Féile an Phráta issues call to get the shovel out

PEOPLE are only planting their potatoes at the moment but already the organisers of the annual Féile an Phráta are challenging them to produce a crop worthy of the title of champion.

The féile, which seeks out the best tasting potatoes in West Kerry, will be held in July with parish heats in the earlier part of the month leading up to the final showdown in Baile na nGall on Sunday, July 16, when seasoned tasters will decide the winners. At the same time the Pláta Práta competition for the best potato-based dish will be held, giving those who are more accomplished in the kitchen than in the garden a chance to show off their culinary skills.

Féile an Phráta, which was first held in 2010, has become a focus of local rivaly and debate on such intractable questions as: whether manure or seaweed is more likely to produce a good, floury spud; whether bluestone or Dithane is better at combating the blight; and whether a ‘ touch of the bag’ (the judicious use of chemical fertilizer) is essential for a good crop.

That debate will run forever of course, but the spring won’t so it’s time to get busy with the shovel. “Where’s your friggin’ pride,”says Féile chairperson Elaine Martin Lyne as she challenges people to get out and get diggin’.

The competition, which was launched in the Dingle Cookery School on Thursday night, is open to parishes throughout Corca Dhuibhne and the organisers would be very happy to see entries coming in from places such as Annascaul, Cloghane/Brandon and the renowned potato patches of the Maharees. Contact Elaine Martin Lyne (086 1006046) or Susan Ní Churnáin (087 2063504) for details of how to get involved.