Sun shines on a weekend of dramatic dives

Red Bull may well give you wings but these guys didn’t need any.

Diving from heights of 27m, some of the world’s most daring athletes made a splash on Inis Mór during the opening rounds of the Cliff Diving World Series 2014.

Having endured torrential weather in 2012, the 14 elite divers and hundreds of spectators were rewarded with brilliant sunshine and a breathtaking spectacle over the weekend.

We're at the @redbull Cliff Diving World Series in Inis Mor today great potential for some special pics! @thescore_ie pic.twitter.com/L9yKPytsjd

— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) June 29, 2014

Established in 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series boasts not only the biggest talents in the diving sport, but also features the most promising newcomers each year.

Jumping from a height of 27m, almost three times the Olympic average, competitors spent the weekend contorting into various mid-air spins and twists in a bid to come out in pole position.

An amazing snap from the weekend,who was lucky enough to attend the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships this weekend? pic.twitter.com/uRZuTtsgC5

— Doolin Ferry Co (@DoolinFerry) June 30, 2014

Set against the stunning backdrop of the sun-splashed islands, the divers landed in the 15mx10m naturally formed rectangular pool, cut into the limestone rocks — known locally as the Serpent’s Lair.

Hitting the water at speeds of up to 85km/h, divers pushed their bodies to the limit during a gruelling two days of jumps, each marked out of 10 by a panel of expert judges.

Splash down in Ireland: http://t.co/5RSnCaydgA #cliffdiving pic.twitter.com/v72ljrKPZs

— Red Bull (@redbull) June 30, 2014

The UK’s Gary Hunt topped the leaderboard for the weekend, winning this leg of the competition. Expressing his delight at the result, Hunt said the weather played a big part in his success.

“The weather was really on our side today,” he said.

“We could really perform at the best of our ability which made for a tight competition but I’m really happy to have taken the win.”

Final day of the #RedBull #CliffDiving 2014. Here's to the Serpent's Lair! http://t.co/Kbf6CMAAYr

— Ceallach Ní Bhriain (Kelly O'Brien) (@Kellingtondawg) June 29, 2014

Steven Lobue from the USA came second after an incredibly tight final round, again commenting on the incredible weather on the day.

“Today was surprising, just the contrast between the weather two years ago to have the sun shining, everyone felt great, the crowd was into it and it was a good result so I’m absolutely ecstatic.”

Got to meet the divers from #RedBullCliffDiving yesterday, crazy, lovely, mental guys! Congrats to winner Gary Hunt! pic.twitter.com/udf2KxiKUF

— Ceallach Ní Bhriain (Kelly O'Brien) (@Kellingtondawg) June 30, 2014

Previous winner Orlando Duque praised the event, saying it had become more and more interesting.

“It’s kind of a prestige thing,” he said. “It’s the top in our sport. Just like any other sport there is the one event that everyone wants to participate in and wants to win. Not because you’re on TV or in magazines… Everybody in the sport knows your name after you win this one.”