Castlemaine Fair Day Revival An Outstanding Success

Denny Cronin, Maherees (left) and Joe Kearney, Castleisland pictured at the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Son and father, Ben and Benny Clifford from Keel minding their sheep at the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The Casey’s from Castlecove, Kayleigh (left) with Martina and Bernadette at the revived Castlemaine Fair which was held in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The horse trading took place in this leafy glade on the Keel road at the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Mary Murphy, Milltown pictured with the Wild Colonial Boy himself at the revived Castleisland Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Jockey to the Fair: Liam Harry Coffey Dag on Clare making their way to the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

There was something in the air for this ram at the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

At the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday were: Martin Ashe, Keel (left) with Jennifer O’Sullivan, Killorglin, Lawrence O’Connor, Castlegregory, Michael O’Sullivan, Killorglin and Denny Cronin, Maherees. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Eileen Courtney, Castlemaine (left) and Mairéad Curran Ballymacelligott pictured at Sunday’s revived Castlemaine Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Seán Dennehy, Listry (left) pictured with Donal and Dan Murphy, Milltown at the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

John Langton (left) from Co. Laois with Fred O’Sullivan from Firies at the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Keel native, Castleisland resident Cathleen Reidy stopping by the Wild Colonial Boy monument on her way to the revived Castlemaine Fair on Sunday. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Castlemaine Events Committee hosted the revival of Castlemaine Fair Day on Sunday, October 10th in memory of the late John O’Donoghue.

The location was in Griffin’s Car Park, Castlemaine and it was a terrific success with the splendid sunshine drawing people from near and far to the event.

“There was plenty of entertainment on the day outside of the fair itself including an auction, Kids Corner, live music and a raffle to name but a few,” said committee spokesman, Dara O’Connor.

Proceeds to Palliative Care Unit

“Currently the amount raised for Kerry Hospice from the proceeds of the fair day stands at nearly €30,000 with an official announcement and the cheque presentation to come in the near future,” he added.

“The auction which was held on the day contributed €7,000 of this total which was fantastic and seen donations of lambs, foals, donkeys, timber, coal, gates etc all in aid of the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry.

Public Generosity

“All the committee members wish to sincerely thank the public for their generosity in supporting the event in John’s memory which we hope can now become an annual event.

“Special mention also to everyone who helped out in anyway towards the safe running of the event.

“There are too many to name but without a doubt the community spirit was there to be seen in abundance in preparing for the fair and also for the clean-up operation after.

“Castlemaine Events Committee members are so very grateful for all the efforts involved,” said Dara in conclusion.

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