Balloon teams traveled from around the globe to participate in the 53rd Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships.  Teams from Ireland, N Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, USA and as far away as Austrailia took part in the week long event in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle. 

The winners of the flying tasks were - Michael Lavoire (UK) for the Hare and Hound task, Graeme Scaife (Austrailia) for the Target Accuracy task and Richard Philips (UK) for the Triangulation task.  The overall Championship prize went to Roscommon native Johnny Kenny and his JFC team. 

Perpetual trophies are awarded to the individuals and teams that best demonstrate the values and ethos of the event. This year the worthy winners included the Boston based US team captained by Jordan Long, UK based Rowland Benbrooke and Graeme Scaife who is visiting Ireland all the way from Austrailia.

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to US based George York and Bill Millikem. George and Bill have been attending the Irish Championships every year since the early 1970s.

Congratulations to all this years winners.