Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival Up and Running

At Hungry Ed's Corner during last year's fair were: Tom O'Regan, Knocknagoshel (left) with: Billy McKenna, Lyreacrompane; John O'Donoghue and John 'Sir John' Cotter, Knocknagoshel. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-8-2014 — At Hungry Ed’s Corner during last year’s fair were: Tom O’Regan, Knocknagoshel (left) with: Billy McKenna, Lyreacrompane; John O’Donoghue and John ‘Sir John’ Cotter, Knocknagoshel. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-8-2014

The Mall festival gets underway with a 5K Run / walk this evening at 7pm.

Oldest Surviving Athletics Meeting in Ireland on Pattern Day

“Knocknagoshel parish is dedicated to Our Lady and consequently the Feast of the Asssumption on the 15th August is Pattern Day in the historic village on top of the hill.
The Pattern has a long standing tradition as one of the oldest and most celebrated parish festivals in Kerry,” said festival PRO, Michael Murphy.

Heart of the Festival

“The Pattern Sports meeting remains at the heart of the festival which has grown in size to cater for young and old from the parish and surrounding villages and towns. Knocknagoshel Pattern Day Open Sports will be held on 15th August at 4pm in Willie Walsh Memorial GAA Club grounds.

Oldest Athletics Meeting

“There are over 35 races scheduled for the day in one of Ireland’s oldest surviving athletics meetings.There will be races for all ages from

under four and right up to a veteran category.

Knocknagoshel Horse Fair made its first ever appearance on the village streets in 2012 and became a great hit. At the history making event were: Chris McCrohan, Amy Duncan and Tara O'Shea, Knocknagoshel and Catherine Somers, Lyreacrompane with Lucy O'Regan, Lyreacrompane on 'Billy' in the background. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-8-2012 — Knocknagoshel Horse Fair made its first ever appearance on the village streets in 2012 and became a great hit. At the history making event were: Chris McCrohan, Amy Duncan and Tara O’Shea, Knocknagoshel and Catherine Somers, Lyreacrompane with Lucy O’Regan, Lyreacrompane on ‘Billy’ in the background. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-8-2012

“Feedback from the participants is that the meeting provides excellent preparation for the National Community Games finals – which normally take place on the weekend following the Knocknagoshel event.

“The programme of events kick off with a 5k run, jog or walk from the village at 7pm on this Friday evening August 7th and will see a packed programme run over the two weekends.
The committee would like to thank the local businesses who provide sponsorship for the festival,” Michael concluded.

Horse Fair on August 16

Devotees of the now annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair will have their fill on Sunday, August 16 when the event will appear on the street of the village from early morning. The day will also see a raft of side shows and stalls and there will be a car boot sale in Walsh’s Field and all the fun of the fair.

Details on Facebook
Festival details of all events with photographs can be found on the Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival facebook page.
For a taster of the fair which was initiated in 2002 in the village have a look and a short clip from The Maine Valley Post archive from last year’s event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BOavcn8UVI

Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival Programme2015;

Friday 7th August: 5K Fun Run @7p.m. in the village

Saturday 8th August: Fancy Dress @6p.m. from Community Centre

Donkey Derby Night @9p.m. in Walsh’s Bar

Sunday 9th August

Simon Keane Memorial Under 8 and Under 10 Football Blitz @12p.m. in G.A.A. field

Pool Tournament @7.30p.m. in Moynihan’s Bar

Friday 14th August

Tiny Tots @7p.m. followed by Glamorous Granny and Bonny Baby

Female Feirm Factor @9p.m. in Roche’s Bar

Saturday 15th August

Dog Show @1p.m. in Walsh’s field