TV celeb Anneka Rice in Gyles Quay

MAY 1988

TELEVISION personality Anneka Rice causes a stir in Gyles’ Quay when she flies in for the judging of a Zanussi National Washday competition.

Accompanied by Radio 2 presenter Ian Dempsey she arrives an hour early but Gyles’ Quay Development Association, set up one year to the day, takes it all in their stride and provides Anneka and her entourage with a meal.

The buffet and a live radio broadcast takes place in Ferguson’s Lounge.

A huge effort goes into cleaning up and making improvements at the north Louth seaside spot, and it pays off as Gyles Quay makes the last ten of a competition which attracts over 300 entries.

The finalists are judged over a weekend, and the longest stop is at ‘ The Quay’.

‘It is a big achievement for a few people to get together and do it,’ says Siobhán Dunne, secretary of the association.

She is hopeful Gyles’ Quay will be among the prize-winners when the results are announced next month.

Chairman, Rory Hollywood points out that developments in the near future will concentrate mainly on the beach where they hope to build breakwaters and pump back sand.

After emerging from throngs of enthusiastic autograph hunters, Anneka remarks she is glad to see the whole community seems involved in the project.

While there is some disappointment she does not venture down to the pier where the largest crowd gathers, spirits are not dampened.

Carlingford Pipe Band and Dundalk Brass Band provide musical entertainment, as Anneka is whisked away once again by helicopter to continue her engagements.