Daredevil bull runners return home

Spanish Point is welcoming the safe return of three volunteers, Brian Hehir, David Russell and Julie Claire, who participated in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona in Spain, in aid of charity.

 

The Armada Hotel in Spanish Point will host a function on Monday, to celebrate the trio’s return, with all proceeds going to Clare Crusaders.

The event in Pamplona is the most popular of its kind in Spain, with six bulls released through the crowded streets every day between July 6 and July 14.

Brian Hehir, a Spanish Point local, described the experience as “absolutely terrifying”, but one he wouldn’t think twice about repeating.

“I was talking to a chap about eight months ago who had done the bull run in Pamplona,” he explained.
“He gave me the full description of what was going to happen. So I said, ‘that sounds perfect’. It sounded like a bit of a thrill.”

The three volunteers arrived in San Sebastian on July 6, in time to witness the opening ceremony. Brian said he may have underestimated the level of furore attached to the event.

“I’ve seen a lot of stuff in my time,” he recalled. “But I’d never seen anything like this. We arrived at 2pm that day and there were just people everywhere. There were people sleeping in lawns, people sleeping in parks, and on the road. The bus stations were packed with people sleeping, because 2pm is their siesta time. They’d been looking forward to this for months. Everyone was in high spirits.”

Brian said the atmosphere was of a “higher intensity” than anything he has experienced in this country.

“It’s all adrenaline junkies,” he said. “The race lasted about six or seven minutes but we got into the arena afterwards. Now the arena event lasts for about 20 minutes. They release all the bulls and close all the gates, so it’s a free-for-all. You have nowhere to go really. It’s like a scene from Gladiator.”

The three daredevils completed the feat in a bid to raise money and awareness for Clare Crusaders, a charity Brian is very familiar with.

“I have a young son who goes to Clare Crusaders,” he explained. “His name is Sean, he’s two-years-old and he’s going there for speech therapy.”

“Another reason I got involved is because of John Burke from the Armada. Every year I try to do something for charity. John was always on to me to do it for something local like Clare Crusaders.”
Brian praised the organisation, noting the “great work” it does.

The function will take place in the Armada Hotel on Monday at 8pm with attractions including footage of the run, a bucking bronco, a barbecue and a disco. Proceeds from the night will go to Clare Crusaders. For more information, contact the Armada Hotel at info@armadahotel.com.