Soapbox Race basks in Bundoran sunshine!

Winning soapbox driver Ashley Ward

The 5th annual Bundoran Lifeboat Soapbox Race took place on Sunday afternoon at Astoria Road Bundoran amid perfect weather conditions. Thousands lined the street to watch the thrills and spills of the event organised and staged by the volunteer crew of Bundoran RNLI to raise funds for the lifeboat. Competitors came from near and far to take part with some comical antics from the aptly named happy jivers from Roslea, Co. Fermanagh providing the crowd with much amusement. 

Some longboard skating kept the assembled crowd entertained until it was time for the main event itself. 18 soapbox racers competed for the title of champions and it eventually came down to a local derby - OK Cabs (winners of the first soapbox race in 2012) and Ward Automation (title holders since the 2014 event). The battle was fierce but Ward Automation emerged victors in the end and held on to the perpetual trophy for yet another year. 

The much anticipated €1000 ball race wrapped up the afternoon's activities with the cash being won by 6 year old Robbie Barron from Grange in County Sligo.

Speaking on Sunday evening, Event director Cormac McGurren said 'this has been another hugely successful fundraising event for Bundoran RNLI and we would like to thank all those who participated in the soapbox race and who came to watch for their continued support and generosity. A special word of thanks goes to our sponsors particularly Carty Contractors without whose help the event would not have been the success that it was. I would also like to recognise the assistance of Donegal County Council and the hard work of our volunteer crew and ball sellers on the day.'

All proceeds on the day go to the upkeep of the Bundoran lifeboat and the training of the volunteer crew.

Ends

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The winning team - Ward Automation with Stormy Stan and Bundoran RNLI's Shane Smyth