Just the right amount of rain, just the right amount of sunshine. As far as potato growing is concerned it couldn't have been a better year.

And so it comes as no surprise that discerning potato eaters throughout Ireland are tucking in to delicious 'balls of flour'. With climatic conditions being so favourable, it was always going to be a bumper harvest for the south Limerick volunteers associated with Kilbehenny Potato Festival and there was no prouder bunch as they presented their fantastic crop to the public last weekend. Looking every inch the perfect spud, the attractive staple of so many dinners were snapped up in great numbers by lots of eager customers.

Kilbehenny Potato Festival is a celebration of our national crop, plus a lot more besides - as well as the Kerr Pinks and the Golden Wonders, they throw in the odd game of bingo, card playing, horse shoe throwing, American tea party and plenty more besides.

In keeping with the times, the festival committee incorporated 'The Gathering' concept, with the end result being a great few days of social interaction and a renewing of the community spirit that Kilbehenny is renowned for. Always progressive and constantly on the look out for new ideas, the Kilbehenny Potato Festival committee are also great respecters of the past and on Saturday last, locals and visitors alike were treated to an evening of music, song, dance and story telling.

OPEN WELCOME

The fine evening helped and when things did turn a bit cooler later on, everyone retired indoors to continue the festivities.

From the start, Kilbehenny Potato Festival has had inclusiveness as its aim and this year was no exception - there were no strangers in Kilbehenny last weekend and everyone was made feel welcome in this most welcoming of villages.

In recessionary times and at a time when people are looking outside this island for new opportunities, Kilbehenny proved in no uncertain terms that there's no substitute for team work, good planning and a 'can do' attitude - it also helps when the harvest is rich and the labourers willing and able to bring home sackfuls of spuds that should keep many a household going until next year. 

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