Galway Ablaze for Galway Volvo Ocean Race

Let's Do It Galway are inviting the coastal communities of Galway and Clare to join in our welcome celebrations to the crews of the Volvo Ocean Race. Arriving from 22 - 24 May the fleet of Volvo Open 70 yachts will sail into Galway Bay around the Aran Islands and into the Harbour to be greeted at the Dock by awaiting fans and supporters.

As part of these celebrations, it is hoped to set Galway Bay Ablaze with traditional bonfires to greet their passage and mark this historic event. Let’s do It Galway are in consultation with the relevant authorities including Galway County Council and Clare County Council regarding the management of these bonfires. Full guidelines on safety and environmental protection will be provided to each Community Group.

Green Dragon Take Fourth Place in Leg 5

 Green Dragon crossed the finish line off Rio de Janeiro at 18.59.40 GMT today, cheered on by crowds of locals that lined the shore to the marina. Green Dragon now have 39.5 points after securing fourth place on this epic leg.

Ericsson 3’s superb leg win has moved them above Green Dragon overall, but with 64 points still available during the next 5 legs and In Port races there are still plenty of opportunities available.

Green Dragon Merchandise Shop Open for Business

The Green Dragon Merchandise shop is now open for business at -Merchants Hall, 1-5 Merchants Road, Galway.

Open Mon-Fri from 9:30am to 9:00pm daily.

Support this unique event by wearing your official Green Dragon merchandise with pride to welcome our home boat, Green Dragon on her arrival into Galway on 23 May 2009.

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The First of Many Thanks

Let's Do It Galway would like to thank the many Galway based community art and performance groups who offered proposals for our festival program. Their inclusion promises to showcase the best the West has to offer and will add a distinctive Galway flavor to the festival celebrations.

We also offer our thanks to all those who have signed up to Volunteer during the two week stopover. Volunteer Induction evenings are currently ongoing and there are still some opportunities available to become a Volunteer. If you are interested in becoming involved or need information on the induction evenings please email volunteer@letsdoitgalway.com

Thanks to Galway Bay FM who's continued support, sponsoship and promotion of the event is greatly appreciated.

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Global Volunteers Flock To Galway For Volvo Ocean Race

So far over 500 people have signed up to Volunteer in Galway during the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover. Hailing mostly from Ireland there has also been keen interest from those living abroad with applicants as far away as Australia, China, Brazil and Malaysia signing up to Volunteer at the Galway event.

With the co-operation of NUI Galway, our partner in the Volunteer Program, the recruitment of volunteers is well underway. One applicant has already volunteered at the Singapore stopover and is traveling to Galway to volunteer over the two week event period.

Irish Building a Reputation

Ericsson 4 may be leading the race ahead of Irish entry Green Dragon but not without the help of Irish man Killian Bushe.

If Ericsson 4 maintain their position on top of the leaderboard then Bushe will have built the last three winners of this event, further solidifying his position as the boat builder with most winners in the history of this race.

Race Route for Galway Arrival

 Expected on 23-24 May, the Volvo Ocean Race fleet will pass along the southern coast of the Aran Islands before turning north at Inis Oirr and heading into Galway Bay to the race village in the Galway Dock.

With plenty of locations for viewing the arrival of the boats, the Volvo Ocean Race can expect a warm Irish welcome on their arrival in to Galway.

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 Lets Do it Galway

1-5 Merchants Road,

Galway City, Ireland.

Tel: + 353 91 539995

Fax: + 353 91 539484