The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Oysters, contests, fun, and frolics set for Ballylongford
THE iconic Ballylongford Oyster Festival is gearing up for its 26th year in 2018, and the usual heady mix of oyster-swallowing, seafood buffets, parades, and barmen’s races is ready to announce itself once more.
This year’s funds will largely go towards the upkeep of the recently renovated parish hall and, with a long history of helping the north Kerry parish pursue various projects, funds will also go towards other initiatives in the locality.
When the idea of setting up a local festival was originally mooted, something of a niche to set it apart from other local festivals was sought out, and with several oyster farmers in the area, the festival we now know was born. Oyster farming still exists in the area, with locally based man Peter Tighe sponsoring this year’s oysters, and festival committee PRO Maria Hanrahan O’Neill explained that the festival itself has also kept up its pace.
“It takes place over the August bank holiday weekend from August 3 to 5,” she said.
“One of the highlights of the opening night, the Friday, will be the oyster-swallowing competition on-stage outside the mill. Oysters aren’t for everyone, and some of the people in the crowd really enjoy watching the participants struggle!
“We don’t always get a lot of female participants, but we’d be encouraging the ladies to give it a go as well.”
The competition follows a parade from Heaphy’s Centra parking area earlier in the night, and it’s hoped the contest will begin at around 9.45pm.
Another enticing event is the Saturday seafood buffet, so popular that there is sometimes a waiting list for tickets in the run-up.
Also among the highlight’s is the barman’s race, which sees participants take on an obstacle course whilst balancing a tray with three plastic pint glasses filled to the brim – though not with porter! There will also be children’s entertainment at the parish hall from 2.30pm on the Sunday, August 5, amongst a raft of other weekend attractions.
“You’re relying, I suppose, on your own people and the surrounding locality for support, and we hope they do just that,” Maria added.
Further information is available from www.facebook.com/ Ballylongford-Oyster-Festival-317902788254724/, with information on sought-after buffet tickets from Jose Deenihan at (086) 358 1800.