The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
SUMMER EVENTS BEGIN TO FALL VICTIM TO CORONAVIRUS
THIS coming weekend West Kerry was due to host Féile na Bealtaine, the arts festival that typically launched the summer. However, the committee announced the cancellation of the event in midMarch and it now looks increasingly likely that it will be the first of many events to be hit by the coronavirus emergency.
Last week the West Kerry Show Committee announced the cancellation of this year’s event, which was due to take place on July 19. The decision was made on the advice of the Irish Shows Association, the national organisation representing agricultural shows in Ireland.
The Tom Crean Endurance race has been cancelled for this year and all entries have been transferred to June 26 of next year when the event is due to be held again.
Other summer events have been put off to later in this year, and the rescheduling poses a particular difficulty in West Kerry where – in normal times – the summer calendar of events is so busy that it’s difficult to find a free weekend. That problem appears to be affecting the ‘Ride Dingle’ race which has now been fixed to run on the first day of the Dingle Regatta on August 15.
Other events that have already been rescheduled include the Dingle Adventure Race which has now been moved to September 19 and the Hardman Dingle Triathlon is now rescheduled for September 12.
The Dingle Marathon is still scheduled to be held as normal on September 5.
Meanwhile, as the coronavirus lockdown continues with no end in sight doubt hangs over many other summer events in Dingle. These include the Maharees Regatta which is due to host the All-Ireland Naomhóg Rowing Championships and organisers are expected to making a decision in the coming weeks on the timing of the event.
In Dingle no decision has yet been made about the regatta, which is normally held in mid August. However, the coronavirus lockdown means the naomhóg rowing club will not be starting training for the forseeable future, according to Maunza Heidtke.
Contrary to rumours that have appeared on social media, Dingle Races have not been cancelled and the Race Committee is determind to go ahead with this year’s meeting even if that means postponing the races to a later date.
“There is a great history attached to Dingle Races and we will do everything possible to run them and keep the tradition going. Ideally we would hold the races in August but if necessary we could hold the meeting in September or October and possibly with a reduced card,” said Race Committee Chairman Colm Sayers.
However, all this depends on how long the coronavirus restrictions remain in place and whether or not horse owners decide to abandon the season and put their animals out to grass.
“We won’t be breaking any laws or bringing people into Dingle if it’s not the right thing to do at the time,” said Colm