Soldiers of Skate 2011
Weather reports all week were for a bad weekend but the sun gods shone on Goreyskatepark for Soldiers of Skate 2011. Second year running, the competition has grown from what started as a skateboarding event to be so much more.
The day started off with the registration of skaters in the different age categories,u7, u12, u17, u30 and o30. The sun was splitting the skies as the crowds gathered and the local DJ Ed Kelly got the afternoons entertainment underway. Monster energy was on site with their Monster truck and energy drink to make sure that all competitors were fully charged and the spectators too. They also supplied the sound system on the day which allowed Ed to mix up an excellent assault of funky deep grooves all day long. Resident MC for the afternoon was Steve Fahy who was absolutely excellent as he announced all the heats and finals, called the tricks and had the banter with the crowd all afternoon.
Skaters had travelled from as far as Tipperary, Carlow, Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and Cork. The first heats were the under 12s followed shortly after by the finals. It wasn't long into the heats of the u17s when unfortunately the rain did put a short hold on proceedings. It wouldn't be Ireland if we didn't have a little shower anyway. So taking shelter to let a small cloud pass over head, some sweeping away of a few puddles, the sun had come back out and within 20 minutes, we battled on a dry park.
With the rest of the heats and the final over from the u17s it was onto the u30. 3 heats later and the final was decided. While all this was going on, a BBQ was serving up the tastiest sleedagh farm burgers to make sure all skaters and spectators were well fed as Monster made sure no one went thirsty. Some local graffiti artists, David Lacey and James Kirwan were also painting some artwork in the townpark.
By now the sun was shining and the final of the u30 was on. After that we had a performance by the Footworx Dance studio. The Dynamite crew put down some moves and really went down well with everyone. There was even a chance to have a BMX competition too as the weather holding. So without delay 5 heats were signed up and a short while later, a final was decided. All guys putting some big airs and 540 spins. After the BMX comp there was a chance to have a best trick, old school trick jam, pretty manic, all the skaters giving it there all at the same time, it was intense but some craic.
And so after a mental afternoon of action it came to the awards and first up was the BMX comp which was called late in the day but some trophies and prizes were found regardless. Dan Duffy picked up 3rd, Conor O Toole 2nd and Dan Kavanagh placed 1st. The prize for best BMX slam went to Pierce Woods from Wicklow.
The skate comps were next up with some funky little plaques as prizes for none category groups. Best trick went to Michael Gannon for his bigger flip. Go big or go home was Oisin Belling, Best slam went to Mark Foran and best old school went to Dylan Byrne. U7 wasn't too hard to decide with no entries but in the spirit of skating, little Scott Murphy casually took 1st place. U12 3rd place was Andrew Mulvey Mescall, Zac Murphy took 2nd and in 1st place was Aaron Clarke. The u17 3rd place was Kevin Dunbar, 2nd was Dylan Byrne and in 1st place Mark Walshe. Then the u30 3rd place Beau Sweeney, 2nd place was Shane Doyle and in 1st place Oisin Belling. The o30 was a small group but taking 2nd and for helping out judging, Paul Fennell and in 1st place and for his help as Mc Steve Fahy.
An obligatory product toss then ensued and it was killings in the skate park as every man or child for themselves fought for goodies flung into the air. So with all the prize awards over and every sticker every to see the light of day picked up off the floor by sticker mad children it was over to Grant Masterson the organiser to thank everyone involved. He paid tribute to everyone who came out and made the day so special, despite the small shower of rain, persistence and dedication is the name of the game with outdoor skate parks in Ireland. Thanks to all the skaters and bmxicans and families who always support the skate club so much. To sum up, massive thanks to all the sponsors, Monster energy and their staff; Louise, Mike and Dylan for the huge support , to all the parents who helped out on the day and to Jenny and Eamon for their registration table work, to all photographers who were present, to Willie and Trish for cooking the BBQ, Mc Steve, Dj Ed Kelly and graffiti artists James Kirwan and David Lacey, Barry Murphy Rock Solid graphic design for the artwork, Footworx DanceStudio for their support, all the skateboard companies and suppliers; Independent, Spitfire, Habitat, Lakai, Matix, DVS, Zero and Chocolate. Thanks to Paul Hennel the park warden and Gary Fortune for his van. And to all and any skaters that helped in any way, props. See you all in 2012.
Photos and videos
We would really appreciate any photos and videos you may have took on the day so we can add them to our albums and edits. Send the on.
Kevin Curry Photography
After the event, Kevin Curry Photography has sent us in about 30 absoloutely amazing shots of the day, some of which are here on this page and the rest are in the gallery. Feel free to get in touch with him if you need his services.
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