Salthill 2008 Cancelled

[Dublin Spotter]

Taken from rte.ie/news

The organisers of Galway's international airshow have announced that it is being cancelled next year because of funding difficulties.

The show has been running for the past 15 years and is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, attracting up to 100,000 visitors annually.

The committee of the Salthill Air Show said that it costs up to €80,000 per year to run the event.

[papa 242]

As someone who took part in the first one,and many in between, its a huge blow to hear that!
 What a shame!
With all the aviation companies in this country,would it be  expecting too much for a bit of monetary support, sponsership,for the biggest aviation event in the country!'>
The amount of work and worry Brian and Carolyn and others have put in over the years is phenomenal, it must be recognised in some way.
It would be criminal to see it lost for ,what, in corporate terms, is a pittance!!

[Shamrock145]

Wild speculation, but it could have something to do with an increased insurance premium for the organisers following this years Merlin door incident.

...145

[Joe McDermott]

They were already finding it very difficult to get sponsors before the Merlin incident. Many businesses didnt want to know.  

Joe

[Vulcan]

Absolutly gutted to think that we've seen the last of one of the biggest free air shows in Europe.  It's an absolute sin that it has to finish and the likes of which will not be seen again.  Thanks to Brian and the gang for all their work over the last 15 years.  '>

[joey1]

That’s a darn shame!!!
I always looked forward to the trip from Dublin to Galway, A great buzz about Salthill on Airshow day
I get the feeling that there isn't a market for large air displays in the Irish Republic Due to high running costs /& as mentioned lack of sponsorship, It also hit Galway’s tourist trade in a big way!
I wonder if Bray Airshow will suffer the same faith.

I feel that the IAC should step in and organize an AIR SPECTACULAR 2008 OR 2009 at Baldonnel or Shannon .
The entrance fee alone could help cover some of the cost and the sponsors could set up stalls on site to promote their wares,
This is just an opinion of mine that because maybe Salthill doesn't have the space for potential sponsors to set up stalls and contribute to the running costs of a major airdisplay  Farnbourgh and RIAT heavily rely on corporate sponsorship  trust funds & and ticket prices so why can’t we do the same?
I'm afraid an end of an era has come for Irish aviation fans all over the country....

A tribute to all the organisers who tried againt all the odds each year to organise one of the best free airshows in Europe.....

[FiannaFail]

Any news of plans for 2009? I blame the green hugers myself for the decision this year. 

FiannaFail