This article is from page 27 of the 2007-09-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
THE organisers of Kilkee’s Cois Fharraige festival are preparing to run the doomed surfing competition within the next few weeks.
The summer weather conditions did not favour the short board com- petition, which was planned as part of the weekend.
Hailed in its conception as Ire- land’s first surf and music festival the three-day event was to include surf- ing competitions at the picturesque Doughmore beach.
Now organisers Sony Ericsson are hoping to hold the surfing element in Spanish Point when the surf condi- tions are more favourable.
Meanwhile Sony Ericsson has de- clared a “major success”.
Up to 5,000 music fans soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed a three-day music extravaganza with a differ- ence.
“The festival’s stellar line up, which included performances from Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Ocean Col- our Scene, Paddy Casey, Badly Drawn Boy, Roisin Murphy, Newton
Faulkner, The Enemy, Republic of Loose, The Blizzards and Majella Murphy to name but a few, ensured a phenomenal demand for tickets and a sell-out in its first year,” a spokes- person said.
“Cois Fharraige is not just a music festival, it’s a cultural music festival – an amalgamation of sea culture and music.
“There was a family friendly at- mosphere all weekend as music fans enjoyed sunbathing and swimming on Kilkee beach, craic agus ceol in local pubs and a carnival atmosphere
on the streets of Kilkee not to men- tion great bands in the Cois Fhar- raige Kayham tent.”
Colin Williamson from Sony Eric- sson said, “Cois Fharraige has ex- ceeded our expectations.
‘The music weekend has been a great success, the carnival atmos- phere was brilliant and the crowd were very chilled out and well be- haved.
“We are thrilled with the feedback we have had from the PJ Linnane, Mayor of Kilkee, local businesses and festival goers.”