Summer breaks out for Newmarket festival
AND MAURA IS CROWNED AS THE FIRST LADY OF NEWMARKET
THE Newmarket summer festival kicked off on Friday night and the parade was opened with the Young Scientists along with a host of other nippers who were dressed up to the nines.
The parade was followed by a musical performance by Eoin Stan’s school of Music in the town park. Over the last number of days, there has been everything from music to a family fun day through the Island Wood to the enchanted evening picnic which featured the Delta String Trio.
However, it was then down to brass tacks at the Rock Bar as the Newmarket Town Development showcased their mayoral election finale.
With a smile, Maura Sheehan was crowned the new Mayor and Daniel O’Doherty is now the deputy mayor. In her speech, she said she was going to get rid of water charges and drop the price of drink – music to her ‘new’ constituents’ ears. With the money collected it will be used to “light up Newmarket for Christmas.” She thanked her supporters from Newmarket and neighbouring villages, but also her very good supporters in Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Australia and Chicago.
On Sunday, the historical walk with Raymond, which started at the Church to the Pound Hill. There is obviously plenty of history in the town as it took the group two and a half hours to complete the journey with up to 100 people who enjoyed the ramble down history lane. Raymond was on hand to even show them some bullet holes on Main Street.
On Monday night, the Irish music and dance on the street went down a treat as a huge crowd attended. There was plenty of music and dance with the young who were more than keen to shake a leg and not to be outdone, the more mature, who were well up for some toe tapping.
Turbett’s fair as always has kept the nippers in chipy form.
Tonight, at the Hi-Street bar, there is a festival table quiz and in the Dark Horse Bar, there is an over 60s night.
Friday night in Scully’s Bar will be a hit with ‘Father Ted’ fans where there will be no doubt, some lovely girls as well as matters both of an ecumenical and non-ecumenical matter.
The American Tea Party has always been a huge hit and booking is essential. Tables of 10 is €90 and music will be by The Kelt at the CYMS hall. Other events to look forward to include ‘Mr and Mrs Night’ at the Dark Horse, where the MC will be Andy Walsh.
On Sunday, there is a holistic fair at the CYMS and weather permitting a BBQ in the Rock bar along with music by Johnny Aherne.
The final rendezvous will be the very popular fireworks display will be held at the West End by Rocket Pyrotechnics at 11pm.
Mike Guerin of the festival committee said despite the mixed weather, good crowds have been going to various events in the town.
He said there are still some tickets available for the American Tea party but said to avoid disappointment people should snap them up as soon as possible.