Organisers and participants in last year’s Thundercat European Beach Challenge Championship have voted Youghal ‘Best Venue 2008′. The award effectively says Youghal was the most revered location globally by the Thundercat community, as it is structurally known By Christy Parker

UK Thundercats director Fiona Pascoe availed of the annual Aquatrek Dinner Dance Awards to present a crystal trophy commemorating the unexpected honour in the Red Store recently. Deputy Mayor Mary Linehan Foley accepted the trophy on behalf of the town. “It will be placed in the Council chamber with pride,” she said.

Organised by events promoters Medaza, the Thundercat challenge brought over 18 racing crews from across Europe and the UK to participate in Ireland’s participation in the series last June. Despite inclement weather on day one, a carnival and carnival ambience pervaded and the event was an immense success. with thousands flocking to Claycastle for spectacular and attendant fairground attractions.

It has since emerged that while the natural facilities were greatly appreciated, the cooperation, sincerity and welcome extended by the town left an enormous impression on its sporting visitors. “I’ve never experienced such wonderful, genuine hospitality,” recalled Ms. Pascoe.

At its third National Championships Award Ceremony, an unprecedented unanimous vote from 120 UK Thundercat members gave Youghal its Best Venue accolade. The honour was actually bestowed at last November’s Earl’s Court Boat in London. With no Youghal representative (If only I’d know…) present -or even aware of the occasion- Ms Pascoe stood in as town ambassador to accept.

Interestingly, the crystal trophy carries three disparate sections, each symbolically relevant. Ms Pascoe said the wooden base “represents the firm Foundation on which we must build.” Section 2, a Hand of Friendship, “symbolises the most wonderful welcome we received,” while the third, glass globe attachment, represents “the worldwide Thundercat Community, across two hemispheres, of which Ireland and Youghal is now part.”

Cllr Linehan Foley said the award is all the more gratifying considering last year’s event was hastily organised over four months. “It’s a wonderful reflection on the efforts of the business community and on the town generally. Everyone worked tirelessly together and it the success offers great hope for the future in these difficult times,” she said.

Last June’s event was intended to pave the way for the highly prestigious, lucrative P1 Powerboat Championships. Economic waves have washed that onto the rocks for the moment at least but significantly, both Ms Pascoe and Medaza representative Aidan Foley expressed the hope that the Thundercats would return this year. There are, it appears, some unspecified ‘political obstacles’ to afloat but both parties appear confident they can be overcome. To paraphrase Humphrey Bogart, ‘it could yet all be just the beginning of a beautiful friendship.’