Galway Oyster Festival

27 / 09 / 10

Arthur's Day got us in the mood for 3 full days of Oyster Festival madness. The Gospel Choir lifted our hearts and the Guinness our spirits at The Big Night Out on Friday in the Meyrick Hotel. The Guinness and wine flowed and the plumpest, freshest Galway Bay Oysters were consumed with gusto. We danced the night away to Abbaesque and stomped on chairs and waved our serviettes with pride. The energy and excitement was something that you just have to experience for yourself. Despite some sore heads and sore feet from dancing, our Oyster Festival parade glided merrily through the bustling Latin Quarter to Eyre Square on Sat morning after the official opening ceremony on the naval ship the LE Niamh. It was a very colourful and cheerful spectacle and the sun shone brightly to bask the thousands who came out to support the 16 Oyster Openers from every corner of the world- all who waved their national flags and were looking forward to the World finals in the Oyster Festival Centre, Radisson Blu Hotel. Saturday afternoon saw the crowning of a new Guinness World Oyster Opening Champion Johan Malm from Sweden who opened 30 oysters in 2.28 Min after a tightly contested battle with fellow Oyster Openers. Michael Moran finished in 2nd place! A best dressed Lady was chosen- Audrey O’Farrell of Cabbagh Road, Galway who walked away with the coveted diamond pendant necklace sponsored by Paul Fallers Jewellers. Our Oyster Pearl,Leonie Tansey of Supermacs presided over the entire days activities with grace and poise. How we celebrated that evening in the Radisson with champagne & oysters, marvellous music including internationally acclaimed band 'The High Kings' and The Friendship Band with our special guest of honour- Clodagh McKenna who acknowledged that our festival was by far the most 'fun food festival' she has ever been to. We could be biased, but would have to agree with you Clodagh!! Thanks to all our many International patrons who supported us in such great numbers. Thanks to your enthusiasm, the festival endures and goes from strength to strength. A special thanks to our very generous sponsors Diageo and Failte Ireland who have remained loyal to the festival through the years- our voluntary committee of organisers and the people of Galway are truly very grateful.