100 Years Of Irish Aviation Celebrated In Shannon

Arts and Entertainment - Events

Monday, 30 August 2010 09:54

Written by Pat Flynn

100 yearsof Irish aviation was celebrated in Shannon over the weekend with spectacular flying and parachuting displays the highlights of the event.

The event, organised by Atlanitic Airventure, featured photo exhibitions, aerobatic displays and dozens of demonstrations showcasing the history of Irish aviation in particular aviation at Shannon Airport.

The two-day event, held at Atlantic Airventure's centre in Shannon town, included a parachute jump by members of Skydive Ireland who landed in a nearby field while the several hundred strong crowed was also entertained by two aerobatic displays including one by Eddie Goggins in his Extra 300 aircraft.

Project Development Director Jane Magill said: "It was a marvelous event and next years will be bigger and better. This year was very special though as we celebrate a century of Irish aviation. We were delighted to be allowed borrow the Shannon Airport Authority's aviation photo library which is a brilliant collection."

Crews from Shannon Airport's Fire and Rescue Service displayed some of the airports emergency vehicles while the Shannon based Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter also thrilled the crowds. Local model flying clubs also held displays while engineers from aircraft maintenance company Air Atlanta undertook live aircraft repair demonstrations.

The event also featured RAF air cadets from Co Down who displayed a Hawker Hunter aircraft cockpit and ejection seat while members of the Irish Defence Forces demonstrated an anti-aircraft system in another popular static display.

Jane Magill added: "We also had a very special visitor in Pierce Cahill who brought his own photo collection. Pierce is in his 90's now and it was his father Hugh who founded Ireland's first airline, Iona International Airways in 1931. Having Pierce here was a very special treat."