James Joyce enthusiasts all over Dublin celebrate Bloomsday each year on 16 June.
16 June is the day that character Leopold Bloom undertakes his journey through Dublin in Joyce's novel 'Ulysses'. The day has become an annual fixture for literary events, from book readings to people dressing up as their favourite characters.
The Bloomsday-themed women's race traces the footsteps of Leopold Bloom who in James Joyce's Ulysses made the sames journey on 16 June 1904.
The event was open to ladies of fit disposition.
The race was officially started by James Joyce and his girlfirend Nora Barnacle. Also present were Leopold Bloom and his wife Molly. The did not take part in the race but rode behind in a horse-drawn carriage.
The 10 km route started at the Martello Tower in Sandymount passing some of the legendary landmarks of the now famous journey. The race finished at the James Joyce sundial at Sandymount Strand. Emily Dowling from Walkinstown was first across the line.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 June 1984. The reporter is Alan MacCullough.
