News

Gannonball Run Comes to a Fantastic Finish!!

Up to 7000 people made their way to Dungannon's Market Square on Bank Holiday Monday to witness all the fun of the Gannonball Run in the sun!!

With soapboxes of all shapes and sizes, a motor exhibition and street entertainment, the gathered crowds were not disappointed with plenty of action and hair raising holiday fun. A large screen was positioned in Market Square together with live commentary with the thousands of spectators able to catch all the fast-paced action as 45 soapboxes scuttled down a specially made race track.

Deputy Mayor of Dungannon, Councillor Pat Daly enjoyed the event and said: "It was good to see the centre of Dungannon bustling with activity and everyone having fun. I would like to compliment the organising team on all their hard work in bringing such a unique and exciting event to Dungannon. I hope all those who came along on the day enjoyed it and I look forward to next year's Gannonball Run for more soapboxes and surprises!"

The winners of the Gannonball Run were as follows:

- Fastest Overall Entry: Dungannon Motor Club 105.6 sec (over 3 time trials)
- Fastest Community Voluntary Group/Agency: Kings of the Hill (131.9 sec)
- Junior Section: Loughans Community Juniors (118 sec)
- Best Crash and Burn: Team BreakThru
- Most Imaginative Entry: Team Dalek / Dungannon Enterprise Centre
- Best Dressed Team: CRAIC Theatre

Councillor Walter Cuddy, Chair of the Gannonball Organising Committee was once again delighted with the success of the event. He said:

"The soapbox designers excelled once again with their imaginative creations, which were enjoyed by fellow competitors and spectators alike. We had entries from individuals, businesses, community organisations and groups of friends who let their creativity flow with colour, charisma and chaotic designs! The Gannonball Run is getting bigger and better each year and Monday's event was no exception. Credit goes to everyone involved, including the competitors, spectators and sponsors."

The Gannonball Run was organised by Dungannon Regeneration Partnership and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council in association with Dungannon Enterprise Centre, First Wave Design, Dungannon Motor Club STEP, South West College and Dungannon and District Motorcycling Club.

Haiti Appeal
Locals Bernie Campbell and Kathleen Hurson raised £410.82 at the event which will go towards their humanitarian trip to Haiti in October. Bernie and Kathleen would like to thank all those who supported the Appeal and purchased tickets on the day and of course the businesses that donated prizes.

Photography Competition
Calling all budding photographers! The Gannonball Run Organising Committee would like to invite all photographers to send their photos from the event via email to photocompetition@gannoballrun.com by Tuesday 14th September.

The competition will be divided into three sections; Best Action, Best Crowd and Best Team. The winning photographs will be decided by an independent panel of Judges and will be used in press adverts and promotional material to promote next year's event.