Glanfest 24 a roaring success

What a weekend that was! From where we started a few years ago to now we have come a long way but it wouldn’t be possible without the mighty effort from all the volunteers and the massive support of the public. This year’s edition was the best yet and will be talked about for times to come.

It started with the bingo on Thursday night which once again was greatly supported and keenly contested. On to Friday and it was the grassroots talk show with Rena Buckley, Johnny Pilkington and Liam Sheedy in Ballindangan Hall. The hall was packed and everyone in attendance got their money’s worth. There were many memorable moments including Rena’s beautiful tribute to Eamonn Ryan, Johnny’s stories about battles with Cork in the 90s and early noughties and Liam’s advice to our club players for the year ahead. A massive thank you to Rena, Johnny and Liam for giving up their time to be with us and we couldn’t be more grateful.

On to Saturday and in the morning and afternoon it was the Owenie McAuliffe sevens and once again it was a great success. There were great battles and great fun. A huge thank you to all the teams who travelled to take part. We hope ye enjoyed your visit and will come back again!

GLANWORTH WAS ROCKING

Saturday night the live music was The 3 Buachaillí, The Fógues and The Riff Shop. It was an amazing night as these three brilliant acts had Glanworth rocking. The place was thronged and it was wonderful to see such a buzz around the place. On Sunday the clouds were clear, the sun was out and with so much on a good crowd was expected, but the volume that arrived surpassed our expectations. It was thronged. From the Farmers Market, Mothers and Others, James Meaney Memorial match and the Family Fun Day, there was plenty of entertainment. There were plenty of smiles and plenty of ice cream to be had too!

For Sunday night’s entertainment we started with something new. Daniel Lukas and Cornelius Patrick O’Sullivan, two brilliant comedians, took to the stage. They had the crowd in stitches all throughout. Highly entertaining with very bright futures ahead of them. They are certainly ones to look out for. Next up was the one and only Mundy. He put on a brilliant show and the crowd showed their appreciation throughout. They certainly won’t forget his performance, that is for sure. The final act were Deuces Wild and once again they put on an amazing show. They never disappoint and it was a great way to finish the festival. So that is Glanfest 2024 in the books.

WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS

There are so many people to thank but I know if I start naming them I will miss someone out so I won’t, but 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 third year of Glanfest and it is going from strength to strength 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 were 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. You make the festival what it is. We are so grateful. Please spread the word and we will see you again in 2025!

JUNIOR A HURLING DIVISION ONE HURLING LEAGUE Shanballymore 1-9 Harbour Rovers 0-20

Our hurlers recorded their second win of the campaign last week defeating our neighbours Shanballymore in Shanballymore. A lot of the damage I thought was done in the first half as at one stage we led by seven points. We had scores from Harvey McGrath, Aaron Noonan, Jamie Fogarty (2), Diarmuid O’Brien, Emmett Sheehan and Podge Hannon (5) to lead at the break 0-11 to 0-5.

They started the second half with a goal straight away and it looked like we were going to be in a battle but we responded strongly with a point right away from Diarmuid O’Brien. They were then reduced to 14 men and this seemed to kill any momentum they had. Podge pointed the resulting free and added another point a few minutes later. Any hope of a resurgence from them was ended when they went down to 13 men for a second yellow and Podge pointed the resulting free to put us six ahead with twenty to go. We would get another five points in a row from Pa Roche (2), Michael Blackburne, Diarmuid O’Brien and Podge Hannon to go eleven clear with five to go. Shanballymore rallied and got the last three points of the game to leave it at the end 1-9 to 0-20. A good win and a good confidence boost. Well done to all involved.

Team: Brian Gallagher, Bart O’Keeffe, Eric O’Donoghue, Philip Blackburne, Jamie Fogarty, Thomas Condon, John Landers, Peter Condon, Diarmuid O’Brien, Emmett Sheehan, Podge Hannon, Marc Moloney, Ricky O’Donoghue, Scott Sheehan and Aaron Noonan. Subs: Harvey McGrath, Pa Roche, Davy Campion, Michael

Blackburne, Shane Mullins and John Gallagher.

FIXTURES

Division 4 Football League vs Glanmire in Glanmire at 7:30pm Thursday 9th. Division 2 Football League vs Clyda Rovers in Mourneabbey at 7:30pm Sunday 12th. Fixtures subject to change.