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More than 20,000 people expected to attend largest ever Foynes Air Show this Saturday

Posted by on July 20, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

 

26/07/2015 Aviation enthusiasts gathered along the shores of the Shannon Estuary in West Limerick for the Foynes Air Show. The 2015 Foynes Air Show was dedicated to the memory of the late Howard Cox, who was killed in a light aircraft crash on Saturday. Mr. Cox had been due to participate in the show. Mudry Cap 231 piloted by Eddie Goggins 'The Flying Dentist' in actin over the Shannon Estuary. Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters.

Mudry Cap 231 piloted by Eddie Goggins ‘The Flying Dentist’ in actin over the Shannon Estuary. Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters.

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– Organisers advise to come early for ease of access and to enjoy the build up to the most magnificent air display along the Wild Atlantic Way supported by the IAA. 

– 16 Acts and 30 Aircraft to take to the skies from 1.30pm, and family entertainment to begin from 12 noon.

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More than 20,000 people are expected in the west Limerick village of Foynes this Saturday, July 22, for the west of Ireland’s largest ever aviation event – the Foynes Air Show supported by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
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In this never before seen spectacle, skilled military pilots from across Europe flying the world’s most high tech, quickest, state of the art planes will share the skies over Foynes with world champion pilots in iconic and historic aircraft.
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And it is not just the skies that are garnering worldwide attention, as international dignitaries, ambassadors and government ministers are also confirmed to be in attendance along side special guest on the day, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
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The Foynes Air Show will begin at 1.30pm, but the message is to come early for ease of access and to enjoy the festivities which begin at 12noon.
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Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Foynes Air Show Festival Director said, “This year’s Foynes Air Show is a massive undertaking for Foynes and indeed Limerick, and has the potential to be the stand out event of 2017 along the Wild Atlantic Way.
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“We have one clear message for all those planning to come along, that is to come early and enjoy all we have to offer. While the first planes will take to the skies at 1.30pm, there will be loads of family street entertainment and a carnival from 12noon,” she added.
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“Travelling into the village for the show couldn’t be easier or more stress free. In conjunction with An Garda Siochana, the traffic plan will provide for a comfortable and convenient park and ride system by Dublin Coach for those coming from the Limerick City and Shanagolden side, as well as a park and stride system for those travelling from the Tarbert and Glin direction.  There is also a limited bus service from here for those who may require it. The N69 through Foynes Village will be closed to vehicles from 11am to 6pm on Saturday to facilitate the show,” explained Ms O’Shaughnessy. (*Note further traffic information below.)
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“One of the nicest things about the Foynes Air Show is that there is of course no bad viewing point from which to watch the display as the action is all overhead, and the only one capable of blocking the view of even the smallest child is a misguided bird,” she added.
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David Fielding, Flying Display Director, Foynes Air Show said,  “The 16 acts and 30 aircraft on display will be made up of shock and awe displays from Europe’s most skilled military pilots, breathtaking aerobatics by Ireland and Europe’s most experienced aviators, as well as fly pass by some of the world’s most historically significant aircraft.
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“This free family show is about entertainment and enjoyment, with a nod to world aviation history and Foynes significant role in it.”
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“This year’s show is so much bigger thanks to the involvement of Irish Aviation Authority.  All of the hard work will be worth it to see World War II aircraft take there place with world class military aircraft such as the Spanish Military’s F-18 hornet, the Swedish Airforce SAAB Viggen and the Norwegian Airforce’s Vampire Jets,” added Ms O’Shaughnessy.
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“The Irish Navy Vessel the LE Niamh will also be docked in the port this Saturday, and there will be an air, sea and cliff rescue display by Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue.
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Among this years displays are a number of Irish air show firsts including the show opener the Spanish Air Force F-18.
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“The Ravens, a six ship RV4/8 Aerobatic formation display team based in the UK will add plenty of drama to the show, while the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ will showcase Viggen jet – the Swedish single-seat, single-engine, short-medium range combat aircraft.
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A British Spitfire, probably the best known fighter plane ever produced, will also be part of the line- up, alongside the Norwegian MIG aircraft and a pair of ‘Vampires’.
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The DC-3, which revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s, will take to the skies over Foynes, and the Catalina Flying Boat will return to Foynes after 80 years.
The Irish Historic Flight Foundation flying Boeing Stearman and Chipmunk aircraft; Eddie Goggins on his Make A Wish CAP 232; Patrouille Tranchant, a Celtic jet team from Brittany, flying four Fouga Magisters are also part of the exciting lineup.
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The show also includes a Strikemaster, SUKHOI SU26, Pitts Special 2S2 and Russian Mig.
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The main supporter of the Foynes Air Show is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as part of its #AviationIreland campaign to promote aviation across the State. The IAA also supports the Bray Air Display which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, 2017.
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Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “Aviation is a hugely important economic driver for our country and this year under the IAA’s “Aviation Ireland” campaign we are supporting not just one but two spectacular air shows over the same weekend at Foynes and at Bray, making this year an extra special one for fans of aviation across Ireland. We see this as a great avenue to raise the profile of aviation and to generate an interest in our industry.

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“Foynes has played a pivotal role in the history and development of aviation in Ireland; a country that always been to the forefront in aviation innovation.”

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“We are delighted to have the IAA supporting us this year as it allows us to put on the largest show ever along the Wild Atlantic Way. We are also grateful to our other sponsors including Shannon Airport, Limerick City & County Council, Shannon Foynes Port Company, Fáilte Ireland and many other aviation companies and local industry,” added Ms O’Shaughnessy.

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About Foynes Air Show 

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The fourth annual Foynes Air Show is taking place this Saturday July 22, 2017.  Show begins at 1.30pm, entertainment begins at 12 noon.

Foynes Air Show is a thrilling and exciting Air Show of international standard, which celebrates the rich aviation history of Foynes and its location on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Foynes and the region have a strong association with international aviation and Foynes is the home of the only Flying Boat Museum in the world housing the only replica of B314 flying boat. Foynes is also the home of Irish Coffee, which will be celebrated at a second event on Sunday July 23, 2017.

Traffic Plan: 

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Those travelling by car to Foynes from the Limerick city and Shanagolden vicinity will be facilitated in dedicated car parks at the Port.  Car parking will cost €10 and includes the parking, bus drop off and collection for all passengers, and a Foynes Air Show Brochure.

A second car parking facility, just walking distance from the show, will be provided at Leahies Cross to facilitate traffic coming from the Tarbert/Glin direction at a charge of €5 per car.

Designated parking for visitors with special needs will be available close to the Main Viewing Area and will be open to receiving vehicles up to 1pm. To gain access to this area the vehicle must have a Disabled Person’s Parking Permit or Card (also known as European Parking Cards or Disabled Parking Badge).

Those travelling in the environs of Foynes who do not wish to attend Foynes Air Show are asked to consider choosing an alternative route to avoid getting caught in event traffic.

A diversion via Shanagolden, Mount David, Five Crosses to Loghill will be in place for traffic going to Kerry from the Limerick Side and a diversion will be in place from Boland’s Meadow via the Five Crosses to Barracks Cross for traffic going to Limerick from the Kerry side.  As event traffic may also be on this route please allow extra time for your journey.

Further traffic details on: http://www.foynesairshow.com

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Foynes Air Show 2017 Final Line Up:

F-18 jet, Spanish Airforce: This will be the first time that the exciting Spanish display team will perform in Ireland, represented by Captains Herrera and Agulló, both based at Zaragoza airbase in Spain.

The Ravens: A UK based formation aerobatic display team formed in May 2014 flying six RV aircraft.

Russian MIG-15: Designed in Moscow this particular aircraft was built in Poland in 1952 as a SBLim-2, and served in the Polish Air Force until 1990.

SUKHOI SU 26: Dave Bruton will take to the skies in this single-seater no-compromise pure aerobatics plane from the former Soviet Union. First flown in 1984,

Norwegian Vampires: The Norwegian air force historical squadron will demonstrate their Vampire aircraft.

Catalina flying boat: The Catalina flying boat G-PBYA, will make a notable return to the skies over Foynes, as it marks the 80th anniversary of when flying boat G-ADHM Caledonia made the historic crossing from Foynes to Botwood in Newfoundland in 1937.

The Viggen: Representing the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ flying ‘Viggen’ aircraft.

CAP 232: Five time Irish aerobatic champion, Eddie Goggins, will display his incredibly versatile skills in this French designed AVIONS MUDRY CAP 232 and its 300 horse power, 9 litre, 6 cylinder engine.

Strikemasters: Two jets.

British Spitfire and Seafire: Vintage glamour will be on show with a spitfire in the skies over West Limerick.

Douglas DC-3: This plane revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its impact on the aviation industry and its role in World War II make it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. This particular aircraft was first delivered to the USAAF in September 1943 before transferred to the RAF in 1944. After the war it served the South African Air force until 1981 when it was stationed at Langebaanweg Navigation School. It was the first DC 3 to be fitted with radar equipment while with the South African Air Force. The plane was sold to Aero Rebuilds in 1995 and then on to Springbok Classic Air in 2002.In 2009 the plane underwent a full restoration to flying condition. This work took place over 10 months with 4 people working on the plane. In 2015 it was bought by its current owner Mr. Peter Adrian of Trier in Germany where it is stationed at his home base of Zwiebrucken EDRZ.

Christen Eagle: Andrew Fenton will display his aerobatic sporting biplane Christen Eagle II which is very similar to the Pitts Special, and was designed by the same person – Frank Christensen.

Irish Historic Flight Foundation: Commemorates aviation achievements as well as encouraging an interest in Irish aviation. Flying IOLAR and three Chipmunk aircraft.

Stearman: The uniquely modified Muscle biplane of ex-RAF Tornado Pilot Rich Goodwin, is set to delight and leave visitors to Foynes Air Show in awe! ‘G-EWIZ’, which has been specially modified to provide the ultimate Biplane for air show entertainment.

Pitts S25: Muscle Biplane

Patrouille Tranchant: A Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga Magisters aircraft Patrouille Tranchant pilot Hugues Duval became the first pilot in aviation history to cross the Channel on an electric powered “CriCri” aircraft on July 9th 2015.

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