Offalians enjoy several stunning flights during Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships

Despite a challenging week of weather the 51st Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships had several spectacular flights over Tullamore including two flights from the Town Park last weekend and one from Ballard Hill on Tuesday evening.

Championships Director Frank Meldon commented on the positive feedback from the visiting balloon crews who, between flights, sampled the many activities and attractions in the area including hiking and fishing in the Slieve Blooms, bowling, Tullamore Dew tour and visied some of the many restaurants and bars in the area.

The week concluded with the 'Survivors' Awards Dinner at the Bridge House Hotel where UK based Nigel Carr won best pilot, best team went to Northern Ireland based team lead by Tom Gourley with a Lifetime Achievement Award going to Brian Smith.

The organisers would like to thank event Sponsors; Offaly County Council, Tullamore Credit Union, The Charleville Castle Heritage Trust, Westland, Calor and all their supporters that contributed in many different ways including Butterfield Estate, DOTSER, Charleville Estate and Ger Rogers Photography.