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A truly LegenDerry day in Greencastle 30.06.14

RECORD-breaking crowds descended on Greencastle yesterday for the finale of the LegenDerry Maritime Festival including the spectacular Clippers send-off and breathtaking Red Arrows airshow.
The Mayor of Derry, Cllr Brenda Stevenson, was among the tens of thousands who gathered at Greencastle and along the Foyle for yesterday's finale after a nine-day nautical celebration in the city.
“It was such an emotional day yesterday seeing off the Clipper Race crews who have really made the city their home for the past week,” she said.
“The LegenDerry Maritime Festival has been the highlight of the year for Derry and I am so proud today that once again we have shone on the international stage and delivered another world class event.
“I would like to wish all the teams, especially our own Derry-Londonderry-Doire, the very best of luck in the final stages of the race and a safe journey to Den Helder.”
The Red Arrows put on a thrilling airshow above Greencastle prior to the the start of the Clipper Race from Derry to Den Helder in the Netherlands. Photo Clipper Ventures Plc. To view more photos click here .
Derry City Council chief executive, Sharon O’Connor, said the event had been hugely successful in terms of promoting the North West region.
“I would like to thank everyone involved for delivering such an outstanding experience," she said.
The day, which was drenched in beautiful sunshine after a somewhat cloudier start, also saw unprecended tailbacks of traffic snaking the entire 20 miles from Derry along the Foyle to Greencastle.
Many people were forced to turn back after realising they wouldn't make it to the village in time for the spectacular send-off. When the festivities came to an end, it took several hours for Greencastle and Moville to be vacated, such was the enormity of the gathering.
Magilligan Point and Benone beach also saw unprecedented crowds on the day.
Meanwhile, the 12 impressive Clipper Race yachts received a roaring send-off from the crowds and from the Red Arrows jet engines as they left on their 15th race in the global round-the-world challenge.
The skill of the Red Arrows pilots brought many smiles when they created a big love heart in the sky complete with shooting arrow, especially for the Clippers and the cheering masses.
To view more images click here .
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