Padre Pio Pilgrimage

FAIR Day in Millstreet comes twice annually and the September undertaking was welcomed by enthusiastic numbers convening on the North West Cork town.

Perfect weather conditions added to the occasion, yet equine stock were down in numbers as an assembly of cobs, ponies, horses to donkeys and trotters dotted their usual position in the Fair Field car park.

The Fair once upon a time provided horses for the armies of Europe and closer to home, Guinness Brewery availed of equine stock to draw their popular stout all over the country.

That said, there were transactions, a six year old piebald fetched €300 as Ballinagree’s bargained with one of the top buyers in the country Michael Darcy from Carlow.

“Its a great price, look at her teeth, dead quiet, she is yours if you’re intered and I will give you luck money”, Jackie told the eventual buyer.

Nowadays, the September Horse Fair is now more of a social outing by meeting, renewing acquaintances and generating new friendships. And the trappings of the modern day Horse Fair were again evident with the Town Square awash with stalls of every conceivable nature.

Again the numbers of street traders were down on former years. Boosted by the weather, those present enjoyed the carnival atmosphere before going their separate ways to view the big games action on TV.

Once the Fair was completed late on Sunday evening, a dedicated crew from Cork County Council operated a speedy clean up acknowledged by traders, dwellers and visitors. A coach will travel to Knock Shrine for Padre Pio Ceremony on Sunday, September 17.

For more information and bookings, please contact Darren on 029 79016 or 087-7994045.