.Taking a leap during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE weather played ball on Saturday as many fit participants took the Spin Southwest ‘Sandstorm’ challenge.
It was pretty windy and the sun didn’t appear that much, but the participants had great fun at the Fanta-sponsored event on Ballyheigue beach.
The 5k course was full of challenging obstacles including a tyre mound, the net crawl, high bars, the wall and water jump.
The Spin Southwest team created a fantastic atmosphere on the beach with a large crowd of onlookers and no doubt the businesses in Ballyheigue saw a spin-off. We were there to take some photos…
Caroline Fahy, Stephen Fahy and Karen O’Leary at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.George Loughlin and Lee O’Byrne at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanCiara Hurley, Colin McCarthy, Holly O’Byrne, Samantha Murphy, Cilla Beer and Katie O’Keeffe at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanMichael Crean, Dermot Hickey, James Cullinane and Danny Brosnan at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Participants at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Participants at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants at the start of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanThady Baily during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Braving the water during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants in ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Braving the water during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTaking a leap during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Tackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTaking a leap during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanBraving the water during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanHitting the bars during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanA participant at the finish line of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanA participant at the finish line of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTackling the tyres during ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanA participant at the finish line of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants at the finish line of ‘Sandstorm’ on Ballyheigue beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S proved massively popular over the past few years and now it returns to Ballyheigue beach this Saturday.
Spin Southwest’s ‘Sandstorm’, sponsored by Fanta, will see hundreds of people take on the 5k race starting from 12 noon. The run is full of challenging obstacles including a tyre mound, the net crawl and the wall.
Personal trainers will get participants warmed up before testing the limits of endurance in the summer heat on one of Kerry’s best beaches.
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This year there’ll also be a new outdoor games area to ensure loads of extra fun for participants on what’s guaranteed to be a boost for Ballyheigue businesses.
Conor Woods from SPIN Hits Weekend will be on the decks generating a great atmosphere and refreshments from Fanta will also be provided. To register for the event click here
.Marian Godley, Jerry Crean and Jackie O’Carroll at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
GLORIOUS weather, a beautiful beach and a pumped up crowd — all the ingredients then for a fantastic ‘Sandstorm’ in Ballyheigue.
The Spin Southwest event had 800 people registered for 5k of endurance and fun on the beach and it was an enormous success with people from all over Munster and beyond taking part.
The first wave of participants took off at 11am and the weather was kind as they made their way through the course and refuelled with a refreshing Fanta at the finish line.
Well known Ballyheigue native and renowned New York based fashion designer, Don O’Neill, also called down with his husband Pascal Guillermie for a look at the fun.
This is the third time Ballyheigue has hosted the event, which provides a boost to the local area during the summer season. Scroll down for photos from the event…
Deirdre Mahony with Pascal Guillermie and Don O’Neill at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ellen Reidy, Lucy Baker, Anthea Reidy and Jennifer O’Connor at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanTimmy Flaherty, Pa Baily, Oliver Coffey and Donna Flaherty at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sanita Riherte with Maris and Elina Freibergs at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanRachel Donnellan, Aisling Kearney and Megan Dunne at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sherena and Niamh McGrath at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanDiane Baker, Mia and Rory Molloy at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Caroline and Stephen Fahy at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanDeborah Barry, Suzanne Barron and Molly O’Regan at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Aldo Gaxha, Joe Everett, Kieran Foley, Rebekah Lynch and Darren Gogarty at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanRuth O’Connor with Maggie May and Lucy Egan at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Chris and Marta Wojcik at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanVincent Reidy, Vincent Dennehy, Jennifer O’Carroll, Jade O’Carroll with, in front, Hanna Reidy and Niall O’Carroll at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Michelle O’Connor and Sarah Meek at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanMartin and Samantha Wadding at the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Participants at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanA participant at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean.A participant at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanA participant at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanA participant at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants at the finish of the Spin Southwest Sandstorm on Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
.People taking part in Sandstorm at Ballyheigue Beach back in 2015. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Sandstorm endurance race is back in Ballyheigue this weekend and hundreds are expected to take to the beach.
The race, which takes place on Saturday morning, challenges participants both physically and mentally with a course consisting of multiple obstacles and challenges along the beach.
It’s the third year it has taken place in Ballyheigue and organisers, Spin Southwest, said it has been a huge success.
There’s still tickets available. Registration costs €20. For full details on how to register, click here. Entrants must be over 18.
.Participants make it home at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach last year. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Spin South West Sandstorm is coming back this autumn.
The event will take place in Ballyheigue Beach again for the second year on Saturday, October 1.
Sandstorm is a 5k endurance race that challenges participants both physically and mentally with a course consisting of multiple obstacles and challenges along the beach.
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Last year’s event was a huge success with over 1,000 people taking part.
The dreaded 10 foot wall is back, as well as the net crawl, the tyre mound and many more gruelling obstacles to test your nerve.
Spaces are limited for this unique event so sign up now to guarantee your place. Registration costs €25. Closing date for entry is Wednesday, September 28.
For full details on how to register, see spinsouthwest.com/sandstorm or tune into Spin South West from Monday. Entrants must be over 18.
.Niamh King and Leigh Murphy, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was an incredible atmosphere in Ballyheigue on Saturday afternoon as the Spin Southwest ‘Sandstorm’ blew into town.
The 5km endurance race, held in association with Lee Strand, saw over 1,000 participants take part, where they ran and climbed their way through the obstacles to complete the tough course along the long beach.
The conditions were kind as the sun shone down on the many participants from all over the country.
The Spin Southwest crew were there entertaining the crowd on the beach and there was loads of entrainment after, including music and barbecues, which provided a great boost to the seaside resort as the summer season comes to an end.
We were there to capture the atmosphere in the 30 photos below…
..Geraldine Carthy, Listowel and Kevin Buckley, Ballybunion, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanBrendan Howard, Tralee, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean.Susanna Donoghue, Laura Falvey, Daniel O’Brien, Jackie Healy Rae, John O’Keeffe and PJ Diggin from Victory Fitness in Tralee, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanJason Galvin, Brian Murphy, Eoin Horgan and Aidan Galvin, Listowel, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanPeter Browne, Tom Scanlon, Sean McLoughlin, Mairead McMahon, Joanne Scanlon, and Christine Ryan from Crossfit Tralee, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanThirsty work…Joel Hartney, Shanagolden, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanFront from left; Catherine Forde, Ella Horgan and Caroline Horgan. Back from left; Linda Murphy, Mairtín Ferris, Stephanie O’Halloran, Joanne Coffey, Louise O’Sullivan and Mary O’Halloran at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanLaura Sheehy, Listowel, Leah Fitzgerald, Glin, Stephanie Kearmey, Mallow, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanAnna O’Carroll, Cyrile Bonifacio and Jane Kemp, Limerick, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanSinead Hogan, Dublin and Aoife Faye, Limerick, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanBarry Twomey with daughters Aoife and Ally, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanNorma Bourke, Tipperary and Maryann Commane, Limerick, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMichelle Costello, Elaine Ryall, Catriona O’Connor, Abbeydorney, Elaine Twomey, Causeway and Aoife Fitzgerald, Ardfert, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanSarah Dillane, Eoin McKivergan, Orla Barrero, Laura Reidy, Jack Watkinson and Jonathan Silles from the Fels Point Hotel, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanAsh Fitzgerald, Jason Casey, and Fiona Colgan, all Ballyheigue,at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanJustine Kennelly and Niamh Culhane, Ballylongford, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanLinda and Susan Browne, Tralee, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanLesley Hunt, Aoife O’Connor, Joanne McKenna, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanEdona Neziri, Kerryann Shortland and Lydia Auchincloss at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMartin Leen and Mark Hutchinson at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn Dowling and Ursula O’Keeffe, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanJohn McDonnell, Limerick, Melanie Fitzgerald, Abbeyfeale and Aisling Squire, Australia, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanThe team from Victory Fitness in Tralee at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanEoin McKivergan, Patrick Dillane and Jonathan Silles, Tralee, at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanParticipants make it home at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanSome of the crowd at the finish line at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanMaking it home at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot CreanGetting over the wall and home at the Spin SouthWest Sandstorm event at Ballyheigue Beach on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
It’s almost the weekend already which means that there’s places to go, things to do and people to see. Here’s some stuff you can get up to around the county…
Friday
The town park will be showing another one of Spielberg’s classics next weekend when ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ will be screened.
1. Enjoy a Close Encounter
The Secret Cine Club’s Free Open Air Cinema returns (weather permitting!) to the town park tonight when it screens another one of Spielberg’s classics, ‘Close Encounters Of The Kind’.
The film will be starting at 9.30pm but with gates opening at 7, it’s recommended you come early to get the best spot and have a picnic.
It is highly recommended too that you bring blankets and jackets to ensure you stay warm well into the night, with a strong hint too that insect repellent should be brought.
Everything and anything you need to know can be found out on the events Facebook page HERE, so please go and check that out.
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Saturday
A section of the crowd at the start of the Na Gaeil GAA Club fundraising cycle last year. Photo by Dermot Crean
2. Na Gaeil Cycle
Those of a sportier nature can choose to spend their weekend a little differently by taking part in the Na Gaeil cycle which will take place early on Saturday morning, August 29.
There are two routes to choose from for those taking part, the 40km to Castleisland and back or the 80km to Castleisland, Abbeyfeale, Listowel, Tralee.
Registration is set to cast adults €20, students €10 and families €50. People will now be able to register now online, in club, or on the morning of 29th from 8am. The official start to of the cycle is 9:30am from the clubhouse.
There will be a BBQ afterwards at 8pm at the club.
Sandstorm will take place this Saturday, August 29.
3. Sandstorm Endurance
Ok, it’s a bit out the road, but keeping with the sporty theme, Saturday at noon will see the kick off of Spin South West’s endurance event ‘Sandstorm’ when it takes place on Ballyheigue beach.
The award winning event will see competitors taking on a netted pyramid, an 8-foot wall and a 16-foot climbing frame to name a few, all the while wading through the sand of the scenic beach.
The race will kick off at 12 noon sharp on Saturday with race numbers able to be collected at Ballyheigue Beach Car park.
Registration is now closed, but be sure to come down and show your support on the day.
Newton Faulkner will play in the Brandon Hotel on Saturday evening.
4. Eric Roche Acoustic Sessions
A more relaxed way of spending your day could be be to head down to the Brandon Hotel Conference Centre on Saturday evening to see a host of hugely talented guitarists play a set or two.
The event is in memory of famous Tralee guitarist Eric Roche, and will see folk star Newton Faulkner take to the stage alongside Thomas Leeb, Jacques Stotzem and Robert Castellani.
Tickets for the event are currently on sale now and are set to cost €25 for the main event, which is expected to sell out, they can be purchased HERE.
The main event will then be kicking off at 8pm, with doors opening to the public at 7pm that evening.
All proceeds from ticket sales for the event being held in the Brandon Hotel Conference Centre will be going toward the Kerry Hospice Foundation and the local Inspired Group.
Lixnaw’s James Flaherty will be in action this Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
5. Go watch the hurling
Head on out to Abbeydorney on Saturday and Sunday evening and you’ll be in for a GAA treat as four teams battle it out for places in the Garvey’s Supervalu Kerry SHC final next month.
St Brendans and Lixnaw do battle on Saturday at 6pm, while at the same time and same place on Sunday, Kilmoyley and Ballyduff cross hurls in the second semi-final of the weekend.
.Are you brave enough to enter the ‘Sandstorm’ this coming August?
NEXT month will see the arrival of one of the toughest endurance races in the country with ‘Sandstorm’ all set to take place on Ballyheigue Beach on August 29 at 10am.
The Spin South West event will encapsulate over 5km of obstacle courses that are designed to test the endurance and runners, walkers, fitness fanatics or those just looking to just take part in something completely different.
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The award winning event will see competitors taking on a netted pyramid, an 8-foot wall and a 16-foot climbing frame to name a few, all the while wading through the sand of the scenic beach.
All entrants to the race must be over 18.
The price for entry is €25 with there being a limited number of spaces available for this event, so those wishing to register are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Registration can be done here.
