Mayor says Cahirmee must be cancelled for public safety reasons

THE Mayor of County Cork, Charleville-based Cllr Ian Doyle, has said the annual Cahirmee Horse fair in Buttevant must not go ahead this year as it would pose a serious risk to public health.

One of Ireland’s oldest horse fairs, with a lineage apparently stretching back to the days of Brian Boru, it is steeped in history and attracts thousands of visitors each year to the North Cork town – all eager to take in the sights, sounds and smells and, if they are lucky, grab an equine bargain in the process.

A unique aspect of the fair is that it has no organising committee, something that Cllr Doyle said could potentially pose a problem in trying to get the message out to the general public that this year’s events should not go ahead.

“This is primarily a horse fair and I think that those involved in the equine and agricultural sectors will understand the concerns surrounding the Coronavirus and already have it in their minds this year’s fair will not be going ahead,” said Cllr Doyle.

“I think when people sit down and look at this logically they will understand why the fair can not go ahead.”

However, he said there was concern within the local community that some traders and members of the public might disregard advice and turn up for the event anyway.

“There is no question people are concerned as social distancing if large numbers of people do turn up for the fair will be impossible. Locals do enjoy the fair but this year the circumstances are different. Hopefully, everyone involved will take the sensible option and stay away,” said Cllr Doyle.

He said that if necessary gardaí may have to block all roads leading into the town on fair day.

“Obviously that will be a decision for them to make on public health grounds, but I hope it will not have to come to that,” Cllr Doyle.

“The key to this will be getting the message that the fair must not go ahead out to people early. The plan is that local community groups, gardaí, council representatives and the gardaí meet over the coming weeks to discuss how best to do this,” he added.