Alan Betson photographed the opening day of the Ballinasloe Fair & Festival. Held annually from the first Sunday of October in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, the event is expected to draw a crowd of more than 80,000 people to enjoy a range of events, including a street tug of war, a motorcycle stunt show and a fireworks display. The festival runs until October 12th.
Amanda Hanley from Limerick with a mare at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Aideen Leonard, from Clare, and Niamh Keane, of Mount Bellew, discuss prices with owner Noel Griffin, from Ennis, at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Ronan (6) and Mikey (3) from Tullamore enjoy the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Putting on a show at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Items for sale at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Taking a ride during the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Michael John Clerkin and Padraic McGovern from Leitrim and Sligo at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Paraic Hegarty and Coleman O’Connor, from Clare, with ponies for sale at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Tommy Casey (7) on a spotted mare with dad Tommy Casey, from Nenagh, at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Michael John Clerkin, Padraic McGovern and Kevin McGovern from Leitrim and Sligo at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
Mary Bridget Joyce (9) and Stephanie Joyce (4) with their new filly foal at Ballinasloe Horse Fair. Photograph: Alan Betson
