The festival in Ballyporeen was set up several years ago. The weekend was based on different townlands Competing for points over the weekend to be crowned townland of the year.
In previous years, there were seven clubs involved in the festival but in 2019 there was decision taking at a committee meeting that we would disband the current structure and make our own committee. The seven were contacted and information about the idea and there were happy for it to go ahead. Thanks to the clubs involved.
Unfortunately, covid prevented us from having a festival in 2020 and 2021, but in 2022 we will definitely make up for the last few years – this year’s event takes place from Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26.
Last Saturday night we held a fundraiser to cover the cost of the insurance for the weekend, it was a fantastic night with a table quiz and a show from imperium showcase. We would like to thank everyone who attended Saturday night and to everyone that helped out with it.
This year we have six townlands getting involved in the weekend, they are: the Village, the Fingerpost, Skeheenarinky, Glenacunna, Dangan and the Rock. The festival is on the 24th 25th and 26th June, with an action-packed weekend plan.
On the 24th we have our townland parade at 8pm coming down the main street. We will be going into the hall where the townlands compete in a lip synch battle. The theme of this is musical. We have music in the Doolis Inn for the after party. Saturday 25th we have a jam-packed family day starting at 12pm in the lot where we have our duck derby, townland boat race is followed by the treasure hunt.
This will lead us up to the GAA for our sport day. We are having kids’ football, camogie blitzes, along with entertainment on day like a balloon maker, puppet show, magic show, kids races, penalty shootout. At 3pm we will be having the townland soccer blitz which is very exciting to watch. There will be lots of fun and side shows that people can get involved in.
Later that night at 7pm there is music in Meaney’s Bar by Stew Dixon. Our last townland competition is the Mr & Mrs Contest in O’Casey Bar at 9:30pm. We have DJ Mike the Mad Monk on the night.
Sunday, 26th June we are having a coffee morning in aid of St Teresa’s Hospital, Clogheen in the committee hall starting at 10:30am. All monies raised will be going to the hospital.
We have live music in Ballyporeen GAA field at 2pm with the very popular Rebel Hearts playing that evening. The Rebel Hearts are being supported by Flake the Gander and Seamus Hennessy – gates opening at 1:30pm. Tickets can only be bought online. Please find us on social media at Ballyporeen Gala Festival.
