Because this year’s Fair is a landmark event, every effort is being made to mark the occasion with new, bigger and more exciting events.
As usual, the programme starts on the Friday evening with the official opening and then the Introduction of the Queens there were 16 last year. Judging will take place over the Friday and Saturday, and will be carried out, once more, by representatives of the Celtic Talent Model Agency.
On Saturday 30th August, there will be a Medieval Afternoon in the Castle Inch. The setting of the Castle and the Inch, on an island in the Suir, is very dramatic and makes a perfect backdrop for the Historical Re-enactments, Battles, Demonstrations of Crafts of the Period, Archery Display and Traditional Music which will be provided. Visitors are promised a Time-trip of a Lifetime. (Hopefully, some members of the public will be persuaded into period costume, too).
One of the fun events which takes place this weekend is the Great Duck Race, when a flotilla of ducks is released up-river, the first one making it to the Bridge being the winner. They are all numbered, and the Draw for a Duck takes place on Saturday, with the names being posted so that the lucky owners know they have a runner.
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Celtic Storm, a dance troupe whose members are drawn from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, are reappearing by public demand. They were a wow last year, with people saying that they had never expected to see a show like that in Cahir. They will be followed on stage by a Top Band for the last two years it has been 5th Avenue who will pick the Cahir Princess. The action in The Square ends at 10:30pm each night, so that the crowds can adjourn to their favourite pubs and clubs, which will be organising special in-house entertainment of their own. |
Which brings us to Sunday, and another big day. It kicks off with local bands playing in The Square from 12noon to 2pm. Music is provided all day here, but the main action moves down to the Castle Inch again, where the Funday Sunday begins at 1pm.
This is a community fundraising event, with local groups putting on Games, Competitions, Stalls, Teas, a Bar-B-Q, a Bouncy Castle, Donkey and Pony Rides, a Fun Dog Show and more.
Last year there was a Goat Plot that’s a smaller version of a Bull Plot! and there are still many events to be decided upon. There is free entry to the Funday, so that people can come and go as they wish going up to the Funfair or to see the Parade, perhaps.
While all this is going on, the Parade through the town takes place, ending in The Square. There will be at least five Marching Bands, an Industrial Section, Floats, Boats, Fancy Dress and last, and most important, the Queens.
It is hoped to have many past Queens present for this 25th celebration of the Fair of Cahir, which should be a lot of fun. It is lucky that the very first Queen is still living here. And still looking great.
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In the early evening the Crazy Boat Race takes place, preceded by the Great Duck Race. Entrants are encouraged to put their boats on floats in the Parade too, and there is a special prize for the Best Boat Float. This must surely be the single most popular event of the weekend, and this year it is being organised by and for Cahir River Rescue, which will benefit from all the entry fees. Things in the Castle Inch wind up at about 6 o’clock, and then all eyes are on the entertainment provided in The Square. |
The weekend will be brought to a close at 10:30pm on Sunday with a Grand Firework Display.
But that’s not all. There are events going on throughout the weekend, such as the Funfair and an Exhibition called The Fair of Cahir meets Scarborough Fair, celebrating the 25th Fair as well as the Twinning of Cahir with Scarborough (which takes place on 4th September) in the Craft Granary. Also a Quiz, a Shop Window Competition and Craft Stalls on Saturday and Sunday in The Square.
Mention must be made of the long-standing and continuing support of the Fair of Cahir by Guinness. It is sometimes overlooked that Guinness supplies a lot of back-up in the way of signage, as well as much-needed sponsorship, for which the Committee is very grateful.
This is a celebration which has always been rooted in the locality. The organisers provide the best possible entertainment while involving as many members of the community as possible. Don’t come to Cahir if what you want is a Mardi Gras. What you will get is a real Irish country welcome and a lot of fun.
Watch this space for updates as bookings are confirmed. But the organisers will keep some surprises up their sleeves, too.
