Horses of all types, size, colour and description clicked hooves and rubbed noses in east Galway's Ballinasloe yesterday for the start of the great October fair.
And, proving that there's no such thing as bad publicity, even the sun came out over the fair green for the thousands undeterred by last year's row over animal welfare.
Three vets and staff with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) were on duty at the weekend to try and ensure there were no serious incidents, according to the organisers.
"And so far, we've had none," Conor Dowling of the ISPCA's head office said yesterday evening.
"We've spoken to a number of people about handling aspects. We have had a few dogs on the loose, and one horse which appeared to be a bit distressed was examined by a vet earlier. Other than that, no major issues."
This year the ISPCA and the fair organisers are also making a concerted attempt to stamp out one of the less acceptable "traditions" at the fair of its type - the illicit trading of dogs, cats and chickens.
"It is illegal under by-laws and national legislation, but it is very difficult to enforce," Mr Dowling said. "Hopefully, over time it is something we can weed out."
The fair owes its origins to a time when European armies needed horses a-plenty for cavalries, and farmers required good working stock. Now "flashing" of horses - where the animals are trotted at speed in both directions to show them off to prospective buyers - is frowned upon - the official substitutes being "pony-lunging", steeplechasing and showjumping to test an animal's form.
Guest of honour was Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan - one of 85,000 expected in the town over the next week when it is expected that the local economy will be given an €8.5 million boost. Attendance numbers yesterday were estimated at 50,000, with a marked increase in visitors from Britain.
However, some 90 gardaí have been assigned to the fair and a special court sitting was convened yesterday morning after some public order offences. By yesterday evening there were no incidents to note, a spokesman said.
The festival continues this week, with a family day planned for next Sunday.
The son of a world oyster opening champion secured his father's title in Galway city at the weekend against stiff competition from 17 nationalities. Michael Moran (23) opened 30 oysters and presented them in two minutes and 25 seconds.
It is the first time in a decade that the Galway Oyster Festival has been won by an Irish champion, and the first time a son has followed a father's success. Both of the Morans work at the family's oyster restaurant in Kilcolgan, Co Galway.
