Galway prepares for influx of Maureen O'Hara lookalikes

Not one, but 20 Maureen O'Hara lookalikes are due in Galway today as part of celebrations planned to mark the 50th anniversary of The Quiet Man.

The John Ford film, in which O'Hara starred with John Wayne, was one of the first in Technicolor to be shot on location outside the US. It was made in September 1951, and the Irish locations included the Maam Valley, Cong, Oughterard, Lettergeish, Ballyglunin and other places in Galway and south Mayo.

It has attracted generations of American visitors to the west of Ireland over the past 50 years and, in recognition of the film's appeal, Quiet Man Country Celebrations Ltd - Billy Gibbons, Gus Martin and Paddy Rock - have decided to mark the occasion with a three-day celebration in September.

In his introduction to the celebration brochure, the Minister for Tourism, Dr McDaid, says the film, once referred to as "the little Irish story", has introduced millions of people worldwide to the scenic glories of the west of Ireland.

"That is one reason why, as Minister for Tourism, I enthusiastically applaud the initiative of Quiet Man Country Celebrations Ltd in marking the 50th anniversary of the film with what amounts to a fascinating festival of fun and nostalgia in the delightful area in which the story is set. The other reason, incidentally, is that The Quiet Man happens to be my favourite film," he explains.

The organisers are searching Ireland for Maureen O'Hara lookalikes, and the 20 most convincing Mary Kates will be flown to Galway by Aer Arann Express today, where the finalists will be whittled down to six at a contest in the Forster Court Hotel.

The lucky six will enjoy the celebrations in September before taking part in "The Race for the Bonnets" (a scene from the original film) at Corribdale Ground in Oughterard where John Wayne lookalike Graham Wilkinson from Wicklow will select his favourite Mary Kate.

The celebrations will start on Friday, September 21st, and run until Sunday. They will feature events such as the inaugural Quiet Man Country Celebration Ball, a special vintage-car day and visits to Quiet Man locations. Details at www.quietmancelebrations.com