The annual Seafood Festival opened in Kilmore Quay with a colourful parade.

A parade of the Coast Guard, RNLI, Red Moon Theatre with a giant puppet, the Bloco Garman Drummers, community and sporting organisations created a colourful start to the opening of four days of the 33rd Seafood Festival in Kilmore Quay this evening.
There was a large turnout to see RTE ‘Fair City’ actor, Ruth Hegarty declare the festival open as three flares were sent skywards amidst loud cheers from an enthusiastic gathering of locals and visitors at the marina.
Cllr Jim Moore welcomed everybody to Kilmore Quay and promised a weekend of enjoyment, entertainment and good food for all, while South East Radio presenter Alan Corcoran acted as master of ceremonies.
As the title implies, the emphasis is on quality seafood fresh from the local trawlers with daily dishes at ‘The Loft’ in the Stella Maris Centre where a competition for the Best Seafood Platter is the highlight and the judges are celebrity chef Derry Clarke of ‘Lords and Ladles’ and Eleanor Walsh of Food Stuff.
Tomorrow is Fish Friday which features stalls of local produce and cooking displays in a marquee at the harbour where seven chefs will present cooking demonstrations using fish from local fishermen and suppliers.
There is a full programme of events and numerous musical sessions in the local hotels and hostelaries and with the warm sunshine guaranteed Kilmore Quay appears to be the place to be this weekend.