Displaying items by tag: Shane Smyth
Portugal Takes Top Honours at Eurosurf 2011
Team Portugal were crowned European Surfing Champions at the final day of Eurosurf 2011 in Bundoran yesterday.
It's the first time the Portuguese have held the title since 1997, which is also when the event was last hosted in the Co Donegal seaside town.
Portugal won three of the seven different categories, with two second-place finishes, one third place and one fourth.
Their surfers fought tooth and nail in a week of competition that was dominated by France, who made a bold statement of intent on the opening day by scoring eight out of the best 15 waves - and led the pack until the closing sessions.
Meanwhile Team Ireland did not finish too badly, placing a respectable sixth in the final tally.
Ashleigh Smith made the biggest mark for the Irish, being narrowly beaten into second place in the women's bodyboarding division by Portugal's Catarina Sousa.
“We’ve been delighted with how the week has gone for Eurosurf," said Eurosurf press officer Shane Smyth. "If we were to draw up a blueprint for a surf competition considering waves, weather and organisation we would have nailed it."
More details of results are available on the Eurosurf website HERE.
The BBC News website also has an image gallery of the week's action HERE.
Undertones Top Music Lineup at Eurosurf 2011
Derry punk legends The Undertones will headline a hit music lineup to entertain the crowds at Eurosurf 2011 in Bundoran later this month.
The band best known for 'Teenage Kicks' top a weekend-long bill that includes popular traditional fusion group Kila, who will kick off the Eurosurf party on the Friday in what's often considered the 'surfing capital of Ireland'.
Dubliners Royseven will also play after the gala screening of Soul Surfer on Saturday 24 September.
The full lineup is available at discoverbundoran.com.
Eurosurf press officer Shane Smyth said: "We are thrilled with the calibre of musical acts which have been confirmed to play in Bundoran during Eurosurf.
"The Undertones, Royseven and Kíla are sure to offer visitors and spectators an exciting and complementary plan which will ensure that between surfing and entertainment, a great time and experience will be had by all."
The European Surfing Championships take place in Bundoran from 24 September to 2 October.
'Soul Surfer' Gala Screening at Eurosurf 2011
A new film telling the true story of Hawaiian surfer Bethany Hamilton will have its gala Irish screening following the opening ceremony of Eurosurf 2011 in Bundoran on Saturday 24 September.
Soul Surfer stars AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack yet battled against all odds to become a champion again.
The film features an all-star cast including Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood in her film debut.
The story also has a special connection to Bundoran, as Bethany Hamilton is descended from a well-known family in the area. Bethany even visited the town some years ago to find out more about her heritage.
"We are thrilled to have the gala Irish screening of Soul Surfer as part of the opening festivities for Eurosurf," said press officer Shane Smyth. "Such an inspirational film is bound to inject even more enthusiasm for the competitors taking part in the European Surfing Championships as the contest prepares to kick off.
"Having already seen the film, I can say that viewers are in for a treat – some stunning photography and some awesome surfing.”
The European Surfing Championships take place in Bundoran from 24 September to 2 October.
