Duck race makes big splash

THREE hundred ducks took to the water on Sunday as part of the Newcastle Duck Derby to raise funds for the local community centre.

Ben and Bridget Doyle of The Castle Inn hosted the race which saw hundreds of spectators gathering along the river to watch proceedings. Around 80 tickets were sold for the exciting race, which lasted just under 20 minutes.

The leading pack heading to the finishing line ended flipping over to reveal their ticket numbers which only added to the excitement among the gathered masses.

The first duck past the finishing point saw Hillary Bunn and Anne Callaghan receive €150. There was a cash-prize of €100 for second placed Ben Doyle, Patrick O’Gara and Tommy Dunne. Third placed Evelyn Noonan and Alan Flood were awarded €25, as were fourth placed Mervyn Garrett and Tony Finnerty.

Back at The Castle Inn there were also performances from DJ Ger, This Way up and Aran McMahon. There were kids games, face painting and a bumper raffle too.

All the monies raised will go toward Newcastle Community Centre.

The ducks head off down the river as the race begins.

Liz Cleary, Nicola Byrne, Stuart Byrne, Paul Cleary and Jacob and Noah Byrne.

Anne Kelly, Rita Colfer, Berna McEntaggart, Alice Cummins and TJ Doyle.

Kate Rountree, Pauline O’Sullivan, Jean Harris, Fred Rountree, Brian Massey and Brian Harris.

Robert, Laura and Cathal Jennings.

Jennifer and Simon Howard with Declan Webb and Ian and Shane Creagh.