Sand sculptors braved the rain for annual Bettystown competition

The heavy rain showers did not dampen spirits at the National Sandcastle competition that brought thousands to Bettystown Beach last Sunday.

After the promised rain forecast on Sunday every dry hour was a bonus and for those doing the sculptures minutes were vital. When the deluge did arrive it did not dampen the high spirit of the day.

The beach came alive with all manner of creations including minions, skeletons, turtles, dolphins, lizards and even the pyramids.A record number of both contestants and spectators were at this year's annual sand festival that is now 19 years old and still going from strength to strength.

A spokesperson for the competition said:"This event was a testament to the late Dick O'Reilly's vision to showcase our beaches and encourage young and old to enjoy our beautiful amenity. When one of the winners of the bigger prizes was asked how did it feel to win, she replied "It's not about winning it's about making memories for our children," and what memories we will have after such a wonderful day on the beach of Laytown-Bettystown.

"Thousands of men women and children flocked to the beaches to enjoy the summer sunshine and build sand castles.

"A big thank you to the organisers Susan Wogan, Rory McInerney, Martina Maguire, And Garret O Brien. Local Councillor Tom Beehan who presented the Prizes Also to the Local Sponsors without who’s generous contributions the the Festival could not take place. Liz and Roger Pickett, The Cottages Ireland, Jimmy Gilna, The Cottage Inn Laytown. Paul Lappin, Workspace Drogheda ,and Aldi Laytown."

The organisers want to say thank you to Meath County Council and The Beach Wardens for their assistance with the event with a special note of thanks to Rory Mc Inerney a grandson of the founding member Dick O Reilly who comes up from Co Clare each year since he was 8 years old.

"Thank you to all the judges who gave up their Sunday Afternoon to assist and judge the various categories. Not an easy task.

National Sandcastle Competition Winners 2022 Under 8’s 1st place: Zander Rice –Wicklow - Star Fish 2nd place: Vaesta- Laytown - Dinosaur 3rd place: Eabhn Curran – Bettystown - SunglassesUnder 13’s 1st place: Lilly.Cara & Julie.- Laytown – The World In Our Hands 2nd place: Gvomous,- Duleek –The Lizzard 3rd place: Sofia Callan, Ukraine – Panda in the Sea Family Category 1st place: The Lambs – Bettystown- Dolphin 2nd place: The Crehan’s - Donneycarney- Pyramids 3rd place: Ryan & Tara Toner – Laytown –Sea Shell Castle Junior Sculpture 1st place: Cuan Martin Mac Quale – Dundalk – Cockatiel & Fox 2nd place: Holly Mairen –Mornington - Turtle 3rd place: Cillian & Osin Boyle – Kildare -Dolpin Senior Sculpture 1st place: Heather & Ruby – Wales & Donegal – Minion Islandr 2nd place: Evia Ofmane – Drogheda – Sea Snail 3rd place Phil & Paudi Daily – Laytown – Treasure Skeleton