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A truly LegenDerry day in
Greencastle
30.06.14
RECORD-breaking crowds
descended on Greencastle yesterday for the finale of
the LegenDerry Maritime Festival including the
spectacular Clippers send-off and breathtaking Red
Arrows airshow.
The Mayor of Derry, Cllr Brenda Stevenson, was among
the tens of thousands who gathered at Greencastle
and along the Foyle for yesterday's finale after a
nine-day nautical celebration in the city.
“It was such an emotional day yesterday seeing off
the Clipper Race crews who have really made the city
their home for the past week,” she said.
“The LegenDerry Maritime Festival has been the
highlight of the year for Derry and I am so proud
today that once again we have shone on the
international stage and delivered another world
class event.
“I would like to wish all the teams, especially our
own Derry-Londonderry-Doire, the very best of luck
in the final stages of the race and a safe journey
to Den Helder.” |
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The Red Arrows put on a thrilling
airshow above Greencastle prior to the the start of
the Clipper Race from Derry to Den Helder in the
Netherlands. Photo Clipper Ventures Plc. To view
more photos click here
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Derry City Council
chief executive, Sharon O’Connor, said the event had
been hugely successful in terms of promoting the
North West region.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for
delivering such an outstanding experience," she
said.
The day, which was drenched in beautiful sunshine
after a somewhat cloudier start, also saw
unprecended tailbacks of traffic snaking the entire
20 miles from Derry along the Foyle to Greencastle.
Many people were forced to turn back after realising
they wouldn't make it to the village in time for the
spectacular send-off. When the festivities came to
an end, it took several hours for Greencastle and
Moville to be vacated, such was the enormity of the
gathering.
Magilligan Point and Benone beach also saw
unprecedented crowds on the day.
Meanwhile, the 12 impressive Clipper Race yachts
received a roaring send-off from the crowds and from
the Red Arrows jet engines as they left on their
15th race in the global round-the-world challenge.
The skill of the Red Arrows pilots brought many
smiles when they created a big love heart in the sky
complete with shooting arrow, especially for the
Clippers and the cheering masses.
To view more images click
here . |
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