Surfing Pro's Take to West Clare Waves

Irish and international surfers will hit the water off the coast of Co Clare this week for a professional surfing tournament.

The Sunday Business Post reports that the Cold Water Clash will take place in three beach locations around Spanish Point, with 16 competitors – including pro-circuit champion surfers – taking part in the individual competition. The tournament will also include a ‘tag team’ competition with four teams of four surfers, one of whom must be female.

The event will be run between tomorrow and Friday, to allow for the best wave and weather conditions. It is being endorsed by the Irish Surfing Association and run in conjunction with the West Coast Surfing Club and Tri-Line Sports Solutions. Sony Ericsson is sponsoring the event. The Cois Fharraige music festival will take place next weekend in Kilkee, Co Clare, providing additional entertainment. It will feature bands including The Zutons, Supergrass, Travis, The Coral and Ocean Colour Scene.

Surfing Pro's Take to West Clare Waves

Irish and international surfers will hit the water off the coast of Co Clare this week for a professional surfing tournament.

The Sunday Business Post reports that the Cold Water Clash will take place in three beach locations around Spanish Point, with 16 competitors – including pro-circuit champion surfers – taking part in the individual competition. The tournament will also include a ‘tag team’ competition with four teams of four surfers, one of whom must be female.

The event will be run between tomorrow and Friday, to allow for the best wave and weather conditions. It is being endorsed by the Irish Surfing Association and run in conjunction with the West Coast Surfing Club and Tri-Line Sports Solutions. Sony Ericsson is sponsoring the event. The Cois Fharraige music festival will take place next weekend in Kilkee, Co Clare, providing additional entertainment. It will feature bands including The Zutons, Supergrass, Travis, The Coral and Ocean Colour Scene.

Shannon routes 'safe' says Ryanair

Ryanair today said it has no plans to withdraw any of its flights from Shannon airport following yesterday's announcement that it is to close two of its seven routes at Cork, the Irish Times reports.

As the row over increased charges at Cork airport continued, the airline's deputy CEO Michael Cawley said this morning that speculation over Shannon was unfounded.

"I have no idea where the origin of that speculation arose from," said Mr Cawley on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme. "We have a long-term arrangement with Shannon and they have had a massive increase in passenger numbers with Ryanair now accounting for almost two-thirds of passengers and we have been a massive lifeline to Shannon and the Mid-West region.