Farmer PJ full of love after world record feed of oysters

IF oysters are the food of love, then PJ Kavanagh has a heart of gold.

The Kerry farmer set a world record at the weekend at the annual oyster-swallowing competition at Ballylongford on the Shannon Estuary, downing 49 oysters in 60 seconds.

In his race against the clock PJ cut his chin a number of times but kept going.

Likewise, he was undeterred by the gastric contortions of a competitor who couldn't keep his oysters down.

Afterwards, PJ polished off a few pints of Guinness sponsors of the event. He said the porter went well with the oysters.

"I was champion for the first two years of the festival, in 1994 and '95, and am delighted to have won my title back,'' he said.

Last year's winner, colourful Fianna Fáil politician Dan Kiely, didn't defend his title and Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris also had to withdraw because of political business in Dublin.

The Farmed Ballylongford oysters used in the competition are of the Pacific species and are mainly exported to France.

The festival aims to boost the profile of the village, birthplace of the poet Brendan Kennelly, and up to 500 people watched the oyster swallowing competition. Activities over the weekend included a wellie-throwing competition, a raft race, a bird walk and a bodhrán-beating contest.