When it comes to the 'Gathering', Castlelyons isn't going to be found wanting. A book detailing a wealth of information on every dwelling in the parish is progressing well and in advance of that big event, there's an elaborate programme of events for the August Bank Holiday weekend. The Castlelyons 'Gathering' runs from Thursday 1st to Monday 5th August and there's plenty to get excited about. Pageantry, religion, history, sport, music, song, dance and a spot of cross-dressing are all in the mix.
Thursday's for teens
'Bored' teenagers need be bored no longer as they are catered for on the opening night of the 'Gathering' festival with a teen disco which runs from 8.30 to 11.30pm in the festival marquee. Great tunes and a good time assured!
Friday for the faithful
Community activist, James Ronayne was the man who pressed for a bit of spiritual enlightenment and the end result was a decision to stage an ecumenical service in the grounds of the old abbey in Castlelyons. A few years ago the historic ruin was the setting for a nativity Mass. The ceremony which is open to all denominations  gets underway at 7.30pm. Refreshments and a social evening follow in the festival complex.
Super Saturday
Saturday 3rd is set up to be a busy one. Gaelic games in the pitch start at 10.30am. A juvenile treasure hunt follows at 2.30pm (starting in the village park) while those not quite up to the demands of working out cryptic clues are welcome to attend 'story time for smallies' in the village park. A walking historical tour of Castlelyons gets underway from outside the community centre at 3.30pm and there's an adult treasure hunt at 7pm (also starting outside the community centre).
Pretty as a princess
A beauty contest with a difference takes place on Saturday evening at 9.30pm. The aspiring blue bloods will be put through their paces by a discerning panel of judges - presently, facial hair, leg stubble and flat chests are causing headaches for the participants, but it's nothing a bit of plastic surgery can't sort out. By hook or by crook a princess will be crowned. Interesting times ahead on Saturday night - dancing later on is to 'Idle Wild'.
A fair good idea
If the fair day on the main street works out it could be a threat to nearby Corrin Livestock Mart. In a throwback to more humble and harder times, cattle, horses, poultry and pets will take over the centre of town. Food stalls, musicians, a working blacksmith, wheel of fortune and maybe even a three card trick man and a dunk tank will all help re-create an era that is long gone but not forgotten.
Backing The Buachaills
Given a rare night off from duty at Cheers Bar in Fermoy, local heros 'The Buachaills' top the bill on Saturday night in the festival marquee. Their show is being promoted as 'Magical, Mystical & Mysterious'. It certainly sounds intriguing, the show runs from 9pm till late.
Mad about Monday
Hopefully people won't be all 'Gathering' out by Monday as there's plenty going on - and it's all completely free of charge. The festival complex hosts a family fun day with lots to keep small people smiling: face painting, bubble disco, puppet show, mini Olympics and a teddy bear's picnic are all lined up.
A grand 'Gathering'
An event of this scale doesn't happen by accident and Nelius O'Flynn and his crew have worked long and hard assembling all the component parts for what's shaping up to be an exceptionally busy 'Gathering' weekend on Abbeyside. Locals generally don't leave the side down and organisers are expecting a busy 5 days. They'd love to have you and your family along to share in what's sure to be a great community occasion that will bring out the best in everyone.



 

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