Castlemaine Events Committee will host Castlemaine Fair Day on Sunday October 16th in memory of the late John O’Donoghue.
The location of the sheep fair will be in Griffin’s Car Park and it will get underway from 10am.
A very successful revival of the old fair day in Castlemaine in 2021 saw blue skies galore, huge crowds gather and over €40,000 raised from the event.
Based on the success of the revival, the decision was taken to make it an annual event which will not only raise invaluable funds for the wonderful services which Kerry Hospice offers but it is also a means of keeping John’s memory alive for both his family and friends.
Proceeds to Kerry Hospice
All proceeds will once again be in aid of Kerry Hospice for the 2022 staging.
There will be an auction on the day like last year where the donation of animals is most welcome. Funds raised from the auction will go towards The Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry who provide exemplary care and attention to their patients. A raffle with some wonderful spot prizes on offer courtesy of sponsorship, bucket collections and kids’ entertainment will also be in operation throughout the day.
As an addition to this year’s event there will be a pet show in the afternoon.
John’s Love of Attending Fairs
John O’Donoghue, who was known all over resided in the heart of Castlemaine Village and was born on January 21st1965 which ironically happened to coincide with a staging of the old Castlemaine Fair Day.
“It felt appropriate to mark John’s lifetime love of attending fairs and being an integral part of the
farming community by bringing back the old fair day in his honour and with it a celebration of old traditions, customs and beliefs in the locality,” said Castlemaine Events Committee spokesman Dara O’Connor.
Died out in the ’90s
Speaking about the event, John’s daughter Cathy said that the fair day was an annual event in Castlemaine, but it died out in the 90s.
“This event is very important to us all as it keeps my father’s memory alive as we approach his third anniversary in January 2023,” she said.
“John was known by many and particularly for his work ethic, humour, and honesty. When people mention any dealings, they had with him, it is always with a smile on their face, and they will all tell you that it was always a good deal they had with him.
Keeping Up Traditions
“John loved to attend the fair days throughout the county and was well known as the custom of attending the fairs was passed onto John from his father Denis.
“Attending the fairs was not only enjoyable but also important to my father as he liked to keep up traditions.
“You would always be sure to get a bit of traditional luck back in the form of change from my father too with a deal.
“I, along with his good friend Pat O’Keeffe, felt a fair day was a lovely way to celebrate John’s life whilst also raising money for Kerry Hospice due to his passion for farming and his love of a fair day.
A Life Cut Short
“It was a huge shock to John, his family, and friends when he was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in May 2019. His life was cut short as seven months later he died in the Palliative Care Unit on the 13th of January 2020.
“Almost everyone has been affected by cancer in some way or another and are familiar with the Kerry Hospice in UHK. The care and support provided from the palliative care team was so amazing that it feels very right to give something back and I hope that we can raise as much money as possible on the day for such a wonderful service here in the heart of Kerry.
Great Team in a Small Village
“It is great to have the Castlemaine Events Committee on board to help with the planning of the event. We are very lucky to have such a team in a small village.
“The support from the farming community and local community is truly heart-warming and the community spirit is magnificent,” said Cathy in conclusion.
“All queries surrounding Castlemaine Fair Day can be directed to Castlemaine Events Committee by contacting 087 2549116 and further information is also available on the committee’s Facebook page.
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