Noreen nabs Mayor of Knocknagree title
THE huge crowd gathered in Knocknagree on Sunday night waited impatiently as Patrick Hickey was handed an envelope that would reveal the name of the winner in the Lord Mayor contest.
Mairead Carmody, David O’Connor, James Dennehy and Noreen McSweeney - the contenders - watched with baited breath while the envelope was opend to reveal that Noreen had won the day.
Proceedings began on Friday night with the much admired Leaders’ Great Debate, where all candidates performed capably, outlined their vision for Knocknagree, and fielded questions as diverse as what would be their best life lesson, their tastes in music, and favourite dinner guests.
Saturday saw a Celebrity Banisteor competition played in the GAA pitch followed by a full house bingo session in the community centre. Sunday kicked off with a 5 km fun run and race where Patrick Doyle won the men’s race and Martina Kiely took the women’s title.
Club history was made with Lá na gClub taking place for the first time in the Fairfield green in the village. Fabulous kids entertainment, the Timmy Joe O’Leary Memorial Blitz and a barbecue made for a wonderful family occasion.
From 6 pm on Sunday evening the countdown to the big announcement began. Amidst packed bars, last minute sales of ballots were brisk and at 10pm the mayoral parade began.
Club chairman Jeremiah Moynihan presided over the Mayor Raffle with the top prize of €500 going to Barry Lordan. All candidates got a tremendous reception from the enormous crowd in attendance. However, it was Noreen McSweeney who prevailed, and she was duly presented with the white and blue mayoral sash.
In her election manifesto, Noreen pledged to introduce a ‘Lovely Lads’ pageant to Knocknagree, akin to the Rose of Tralee, with the winner getting a holiday in Kiskeam - and we wait to see how that political promise works out.
Noreen thanked her campaign team, festival organisers, sponsors, and the army of volunteers who made the weekend’s events possible. She also acknowledged the hard work and effort put in by her fellow candidates, Mairead, James and David.
This fundraiser in Knocknagree was highly successful, creating a fabulous community spirit and to date raising up to €15,000. The final figure will be confirmed shortly. All proceeds will go to Knocknagree GAA pitch and clubhouse development.
The committee thanks Knocknagree GAA, Juvenile and Ladies club, as well as the entire community and beyond for providing sponsorship and support, and purchasing tickets.