| Irish surfers prepare for the Rossnowlagh Intercounties Championships |
| Monday, 13 October 2008 13:56 |
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Irish surfers are set to celebrate next weekend (18/19 October) at the fortieth Rossnowlagh Intercounties Surfing Championships. Often described as the All- Ireland of surfing, the Rossnowlagh Intercounties is very much a social as well as a competitive event attracting surfers of all ages from the four corners of Ireland. When the event was first run in 1968, Down beat Wicklow in the final. With little or no waves between them it is no surprise that neither county has featured in the final since. Over the years three counties have dominated the event, Antrim during the seventies, Donegal in the eighties and Waterford in recent decades. Other past winners include Fermanagh, Derry and Leitrim. Amazingly Sligo, a county that has produced many top competitive surfers over the years has only taken the title once with other strong surfing counties such as Clare, Kerry, Cork and Mayo never taking the title. Mayo has come close in recent years making the final on a number of occasions. Many of the thirty-two counties will be represented at the weekend even counties such as landlocked Offaly and Laois. Defending Champions, Waterford will be out in force to secure another title to bring the Vinny Britton Cup back to the Deise for the third consecutive year. Only time will tell if there is another county out there that can halt their challenge. Entries will be taken at 9am on Saturday18th October at Rossnowlagh Surf Club. The first round of the event will be run on Saturday with the quarters, semis and final taking place on Sunday followed by the presentation of trophies designed by local artist, Gavin Mc Crea. Entries €10 per person (teams of four). ISA membership card required.Event entertainment will kick off at 8pm on Saturday in the Sandhouse Hotel with a showing of the new surf film, Revolution staring Westport surfer, Fergal Smith. The film will be followed by the Ballyshannon band, Dangerous Addiction, comprised of Mark Langan lead guitar and vocals, Sean Reynolds drums and Seamus Langan bass and vocals at the Surfer’s bar.
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