Ballymacarbry Cycling Event Launched By Sean Kelly!

And talking of launches, (see below, sorry lads terrible link) I last night attended the Ballymacarbry Community Centre where Sean Kelly, no less, made an appearance to support the Ballymac Cycle in aid of supporting the Irish Team at the 2011 Athens Special Olympics and the volunteers that are so crucial to making it all run smoothly. Local man Martin Moore is hoping to be amongst that number so cyclists from all over the region are urged to show their support for this worthy cause.

Sean agreed to endorse the ride as part of his ever successful Sean Kelly Series of events and being a cyclist of the highest stature, who has ridden so many times through this area it means a great deal to the event organisers. Well done that man!

The date is Sunday 29 May 2011 starting at 10:00 a.m and details of the route can be found here Ballymacarbry Cycle 96.52km, and if chosen the ever demanding Seskin Hill can be added for those that relish a test. The event would be a great way to kick off your Summer in the saddle!

Registration will be in the form of a 25 euro donation and can be paid here at the Special Olympics fundraising page, (anyone not entering can volunteer a donation from as little as 1 euro!) and of course for all you Social Networkers out there you can find out more on their FACEBOOK page.

Now spread the word and start spinning them wheels.

Helmets, for your safety, will be compulsory for this ride.

(Thanks to the catering team, much appreciated!)

NASA Not NAMA Raw Video: Shuttle Discovery's Final Launch

Any reports that Gadafi, Moubarak and Fianna Fail members were seen fighting for the last of the astronaut outfits at the launch sight were wildly exaggerated!

Great Nasa video though, from Associated Press.

Irish Election Posters

"All your stupid ideals
Got your head in the clouds
You should see how it feels 
With your feet on the ground."
Useless by Depeche Mode.


I was walking last week when the discussion turned to the posters absolutely plastered all over Dungarvan (and the whole country no doubt), and was asked "What purpose do they serve?, it's not like it will affect my vote!" 


I had to agree, but said I was sure that they must work on some subliminal level that only becomes apparent when we enter the polling booth. The Fine Gael posters for example feature candidates in front of a brutally computer enhanced "holiday brochure" sky that in this rather inclement period of Ireland's history reminds me of watching The Holiday Programme with Judith Chalmers, you'd feel great for half an hour as if you were there on the beach, but when the reality set in the blues returned and that unaffordable vacation returned to your dreams. I can only hope that the FG candidates are not as false as the "little fluffy clouds" behind them and that really they are informing us that they are in fact some ethereal race of angels or an army of valkyrie (valkyrjur) descending from the skies to save our ailing nation.


I am sure that their marketing company is hoping for just that effect, as they count the cash, if any of you are reading let me know what the pitch was. 


And as for the Fine Fail Posters..............

Irish Windsurfing - GPS Records Fall in Dungarvan!

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Video of Irish Speedsailing Champion Oisín van Gelderen breaking all Irish records while sailing in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Feb 2011.


Speeds achieved:
Irish GPS Speed Record for 10 sec run: 45.02 knots


500m: 43.96 knots
5 x 10 second average: 44.26knots
Peak Speed: 46.34knots

These are the fastest speeds every achieved by any Irish sailor on Irish waters, though Oisín's highest ever peak speed is 47.17knots on a speed course in the UK.


The Diary congratulates Oisin on his achievements and a great video too. Dungarvan is becoming world known for the speed strip and hopefully with record breaking speeds like this the sport will only continue to grow locally. Another sport I have never tried but did witness an event a couple of years ago when after we had great winds for weeks, the weather decided to change dramatically and not even a breeze was available to competitors.


Hopefully we can post up more details of any upcoming events this year and make more people aware of another positive for Dungarvan.


Want to know more?  Read Oisin's Blog Here