The eastern seaboard of Ireland suffered badly from Viking raids during the middle ages and, with Kilkeel making a major tourism push in the early 1960s, the raids were used as the basis for what was a colourful and fun re-enactment. The Viking ship and raiders were provided, as the year before, by enthusiasts from the Isle of Man with locals playing the Celts trying to fight them off. The wonderfully named Dick Riddler, an ex-Royal Marine commando, led the Celts and prizes of a holiday in the Isle of Man were to be handed out to the first six local women “captured” by the Vikings. A second report on the festivities was also made by UTV and can be found in the links below.

An Ulster Television Production.

• Broadcasting Authority Ireland