The Wacky Galway Races!

Yes folks! Its Race Week in Galway when the rest of Ireland seems to pour like a tidal wave into the city to indulge in a 7 day extravaganza of gambling, drinking, frolicking, fashion, paddywackery & networking!! But all in good taste and humour.The city abounds with fleets of helicopters setting the air a-buzzing; the very latest BMW & Mercs populating the hotel car- parks; restaurants and bars bursting at the seams; pink champagne pouring like tap-water; high class prostitutes turning tricks in city centre apartments & all-night card games offering pots of six figure sums.
The ruling political party –Fianna Fáil- host a special marquee tent at the Ballybrit race course where the captains and kings of business and industry come to pay homage and socialise with 'King' Bertie 1 aka our Taoiseach (prime minister). ‘Pay’ being the operative word as it is 350Euro for a meal & seat in this regal tent!
Today was ‘Ladies Day’ when women of all shapes & sizes dress up in their most beautiful finery to be praised and ogled.
But don’t believe for one minute that the city transforms into the playground for only the rich and famous. The festival is an amazing egalitarian event when-for one week only-the ordinary office clerk rubs shoulders with aristocracy, gypsies, priests, farmers, alcoholics, hookers, politicians, beggars, tourists and billionaires.
There is nothing else quite like it on this planet!