DESPITE a protest by irate sulky cart drivers – annoyed that their traditional area to “flash’’ their ponies – had been ramped off by Galway County Council, huge crowds estimated at 80,000 flocked to Ballinasloe’s iconic fair this week.

Insurance worries lead the Co Council to make the move last weekend which went down like a lead balloon with the sulkies, leading to some tensions when a group of youths invaded the nearby lunging ring in protest and trapping some people in their vehicles.