The Pulling Power of Knocknagoshel’s Harvest Festival

Basking in the fine weather outside Teach de Róiste during last year’s Knocknagoshel Horse Fair were: Noreen Long (left) Josie and Kate Kelleher, Joe Long, Larry Hickey, Jack O’Connell, Neil Hickey, Conor and Juliette Kelleher and Phil Hickey. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-8-2016

At the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair were from left: Rebecca Cronin, Cork; Lucy O’Regan, Knocknagoshel; Damien McMahon, Falls Road, Belfast; Abbie Jones and Amy Duncan, Knocknagoshel. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Local girls, Orla Duncan (left) Lisa Curtin-Farrelly, Kayleigh Duncan and Tara O’Shea enjoying the atmosphere at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Adrian Scott and Rose Byrne, Tralee enjoying their day out at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Local man, Anthony McAuliffe and his pony were a great attraction for: Niamh, Shannon and Clodagh Collins, Ella and Hazel Murphy at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Burying the Hatchet: Locals, Gerard Kelliher (left) and Maurice ‘Sir John’ Cotter having a bit of fun at last year’s annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-8-2016

Taking it easy on the Parnell Plinth during the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. Helena, Jules, Davin and Danny O’Mahony with Mary Donegan. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Thomas Harrington from Causeway taking a tip on his mobile at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Locals and visitors enjoying the weather and the fair day atmosphere at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. From left: Jerry Brosnan, Knocknagoshel; Pat O’Keeffe, Abbeyfeale; Dave Carroll, Ballyduff; Noma Gabe O’Connor, Asdee; Paddy McAuliffe, Brosna and Luke Keane, Knocknagoshel. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Pádraig Collins getting a better view from dad, Patrick’s shoulders at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Katelyn Daly-Griffin, Hayley and Abbey McElligott with Geraldine Griffin, Knocknagoshel at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

For the day that’s in it: An old building brightened up in Knocknagoshel village. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Emma Kelliher, Templeglantine (left) and Kaz Somers, Knocknagoshel pictured at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Dave Carroll, Ballyduff pictured at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

John Power, Knocknagoshel (left) and Damien Gleasure, Kilflynn with ‘Buckaroo’ at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Helena O’Mahony pictured with her local young friends, Joseph Curtin, Alice and Emily O’Keeffe at the annual Knocknagoshel Horse Fair. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Knocknagoshel’s Harvest Festival has drawn to a close and yet again it was a huge success with large crowds attending all the events and they were enjoyed by all.

It kicked off on Thursday, August 11^th. with the long running tiny tots races in the village.

By Kieran McAuliffe

Prior to these, family members of the late Tom Greaney were presented with a plaque in Tom’s memory for all the years he was helping out with the pattern and behind the microphone at every event.

This was followed by the bonny baby competition which was won by Della Healy and the glamorous granny competitions was won by Dolly Mangan.

All Star Mr. and Mrs.

Friday night we saw the first year of All Star Mr and Mrs hosted by Timmy Moynihan of Radio Kerry at Moynihan’s Bar. A large crowd attended and the feedback was excellent from all who attended. The winners of All Star Mr and Mrs for 2016 was Mr. Moynihan’s cousin, Denny Reidy and his wife Sigita.

The lucky winners received a night away in the International Hotel in Killarney along with some more lovely prizes. Thanks to all the couples who took part and a huge thank you to all who sponsored spot prizes for the night. This event is sure to be back next year.

On Saturday we had the 5k followed by the dog show with prizes given to many well groomed dogs. Later on Saturday evening we had the fancy dress with all the kids going to lots of effort to win prizes.

Donkey Derby

Saturday night the bets were on at the Donkey Derby and was well attended special thanks to those who purchased donkeys and who sponsored the six races. On Sunday from midday we had a great day at the family fun day with football blitz followed by bouncing castles and bubble soccer which were enjoyed by all.

Sunday night we had the 2016 Female Ferim Factor which was cancelled half way through due to one of the girls taking part getting a minor injury while doing the tasks on the street.

To be fair to all the girls it was decided to call the event off.

On Monday we had the Pattern Day and that evening the pattern sports took place which saw a large crowd attend.

Knocknagoshel Horse Fair

On Tuesday was the 2016 Knocknagoshel Horse Fair which was a great day for old friends to meet and have a chat and spot a good bargain.

We hope you all enjoyed the festival do check out the festival facebook page for lots of videos and pictures and results.

Special thanks to all who supported the burger hut and to all the volunteers who worked very hard to raise money for the GAA club.

The festival would not be possible without you for a full list of the sponsors please check out facebook.

Special thanks to the committee of: Noel Brosnan, Kathleen Curtin, Liam Bell, Dan Neligan, Anna Marie Curtin, Der Keane, and Shane and Steven O’Connell and all who gave their time to make the festival a success. They were many more who helped out at various parts of the week and we thank you for your support.

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