A SPECTACULAR 
airshow over Galway Bay attracted an estimated 100,000 people into the Salthill seaside resort on Sunday where the 14th annual Salthill Festival was launched in style. 

The prom was black with people from Grattan Road to Blackrock and roads leading to the area were blocked-off for traffic during the three hours of the show. 
Even the weather worked out perfectly. The overcast and poor visibility of the morning gave way to brighter sunny spells to the immense relief of the festival organisers. 
Conditions were perfect for viewing planes going through their paces. 
The airshow is the highlight of the festival every year but this year's show was the most spectacular yet featuring aircraft from the US, German and Spanish airforce as well as the Irish Air Corps. 
One of the main attractions of the show was a German tornado jet which travels at twice the speed of sound. The American display featured two thunderbolts and the Spanish contribution to the event was a stunning display by a Mirage jet capable of breaking the sound barrier and vertical climbs which led to gasps from the huge crowds. 
This year's show was a salute to the Irish Air Corps who are celebrating their 75th anniversary and, indeed, the Corps did themselves proud with their magnificent display which featured the Dauphin rescue aircraft, and the formation flying of the Fougas that rounded of the show. 
Of course, no airshow would be complete without a display of air acrobatics and this was provided by UK pilot Fast Eddie. 
The Shannon Air Search and Rescue team performed a variety of air lifts in their Sikorsky rescue helicopter which landed at Salthill Park during the day for closer inspection. Two Blackhawk helicopters from the US army were also on the ground so that aviation enthusiasts could get a closer look. 
Last night, every pub in Salthill laid on entertainment to entice the crowds that thronged the resort all day to stay longer. Top traditional musicians will play session gigs at designated pubs every night during the event. 
The festival, which runs for the week, features open air theatre, a literary programme and traditional music. A children's theatre programme has also been organised in addition to a special event showcasing young writers and musicians called "Into the future". 
The Natural Theatre 
Company from Bath will perform three shows daily on the prom and jazz fans can enjoy the Wall Street Jazz Band every night on the band stand at Salthill Park with special guests, the Cafe Orchestra. 
This year's literary programme, which takes place at the Banba Hotel, is a first in the history of the festival. Readings will commence daily at 1pm and break for lunch at 145pm. Writers include author and playwright Dermot Healy, poet Robin Robertson, the Galway based Griffin Creative writers group, poet and writer Ian Kilroy and journalist Nuala O'Faolain. 
There are plenty of activities catering towards the younger age groups as well kicking off with Little John Nee's new show at the Captain's Deck in Leisureland which commences at lunchtime every day. Further events such as drawing, mime and acting take place for the children every afternoon at 4pm. 
The Down to Earth Theatre Company perform "Bin There, Dump That" using well known characters, puppetry, original music, a colourful set and humour to make environmental issues easily understandable and accessible to all ages.  This shop takes place at 7pm from Monday to Friday at the Sacre Couer Hotel.

Following this there were three bi planes from across the country, with one from Carnmore Airport, flying in formation and providing some acrobatics, with smoke trailing from their wingtips.  
Among the other aircraft present were the Irish Sea Rescue helicopters, which simulated sea rescues, supported by the Galway lifeboats; an American A10 Thunderbolt, nicknamed the "Flying Gun", and allegedly the most devastating aircraft ever built; a P3 US Navy transport and a Spanish Mirage fighter, which stunned the crowd at flying at .95 Mach, over 700 miles per hour.  The final show was from the Irish Silver Swallows, who performed acrobatics and formation flying at very low altitudes. Their display was specially coordinated for the 75th anniversary of the Irish Flying Corps.  

The two US Navy Black Hawk helicopters, stationed in Germany, stole the show. They flew across the promenade and hovered side by side off the coast, facing the crowd. They also provided the opportunity to see them up close by landing in Salthill Park and opening up the cockpits. The crew spoke to the public and answered any questions which they had.  One of the pilots stepped up to the public address system and thanked the people of Galway for their hospitality. The two helicopters, and their crews, will be moving to cover their American soldiers in Bosnia in the coming weeks.  

John O'Sullivan, chairman for the Salthill Tourism and Development Association, said: "I am particularly pleased at the festival's superb air show, which has now become the traditional way of opening the Harp Lager Salthill Festival, which provides one week of family fun and  enjoyment. I would in particular like to thank Brian McGrath for organising the aircraft display, as a lot of time and effort was required.  "The Salthill Festival cannot be measured in money terms, but as a showcase for Salthill it is extremely important".  

After landing at various airfields around the country, the 26 pilots returned to Galway to spend the night in Jamesons Hotel, salthill, courtesy of the Salthill Festival Committee.

Reports of the jets - which put numbers at everything from four to 12! - circulated immediately after the unexpected sightings, with some people wondering if that was the Air Show for this year? 

Rest assured - the special preview display,. which was filmed by RTE for broadcast on Nationwide, was merely an announcement to publicize the forthcoming Salthill Festival and Air Show. It coincided nicely with a reception to announce details of the festival which was held later that evening in the Sacre Coeur Hotel. 

While the reception was full of Air Corps pilots. it appeared they had left their planes at home - certainly the car park outside was free of any winged vehicles. 

Led by Commandant Kevin Byrne (introduced to the gathering as “Chick Gillen's son-in-law" how's that for an official title?) - Byrne said the Irish Air Corps was particularly delighted to be involved in this year's event. as it fell on its 75th birthday. 

And, because of that, spectators at this year's Salthill event will also see the United States Air Force, the German Air Force and the Spanish Air Force in action - all aircraft will be in the country to celebrate the big birthday!  Who said helicopters don’t have friends?  Among the craft on display  will be a German Tornado Jet which can travel at twice the speed of sound the Irish Silver Swallow’s Jet Display team and two US Air Force A1O thunderbolts.  Other Irish representatives include Aer Arann. the Galway Lifeboat and the Naval Service. 

Speaking at the launch John 0 Sullivan chairman Salthill Tourist and Development Association said one of the chief aims of the festival was to take cognisance of Salthill’s location - its promenade, its fantastic bay and the beautiful Clare hills. 

The Salthill Festival opens on Sunday July 6 with the Air Show, and the festival continues until July 13.