The fifth Foynes Air Show brought thousands of spectators to the west Limerick village this Saturday to witness awe-inspiring and daredevil acts by 23 of the worlds most iconic and celebrated aircraft.
One of the largest annual events along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Foynes Air Show is estimated to be worth more than €750,000 to the local economy, and forms part of the IAA’s #AviationIreland weekend, along with the Bray Air Display in Co. Wicklow.
The sun came out just in time for this year’s show as the supersonic attack aircraft the Saab Viggen also know as Thunderbolt opened the air show when it shot across the sky to the delight to the crowd below.
The Irish Air Corp also proved a huge hit with the crowd during its inaugural act at the west Limerick show, with two Casas flying in formation, followed by a spectacular display by the PC9s.
The Irish Historic Flight Foundation’s flying Chipmunk aircrafts entertained old and young among the crowd, while the striking presence of the DC3 brought some of the more mature viewers back to a golden era in aviation.
Richard Goodwin in his Pitts Special, and the Strikemasters from the Strikemaster Flying Club (SFC) in North Wales animated the skies over Foynes, with popular local pilot Gerry Humphrey’s entertaining spectators in his bovine themed aircraft.
Meanwhile back on ground, internationally renowned circus acts entertained the crowds as a carnival atmosphere took over the maritime town.
Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Foynes Air Show Festival Director described the annual air show as a celebration of the strong and proud aviation history of Foynes, Limerick and the Mid West of Ireland.
“The Foynes Air Show is a huge undertaking for Foynes and Limerick, but it has proven to be a massive success year on year. It originated as a day for families to enjoy and celebrate Foynes and its place in the aviation world, but has grown to be so much more, while retaining its original aims.
“The Air Show has helped to cultivate a worldwide understanding of Foynes and it’s history, while showcasing what Limerick has to offer as a tourism destination. It is also of huge benefit to the local economy.”
“More than 200 bed nights were booked directly by organisers in hotels and local B & B’s in Limerick City, Adare, Rathkeale, Glin and Foynes and feedback from local accommodation providers is that they saw a huge peak in business as a result of the Foynes Air Show last year,” said Ms O’Shaughnessy.
“The air show also promoted an interest in aviation history and aviation in general, an industry which is very important to the mid west region. It also promoted Foynes, Limerick, The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland as a worthwhile visitor destination for domestic and overseas visitors.
Foynes Air Show and Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum both have international standing and promote Limerick on an international stage throughout the year.”
Minister of State for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Patrick O’Donovan TD said, “The Foynes Air Show has gone from strength to strength, and is now one of the biggest attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a family occasion that has thrills and spills that wows the audiences young and old on the banks of the River Shannon.”
Commenting on the Foynes Air Show, Peter Kearney, Chief Executive of the IAA said, “Foynes has played a pivotal role in the history and development of aviation in Ireland; a country that has always been to the forefront in aviation innovation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) with its central role in the promotion and development of aviation in Ireland is delighted have supported the Foynes Air Show, enabling the high-quality and spectacular displays that were seen on the day.”
The IAA is a supporter of the Foynes Air Show as part of its #AviationIreland campaign to promote aviation across the state. The show was also supported by Limerick City & County Council, Shannon Airport, Shannon Foynes Port Company, Fáilte Ireland, and many other aviation companies and local industry.
All photos by Sean Curtin/True Media.