A great atmosphere was created at last year’s ‘Fair in the Square’ when Tony Flynn started the first ever road race in Kilworth. The runners enjoyed great support from those in the square and indeed along the route, many homes along the route set up water tables and helped cheer on the runners and walkers, music was played as well to help with the fun.

149 runners took on the challenge last year and we extend our gratitude to all them, both the more experienced, the beginners and of course the walkers we hope you enjoyed the run (if not the hill!) and that you will take part again this year.

Karen Tobin has set up a meet and train group again this year, this is a fabulous opportunity for people to get together and learn the skills of running and increase their fitness. The Festival Committee would like to say thank you to Karen for her commitment to the festival and to Noel and Finbar who are working hard to make this an even greater race. In advance we also want to thank our race stewards for the great work they will do.

To improve the quality of the race and the runners’ experience, we have introduced ‘Chip Timing’, this will ensure accurate race timing and each runner will receive a text telling them their time etc. The race is accurately measured by Jones Counter.

Amber Oil service station has generously sponsored this race and the village of Kilworth is very grateful to Dave and his team in helping us create such a professional race.

Each runner will receive on-course water as well as finish-line refreshment, and of course the coveted Kilworth festival medal which will be awarded to everyone who participates (medals sponsored by Finbar McCarthy). Prizes for men’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd; Ladies 1st, 2nd, 3rd; Mens over 40s, 50s, 60s and ladies over 40s, 50s, 60s plus spot prizes (sponsored by Collins O’Brien Fermoy). Rejuvenate Fitness has also sponsored vouchers for the race!

There is still time to register on www.racedates.ie or on the day from 12.45pm. So take on the challenge and join the best 5km run with guaranteed atmosphere.

LIAM HOWARD’S CAR TREASURE HUNT CHALLENGE

Liam is again setting the clues for the car treasure hunt that will take place on the bank holiday Monday, August 5. This was a real tradition at the original festivals and proved great fun again last year. The time is earlier this year and clues can be collected at Cotter’s Bar between 5 and 5.30pm. The results will be announced and prizes awarded at Cotter’s later in the evening – €15 per car. So why not tax the brain and take on Liam’s challenge as well as supporting your village festival?

JOSEPH’S VILLAGE JUNIOR TREASURE HUNT

This was a great event last year with over 70 intrepid explorers racing around the village in the hunt for answers to a series of questions. Some questions were in Irish and all related to the village. It’s an opportunity for young people to learn a bit of the history as well as having fun. Meet at the old primary school at 3pm (age 8-13), so join in the fun exploring Kilworth. Kilworth’s older Scouts will help along the way so, thanks to them.

KILWORTH PUBS FESTIVAL FUN

Each of our village pubs have joined in the community support of the festival, each hosting various events in their bars, also each have generously sponsored other events. The festival committee are very grateful for this support as it has allowed us to raise the standard of the festival.

As a community, it is so important to support our sponsors so check out the many events in the local pubs and join in the fun – bands, DJs, quizes, card games and much more are organised as part of the festival week.

KILWORTH CLUBS

The community of Kilworth has a long history of sporting clubs and each club plays an important social role. They are the foundation for community life and each week volunteers gather in pitches, halls and courts to train, compete and most of all to bring people young and not so young together. This community spirit displayed weekly by clubs has of course spilled through to the festival with our many clubs putting on a week full of fun sporting events.

This first whistle will blow on Sunday (4th) with The Richard Clancy Cup. This soccer match between Kilworth Celtic and Accrington will be fun to watch (but very seriously taken by the players) and well worth a go see. Its a free match and laughs are guaranteed – the veterans will surely entertain. The winners – as well as receiving oxygen – will be presented with The Richard Clancy Cup by Kit Clancy in honour of her son, Richard.

Kilworth GAA Club have organised lots of matches for the week starting with the U12 Corbett Court Cup football and U16 Bill Magnier Cup hurling tournament  on Tuesday, August 6 at 7pm and an U8 and U10 Blitz in the GAA grounds at 7pm on Wednesday, August 7. Come along and support these young talented players where you may witness our future Cork players.

A football veteran match may also be played on Saturday 10th. This will be finalised later pending club fixtures. The festival committee would like to thank the GAA for the use of their pitch to facilitate the mini Olympics and to the GAA members who will help Mairead and Orla with this event.

SPORTS COMPLEX OPEN DAY

The Kilworth Sports Complex will again host an open day on Saturday, August 10. Everyone is welcome to come to the complex and watch and support the many challenge and exhibition matches taking place. You will also have the opportunity to meet club members and perhaps join this great sports facility. The complex is home to the tennis club, squash club, handball and pitch ‘n’ putt. This event is being timed alongside the mini Olympics and the sports complex will create a relaxing area for both visitors and the parents of the kids to enjoy refreshments and indulge in O’Crualaoi’s barbecue. O’Crualaoi’s are one of our sponsors, so don’t forget to acknowledge them and support a local business.

MINI OLYMPICS

The children of Kilworth and surrounding areas are in for a busy week at Kilworth Festival 2013. This year’s mini Olympics will be filled with the fun of last year and again each child will receive a ‘Cavanagh’s Achievement Award’, a Kilworth Festival medal and enjoy a burger, drinks and treat . Our thanks to Cavanagh’s of Fermoy for their continuous support and encouragement to the young kids of Kilworth. To register, call to Tony’s shop in the village and he will provide you with a registration form. Everyone must pre-register to ensure the safety and fun of all the children.

In case the small people feel left out, Keith of the ABC Academy, Kilworth is hosting a baby/toddler olympics. Age-appropriate games will take place, from a buggy dash to obstacle courses, boogie baby and much more – so hurry and book this fun event as numbers are limited, call 025-27001 or 087-6331782. Families can then head over to the mini Olympics and cheer on the contestants and enjoy a barbecue at the Sports Complex .

The Red Cross will be on hand on Saturday for the mini Olympics and on Sunday for the ‘Fair in the Square’ . We wish to thank the local Red Cross for their time and expertise . They will also be providing a Teddy Bear health check so bring along your teddies!

LAYA HEALTHCARE … KIDS FUN IN THE PARK

This year the park will open to young kids with lots of fun events to keep them entertained. Bring your teddy and enjoy the fun of the park. The Red Cross will be at hand to check out your teddy and may even perform an X-ray. Louise Howard will create a wonderful puppet show and Lynne Glascoe will hold story telling at different times in the day. Some characters will make appearances and give treats to the kids and of course they will marvel at the performers from the Cork Circus Company. Talented face painters will be there and kids can also join the art project in the square. It’s a fun afternoon and thanks to our sponsors, Laya Healthcare, for their support with ‘Fun in the Park’.

FAIR IN THE SQUARE

The Fair in the Square on Sunday, August 11 is a wonderful community even. It’s where the people of Kilworth come together and invite everyone to join them in a fun family day. Enjoy the tea party and the wonderful treats created by local bakers. The large table creates a real street party feel and perfect for those who wish to relax and soak up the atmosphere. The tea party has been generously sponsored by Mitchelstown Dental Practice. This year as part of our ‘Green Festival’ initiative , we will be using biodegradable cups and napkins. These Irish made products can be disposed of with food waste so are wonderfully kind to our environment.

Join us to support the runners, enjoy the street performers while listening to the sounds of the 80s with DJ and of course welcome on stage the Buachaill’s at 4.30pm. The Pub Challenge Tug of War will be great fun and will surely cause a few laughs. The photography exhibition will be open to view the wonderful moments captured by local photographers and of course O’Crualaoi’s barbecue will satisfy your dining needs.

As a special treat we will welcome performers from the Cork Circus who which will include a stilt walker, juggler and much more. The art project will enchant young and old and you can take the opportunity to try your hand at painting. Kilworth Scouts will present a display of their achievements including photographs etc.

The Fair in the Square is the conclusion of a week long list of events. Last year we had a wonderful day, the atmosphere was electric and we hope that this year will be even better. So, come along and help us in creating a day to remember. And – there is no admission fee to the square!

OUR SPONSORS

The festival committee are asking the people of Kilworth to acknowledge the generosity of the festival sponsors.

“When approaching people and company’s asking for support I was amazed at the great love and respect there is out there for the village of Kilworth. I would ask you therefore, that the next time you visit a company whose name will be on our ‘Love Your Sponsor Tree’ to simply acknowledge their support of your village and let them know we said ‘thank you’.

Many of the events are free so to support the festival please buy tickets for our draw (sponsored solely by Kilworth-based businesses) and be in with a chance to win. Also buy ‘I want to be a Farmer’ stickers and be in with a chance to win a calf (or value of).

If you have any questions re the festival or if you wish to volunteer to help during the week, simply call 025-27972. Keep up with the festival news on Kilworth Festival facebook.