‘Keeping tradition alive is important for the younger generation’ – Noel Brosnan

THE Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival is run by the local Gaa club but its origins go way back to the last century when the popular tradition of celebrating Pattern Day was uppermost in the parish’s list of yearly events. Noel Brosnan is Chairman of Knocknagoshel Gaa Club and he explained how the roots of the current Harvest Festival are embedded in tradition.

“Traditionally, August 15 is Pattern Day in Knocknagoshel and this was always the day when people from the parish and surrounding areas would gather to compete in various sporting events. This tradition is still very much part of the current Harvest Festival, but it’s now a weeklong event that everyone enjoys. The earliest poster I have of the festival goes back to 1926 and I’m sure it was running many years before that,” Noel said.

The festival died away for a number of years but thanks to Knocknagoshel Gaa Club, local businesses and its many patrons, the festival is once again part and parcel of Knocknagoshel’s summer. Noel stressed the festival plays a vital role in helping to instil a sense of pride between people and place – something that is often taken for granted in the modern age.

“The festival was revived again by the Gaa club as a fundraiser, but it’s a festival that belongs to the people who enjoy it. It’s very important to keep these things going, especially for the younger generation. We don’t make any money from events like the tiny tots race, dog show, glamorous granny and bonny baby competitions, but these events are thoroughly enjoyed by people and that’s what matters.” Such is the Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival’s standing among its people, those living abroad even plan their summer holiday around it. Noel explains how Knocknagoshel natives return from places like New York and Australia for the week of the festival which gives it an even greater sense of purpose as it provides an occasion in which emigrants can return home.

“There is a lot of time and effort involved in organising it and it’s something we enjoy doing. It’s great for the community and but for all the local businesses it couldn’t happen. They’ve been fantastic in helping this festival,” Noel concluded. Be part of this tradition by heading to Knocknagoshel Village this August 11th to 18th.

The annual Tiny Tots event sponsored by Teach de Róiste Bar, Knocknagoshel.