GLANFEST 2023 “OFF THE CHARTS”
Glanfest 2023 proved a huge success for the Harbour village, as the sun graced the banks of the River Funcheon for a weekend of sport, music, comedy and general craic! Kicking off on Thursday evening with bingo, the excitement was “off the charts!”
Glanworth GAA PRO James Sheehan, speaking on behalf of the club, said they were delighted with the response and support for the weekend’s festivities.
“Wow, wow, wow. What a weekend we had! The site was thronged every day, and the buzz and excitement was off the charts”. As there “wasn’t room to swing a cat” at Thursday’s bingo with the full show of support, it was a sign of the weekend to come.
Friday evening saw GAA stars Briege Corkery, John Mullane and Donal Óg Cusack having a chat, proving so enjoyable that it went some bit over time, ending with a standing ovation from a delighted crowd. Following this was a raffle, and a very special performance from players both past and present. No word - yet - of any agents signing the performers up, but surely it will only be a matter of time.
OWENIE MCAULIFFE 7S
Saturday, and the Ownie McAullife 7s started the day. “Massive” thanks were extended to Croom, Kildorrery, Ballylanders and Kilworth for supporting Glanfest, and putting on some great matches.
The finals were contested by Glanworth v Kildorrery in the men’s, and Kilworth v Glanworth in the ladies. After a tight first half, three goals in the second half was enough for Glanworth to win the men’s title, and it was Kilworth who took the honours after another tight battle in the women’s.
That night on the big screen was Limerick vs Clare, and the atmosphere was electric as Clare took a famous victory. Later that night, ‘The Fogues’ took centre stage for an amazing night. Never disappointing, once again the local band gave a night to remember, proving that they really are going places.
FUN DAY
Along came Sunday, and the Family Fun Day opened proceeding alongside the market stalls on site.
“When I arrived that morning, I couldn’t believe the crowds that had arrived that early,” said Mr Sheehan. “There was so much choice at the stalls it took us quite some time to look at them all. For the kids, they were having a ball with so much to do, including bouncy castles, a photo booth, and games like Connect Four, etc. A huge credit to all involved.”
At 1pm, it was the game for James Meaney, with Glanworth against Mitchelstown Rugby: “It was so much fun to watch; James would have loved it all, and we miss him everyday.”
Following this was the ‘Mothers and Others’, where three games took place. Extending their thanks to Kilshannig, Watergrasshill, Ballylanders and Grenagh for their support, organisers reported that “great games took place, and the crowds watching on were mightily entertained.”
At 4pm on Sunday it was time to get in front of the big screen once again, and this time it was for Cork v Waterford. A one-sided affair, Cork fans were left very happy. Following this, it was time for music from Kevin O’Brien, and then Deuces Wild.
“I thought last year’s Sunday night wouldn’t be topped. Well, I was wrong! The weekend was finished with a bang, and another night to remember, and that was Glanfest 2023.”
“There are so many people to thank, but I know if I start naming them I will miss someone out so I won’t. However there is one man that has to be named - we are so lucky to have Stephen Dunne as the leader of the ship. This is the second year of Glanfest, and already it is becoming a must-attend weekend and Stephen has been to the forefront of this. He can be so proud of what he has done.”
“Now I want to thank every volunteer who put their shoulder to the wheel, so to speak, and made this weekend what it was. It just simply isn’t possible to pull this off without the huge support so thank you. Even on Monday, there was over 20 people at the grounds cleaning up the site. And finally to everyone who came through the gates over the weekend, thank you for supporting us. We are so grateful and we can wait to see you again in 2024!”