as mayor then anything is possible."

He says many people have been glad of the humour in the election signs, and as a director of the Strangford Lough Brewing Company the publicity is welcome. He exports locally brewed Magnus Barelegs beer around the world, and another named after the Viking's Sword, Legbiter.

Mr Little said: "If Magnus is ever elected to Down District Council I am sure he would add some colour to meetings. I hope he would make a better councillor than a Viking though - he was killed while trying to invade the area."