The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
A traditional festival with a modern touch
ONE thing that every traditional festival needs is a new generation to carry it forward which is precisely what the Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival can boast of. A creative and innovative committee, with a respect for tradition, is the cornerstone of what makes this festival an annual hit for people in Knocknagoshel and its surrounding areas.
A sample of this year’s schedule includes popular comedian Bernard Casey in O’Connor’s Bar; a rather unique Donkey Derby Event in Walsh’s Bar; the ever popular Tiny Tots Racing in the village; a family fun day; horse fair, a 5k run, while returning this year is the hugely entertaining ‘All Star Mr & Mrs’ event in Moynihan’s Bar. There’s really something for everyone, and for more details check out the Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival Facebook page for updates.
The Chairperson of the 2018 festival is Dan Roche, who is proud of the fact this is now one of oldest parish festivals in Kerry. It’s run as a fundraiser for the local GAA club, but it’s also a festival that belongs to the people of the parish in every respect. Traditionally, it was a popular sporting event, but this has since evolved to incorporate family events and entertainment.
“This is a festival that caters for young and old and it evolves around Pattern Day, which is traditionally an important date in the parish’s calendar,” Dan said.
“I grew up listening to stories from my grandfather and father about the great races between competitors from all across Munster. It’s important to keep this tradition going now more than ever due to migration and people moving away from the area to find work. Creating an important focal point for the community matters.”
August 15 and Pattern Day is at the heart of the festival, and an idea of just how long this festival is going is noted in the following extract from The Kerryman of August 10, 1940: ‘The Knocknagoshel Annual Sports Day has a very old tradition having commenced some 100 years ago in the nature of Pattern Day. The promoters of this two-day carnival have left no stone unturned to make the venture a huge success.’
Dan added that the festival now provides an opportunity for people from the parish to return home for a few days from places like England, Australia and the US. It gives them a chance to link their holiday with the Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival, which tells you all you need to know about its place in the hearts and minds of locals.
“We have that lovely blend of young and old and it’s great to see the younger people of the parish aware and mindful of the festival’s tradition. After all, these are the people who will carry on the tradition in the years to come.”
Dan concluded: “It takes a lot of time and effort organising the festival and we’re very lucky to have such a hardworking and dedicated festival committee, we are constantly looking for people with fresh ideas to get involved each year. The local businesses have again been fantastic to us and I would like to sincerely thank each one of them for their continued support. We are all extremely proud of the festival. To continue the tradition of this event in order to preserve the values of the festival for future generations is very important to us.”
For more on events, times and venues check out the Knocknagoshel Harvest Facebook page.