June 17th 1956, had been a warm day. Local rivals Mayo and Galway took to the field earlier that afternoon in a Connacht G.A.A. football championship match. Conditions were ideal for football, but the result went against Mayo on this occasion.
Poster for Soap Box Trials in Westport, June 1956 – (N.M.I. Collection – F:2026.6)
Conditions were also ideal for the Westport, Mayo and Connacht Soap Box trials. Visitors attending the match were encouraged to stay in the county and head for nearby Westport town to view the competition.
Soap Box Car – Raced by Joseph Moran, Westport, June 17th 1956 - (N.M.I. Collection – F:2026.5)
A field of 16 entrants, competing in largely homemade Soap Box cars, raced down James Street that evening. The location was ideal in terms of gradient and distance.
Excerpt – 1957 Official Soap Box Derby rules
View looking up James Street, Westport. The race started on a raised platform at the top of the street.
© Liam Lyons Collection. (Image enquiries to liamlyonscollection@gmail.com)
Local reports had 4,000 people in attendance with legendary R.T.É, sports commentator, Micheal O’Hehir, in Mayo for the football match earlier in the day, adding his distinctive voice to the evening’s drama.
The finish line crossing the Doris Brothers’ bridge at the bottom of James Street, Westport.
© Liam Lyons Collection. (Image enquiries to liamlyonscollection@gmail.com)
Racers finished at the bridge which crosses the Carrowbeg river with winning honours going to Denis Glennon from Westport and Vincent Freyne from Ballyhaunis.