Gardaí say they will turn people away if they come to Cahirmee
GARDAÍ have reiterated their call for people not to travel to Buttevant for the annual Cahirmee Horse Fair on July 12, warning that anyone who does attempt to come to the event will be turned away.
One of Ireland’s oldest horse fairs, with a with a lineage stretching back to the days of Brian Boru, Cahirmee steeped in history and attracts thousands of visitors each year to the North Cork town – all eager to take in the sights, sounds and smells and, if they are lucky, grab an equine bargain or two.
However, for the first time in its long history the event will not go ahead this year over concerns that it could pose a serious risk to public health in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
While phase three of the Government’s roadmap for re-opening the country does allow for outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people, the huge crowds that traditionally attend Cahirmee each year would far exceed that number.
The former Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Ian Doyle, said a unique aspect of the fair is that is that it has no organising committee, something he said could potentially pose a problem in getting the message out there that this year event will not be going ahead.
“This is primarily horse fair and I think that those involved in the equine and agricultural sectors will understand the concerns surrounding the Coronavirus and would have already had it in their minds this years fair will not be going ahead,” said Cllr Doyle.
However, there are concerns that some traders and members of the public might disregard advice and turn up for the event anyway.
A Garda spokesperson said they will be monitoring the situation closely in the days leading up to July 12, warning that anyone who does attempt to come to the fair will be turned away.
“While we have posted a video on social media telling people the fair will not be going ahead this year, we will not know if people still intend to turn up until closer to the date,” said the spokesperson.
“There will be a Garda operation in place in the Buttevant area. We have the option to implement Government Covid-19 regulations and if necessary will do so. Our message to people is that if they do attempt to turn up for the fair they will be turned away.”
In the aforementioned video East Cork Traveller co-ordinator TJ Hogan repeated the message that the fair would not be going ahead this year.
“I am urging the public at this time to stay at home and stay safe,” said Mr Hogan.