It’s official: the Swedes are the greatest shuckers of them all. Swedish native Hasse Johannesson scooped out enough oysters to become the new Guinness World Oyster Opening Champion at the weekend. Hasse’s  time of 2:45 saw him win the fast-paced competition defeating 16 international contenders. Ireland's Micheál Kelly was positioned in a respectable sixth place.  

A competitor in the 53rd International Oyster Festival opening championships on Saturday. Photo: Reg Gordon

The International Oyster Festival was a spectacular event, which brought together music and oyster lovers alike, to the famous marquee by the sea. This was my second year to attend the Saturday afternoon escapades and I had a ball.

Combine Guinness and dancing and I was guaranteed a fantastic day out. Year after year, crowds are drawn to the unique display of local and international talent, from the global oyster challenge to the Irish dancers on stage. My partner in crime for the day, who was a festival first timer, was overwhelmed by the friendly environment.

I was immediately recognised by a UK contingent who had flown in especially for the event. They had remembered me from last year (probably because I was wearing the same pink dress). Still it was great to be recognised and it is this recognition that brings people back to the festival time and time again.

We were treated to energetic renditions from numerous bands and the pace never wilted. It was hard to keep up with the booming tunes emanating from the pier. In fact, as the brew flowed, we began to make up the ‘Guinness dance’  - a fraught situation whereby one dances and holds a pint at the same time – again unique to the oyster festival. It’s impossible to fit everything in, so the answer was to attempt two things at once. Don’t worry; there was coffee and other beverages on hand for those who did not want to consume alcohol. It’s just that I was not one of them.
 

A lasting image as the evening drew to a close is that of two grown men hoisting a Guinness parasol from its roots outside the marquee and parading off into the city sunset side-by-side - their new ‘umbrella’ in hand to shield them from the soft rain. Until next year.

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