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Foynes, 28 July 2018 – Thousands of people enjoyed an aviation display of international standards at the 2018 Foynes Air Show, supported by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) today.

Now in its 5th year, the 2018 Foynes Air Show was one of the largest-ever air and ground shows held along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Speaking in Foynes, Minister of State for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Patrick O’Donovan TD said; “The Foynes Air Show has gone from strength to strength, and is now one of the biggest attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way. It's a family occasion that has thrills and spills that wows the audiences young and old on the banks of the River Shannon.”

Skilled military pilots from across Europe flying some of the world’s most high-tech, quickest, state-of-the-art planes shared the skies over Foynes with world champion pilots in iconic and historic aircraft during the afternoon air show.

Commenting on the Foynes Air Show, Peter Kearney, Chief Executive of the IAA said; “Foynes has played a pivotal role in the history and development of aviation in Ireland; a country that always been to the forefront in aviation innovation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) with its central role in the promotion and development of aviation in Ireland is delighted have supported the Foynes Air Show, enabling the high quality and spectacular displays that were seen on the day.”

Margaret O’Shaughnessy, Foynes Air Show Festival Director described the annual air show as a celebration of the strong and proud aviation history of Foynes, Limerick and the Mid West of Ireland; “The Foynes Air Show is a huge undertaking for Foynes and Limerick, but it has proven to be a massive success year on year. It originated as a day for families to enjoy and celebrate Foynes and its place in the aviation world, but has grown to be so much more, while retaining its original aims. The Air Show has helped to cultivate a worldwide understanding of Foynes and it’s history, while showcasing what Limerick has to offer as a tourism destination. It is also of huge benefit to the local economy.”

The supersonic attack aircraft the Saab Viggen, also known as Thunderbolt, opened the air show.

Patrouille Tranchant, a Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying four Fouga blazed a tricolour in the sky, following their first appearance in Foynes last summer.

The Irish Air Corps, Eddie Goggins, aka “The Flying Dentist”, and Gerry Humphreys, aka “The Flying Farmer” also mesmerised the crowds.

The DC-3, which revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s, and the Catalina Flying Boat, paid homage to the past and the well documented aviation history of Foynes.

The main supporter of the Foynes Air Show is the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as part of its #AviationIreland campaign to promote aviation across the State. The IAA also supports the Bray Air Display, which is a two-day festival. The second day of the Bray Air Display takes place tomorrow, Sunday, July 29, 2018.