From Virginia to Galway
The Urbanna Oyster Festival, the second-oldest oyster celebration in the world, has established an international connection with its older counterpart, the Galway International Oyster Festival, during a meeting on Oct. 11 in Ireland.
Michele Hutton, Urbanna Town treasurer and an Urbanna Oyster Festival board member, met with Stephen Nolan, a representative, organizing member, and champion shucker from the Galway event. The historic meeting took place at Moran Oyster Cottage in Clarinbridge, Ireland, bringing together leaders from the two longest-running oyster festivals globally: Galway, founded in 1954, and Urbanna, founded in 1957.
“I felt honored to represent Urbanna and bring the two festivals together for a first-time meeting,” said Hutton.
Nolan’s connection to the oyster world runs deep. As the son of a full-time local fisherman, he honed his shucking craft over a decade working at Moran’s restaurant. After entering his first local competition in 2006, he went on to win multiple European (six) and Irish titles, culminating in the prestigious 2019 World Championship at the Galway Oyster Festival. He now travels the world competing and judging, and for the past five years, has been deeply involved in organizing the Irish and World Championships.
During their meeting, the two representatives provided a valuable exchange of festival information and insights into the world of oyster culture. Mr. Nolan shared his expertise, noting the differences between their regional shellfish. “Irish oysters are flatter and smaller … Americans are used to larger, rounder oysters,” he explained, demonstrating the skill of shucking and providing a tasting.
The Galway International Oyster Festival was originally created to celebrate the Galway Native Oyster and draw visitors during quieter months, a shared mission with Urbanna, whose festival was officially designated the Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1988. The Galway two-day festival is run by the Great Southern Hotel (now Hotel Meyrick).
The leaders cemented the new connection with a ceremonial exchange of gifts. Nolan presented Hutton with an official opening world championship apron, while Hutton gifted him with an official Urbanna Oyster Festival poster and shirt.
The meeting was made possible by tour guide Brian Fennessey from Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland. Hutton also extended thanks to Bayside Design for providing the Urbanna merchandise.
