Tradition for Tubbercurry
VOLUNTEERS PRAISED AT OLD FAIR DAY FESTIVAL LAUNCH
BRAZIL and tubbercurry - not two places that you would put together but just days ago the locations were announced side by side in world wide guide to the best festivals.
The Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival was chosen as top 14 th festival to visit in the world by Canada’s largest travel agency Flight Network.
Spokeswoman and committee member Marie Brouder shared the exciting news at the launch of the Old Fair Day Festival in Murphy’s Hotel last Thursday night.“It is an honour to be mentioned alongside festivals from Brazil, US, UK, Germany and Spain and reflects the international appeal of the event,” she said.
The award set the scene for the packed launch which was a chance to showcase all that the Fair has done for South Sligo. Newly elected Chairman of Ballymote Tubbercurry Municipal District Jerry Lundy officially launched the Festival pointing out that the tradition in his home town spans 220 years.
“It is a particular honour for me that one of my first duties as chairman is to formally launch our local festival,” he said. “This is now one of the most popular and successful fairs in the entire country. It is completley free of charge and always a festive occasion, a chance for the community to come together to celebrate with something for everyone.”
And this year’s line-up really does cater to all tastes. Festival Chairman Sean McDonagh said: “Our 32nd festival opens on Saturday 5 th August with a Teddy Bear picnic in the Forest Walk for the kids while Sunday 6 th sees Surlil’s SuperValu sponsored Family Fun day with foot tasting, face-painting, a tractor pull, bouncy castles, a Coderdojo workshop and a fancy dress competition. The Chamber of Commerce will host a pride of place display on Tuesday 8th while the Fair Day will close the festival on Wednesday 10 th with more than 40 heritage and craft exhibits.”
Given Sligo was named as European Capital of Volunteering for 2017, it was only fitting that the hundreds of volunteers and the organising committee in particular got a very special mention.
Sligo County Council CEO Ciaran Hayes said:”I am conscious that the work of the few brings benefits to so many,” while Cllr Jerry Lundy said: “I would like to pay a public tribute to the many dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen.” Chairman Sean McDonagh also stressed: “The planning that goes into this is phenomenal, a real community effort.”
Businessman Gearoid Surlis of Supervalu summed up: “In our busy lives, the Festival allows us the time to sit down and have a cup of tea and a chat, to look back, to meet up with old friends, such a simple thing but it means so much. What the committee gives back to the community, you just can not put a price on it.”