Mayo Mayhem, sponsored by RWE, once again lived up to its name with huge wind, big waves, and world-class action on Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast.
The event retained its three-star PWA / WWT World Tour status, drawing Ireland’s best alongside riders from France, Germany, England, and Sweden to battle across Pro, Amateur, and Women’s divisions.
After a bold decision to roll over the event, the call paid off. Storm Amy tore through on Friday with gusts over 80 knots, too wild even for the bravest to launch. But by evening, Mulranny lit up with logo-high waves and 50-knot winds as 30 riders charged into a stormy warm-up session.
Saturday brought more wind and rain, with Mulranny Beach chosen over Keel for its versatile reef-and-beach combo. Nearly 50 competitors hit the water in classic side-shore conditions, throwing down huge jumps and clean wave rides.
In the Women’s fleet, Katie McAnena (IRL) claimed victory with her trademark vertical wave attack.
The Amateur title went to Phil Hayden (IRL), whose big loops earned him the win ahead of two strong young French sailors.
In the Pro fleet, Timo Mullen (Northern Ireland , Duotone) out-sailed the field, landing massive back loops to edge out Dan Kealy (IRL, Witchcraft) in a tight final.