Another pretty Pattern in store in Ballyheigue
BALLYHEIGUE will once again celebrate the pattern weekend in style from Friday evening, with legends both from and beyond the coastal village to the forefront of this year’s Harvest Festival.
The cultural celebration starts from 8.30pm this Friday (September 7), with none other than Kerry football icon Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran taking the shears, cutting the súgán rope, and setting the weekend in motion on the grounds of the White Sands Hotel.
The occasion will be graced, also, by superb piping and dancing, well in tune with the spirit of the weekend.
In this 125th anniversary year of Conradh na Gaeilge, it seems entirely appropriate that surviving committee members behind the ‘Aeríocht’ – an outdoor field festival under the Conradh’s banner – will be honoured as part of the festivities.
This takes place at the White Sands after the official opening, ‘ Thresher’ group chairman Joe O’Sullivan explained to The Kerryman.
“Specially commissioned medallions will be presented on the evening,” he said.
“The committee is very grateful to Bathrooms 4U Director Alan O’Sullivan for his financial support for this tribute”.
Richard Casey and Councillor John Lucid will then combine their musical talents, and music will be similarly prominent throughout the weekend.
Among the highlights will be the offerings of saxophonist John Collins on Saturday, while piper Danny Houlihan will perform in the vicinity of the hotel on Sunday, prior to the 8pm start to Diaspora Day events.
Gabriel Fitzmaurice will open that evening’s events and speak on ‘Songs of Exile’, and North Kerry museum Curator Seán Quinlan will also offer an introduction to parts of his collections, which will be displayed in the White Sands.
Thereafter, it’s on to dancing exhibitions, delicious food and, of course, even more music.
“I’d like to thank Jimmy Browne of the White Sands, and local businesses for their support, as well as our major sponsors – Alan O’Sullivan, Timothy Kenny, and the Community Department of Kerry County Council for their continuing generosity,” Joe added, keenly aware that great co-operation is needed for great events.