Security is expected to be tight at Knock Airport in Co Mayo this week as 40 members of Israel Airlines fly in to take part in an international walking festival. The Portwest Castlebar International Four Days Walks has also attracted entrants from as far away as Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and the US.
Large army parties will travel to Mayo again this year from Holland and Belgium, and the Army Band of the Western Command has agreed to lead a parade of nations through the streets of Castlebar, Co Mayo, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening. The official opening will be performed by Brig Gen John Martin of the Western Command.
More than 2,000 walkers will take part in the event, running from Thursday until Sunday. Over 95 per cent of the entrants are from abroad. The Portwest Castlebar International Four Days Walks can be contacted at New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Tel (094) 24102.