Spuds, music and song as Féile an Práta gets going
THE much-loved celebration of the humble potato, Féile an Phráta, had its official launch last week at the Courthouse Bar, Tábhairne Tigh na Cúirte – and, judging by the attendance and festivity of the night on Dingle’s Mall, we can look forward to another classic renewal in 2018.
Susan Ní Churnáin explained to The Kerryman that this is the ninth year of the festival, but one that hasn’t been without some worries in its lead-up.
“There were concerns amongst expert growers that the spuds might not have been ready, but the recent spell of fine weather has put an end to concerns”, she said. With that, everyone can look forward to the eight parish heats ahead of the July 8 final in Tábhairne Uí Bheaglaoich, Baile na nGall. The first of these takes place in Ceann Trá on Friday week, June 29, with Tigh an Chuinnigh hosting that heat at 8pm. This will be swiftly followed that evening with the Paróiste na Cille Cois Farraige heat at 9pm in TP’s.
Dún Chaoin, Paróiste Mórdhach, and Paróiste na Cill Cois Chnoic all hold their heats the following day at Kruger’s, an Bhóthair, and Tigh Uí Bheaglaoich respectively, before the weekend comes to a close on July 1.
Tábhairne Tigh na Cúirte holds the Dingle heat at 4pm that day, with the Baile an Fheirtéaraigh heat later that evening at 8pm in Tigh an tSaorsaigh. Last, but not least, Lios Póil holds its heat at Tábhairne Uí Shúilleabháin at 8pm in Garraí na dTor. Heat winners will advance to the July 8 final, ‘An Spud Off Mór’, in Baile na nGall.
Also, the pláta práta competition is up for decision. Requiring dishes that have potatoes as their main feature, everyone, including professionals, men, women, children, and visitors, can take part. Spaces are limited, however, so text (086) 100 6046 to make sure that you’re registered in good time. An art competition is also on offer to the peninsula’s primary school children, with the pleasure of art classes with Elouise Flannery up for grabs.
“This year, we’re delighted to have Karen Coakley, also known as ‘ The Kenmare Foodie’, to judge us on the Pláta Práta,” Susan said. “Karen is a regular on The Today Show with Maura and Dáithí on RTÉ.
“It was very well-attended,” she said of the launch night. “Our local lady, Sinéad Sheehy, an outstanding chef and judge at the festival, did the honours.”
Between locals and visitors, there was no shortage of well-wishers to welcome in the 2018 féile, with music, song and, of course, plenty of tasty potatoes on offer for all who called in. All that’s left to be seen to now is the matter of the competitions itself. May the best potatoes win!