DUNCORMICK DAY OUT IS A HUGE HIT
IT WAS A FEAST for the senses in Duncormick recently as the inaugural Duncormick Harvest Festival got in full swing.
The day of festivities aimed to celebrate the work of local farmers and everyone in the community certainly reaped the rewards. From craft demos to games and everything in between, there was something to keep everyone occupied on the day.
Following the official launch from the Forge Music Stage, the Harvest Games were able to begin. Teams battled it out in a series of challenges including soap box and agricultural tasks in an effort to be crowned Harvest Game Champions. Proud winners on the day were St Anne’s GAA Club, who took home the John Sinnott Cup.
A serious of novelty games hosted by the Rathangan Athletics club also attracted a good crowd, with people of all ages eager to get in on the action. Competitors threw themselves full throttle into welly-throwing contest, three-legged race, egg and spoon race and the sack race, which added a touch of nostalgia to the new festival.
The pace was taken down a notch for the musical feast, which allowed everyone to kick back and enjoy some tunes from local artists. Musicians and bands from all walks of musical life were in the spotlight, including The Drinagh Mummers, who proved to be a great attraction. With musicians spanning three generations, the feast demonstrated the rich and developing musical tradition that exists in the county.
Over at The Barracks, an all-day screening of short films celebrated the rich heritage of the locality. Videos by Ultan Cowley and Brian O’Driscoll gave audiences a glimpse into days gone by. Visitors also had a chance to get an insider’s look into traditional crafts and skills at hot shoeing, shoe-making and weaving demonstrations on site. Throughout the day, a threshing demonstration at Cullen’s Haggard drew huge crowds interested in watching the Rochford brothers run through the process.
A skittles tournament, children’s art and drama workshops, archery, a river walk and a bale maze were just some of the other activities that people could get involved in, with local buskers dotted around the site providing some background music.
The wide array of activities was sure to stir up an appetite and guests were spoiled for choice as the Harvest Food Market on Main Street showcased and sold locally-sourced and prepared artisan foods. Tables brimming with freshly picked apples and crusty white loaves were among the treats on offer.
The lunchtime dining prepared the palette for one of the main events: the Harvest Evening Feast. Beginning with a harvest thanksgiving prayer, it brought people together to enjoy a huge feast prepared by Rich Doyle and Sons and Chef Alice Breen and team.
‘What a wonderful day it was for the people of Duncormick, one we aren’t likely to forget anytime soon,’ said Clara Murphy from the organising committee.