GALWAY CITY wakes up to a hangover today after seven days of success and excess at Ballybrit racecourse's summer festival.
An estimated 200,000 people attended the festival and up to €30 million was placed on bets at the track. Official figures have yet to be confirmed, but is understood the attendance was slightly down on that in 2007. Over €2 million in prizemoney was paid out, but bookmakers - both on and off the track - may have netted up to €100 million from the event.
In spite of wind and some showers, participants vied for the final fashion award , Sunday being madhatters' day. It was something of a milliners' nightmare. Thomas Murray (8), from Galway, sported a wind turbine on his head, while his sister Eva (5) was dressed as a pink princess.
Eithne Staunton from Claremorris, opted for a melange of Olympic rings and Beijing bicycles, while Nina Moore from Britain, now living in Galway, wore a cerise creation compete with hot air balloon, butterflies, birds and aircraft.About 750 people attended a Mass at the track with Fr Sean Breen, parish priest of Ballymore Eustace, Co Wicklow, and a member of the Heavenly Racing Syndicate. Festival organisers still have to collate final figures, but hotels and licensed premises reported that the week was as good as ever.
