The organisational skills of Kildorrery GAA and everyone associated with 'Hillfest' were well tested last weekend as famous Kildorrery town played host to its annual festival.

The planning, hard work and attention to detail paid off handsomely as the 4-day event was an outstanding success. Marymount Hospice and Drive To Survive were the bigger winners on Thursday night following a thoroughly enjoyable quiz overseen by commentator and 103FM sports pundit, Paudie Palmer.

For many Friday night's mock wedding was a festival highlight and justifiably so as, show director, Michael Dennehy managed to draw all the strands together to produce a spectacle that proved wonderfully entertaining.

A predominantly young crowd paid in to the marquee on Saturday night to see highly rated band, Hermitage Green and reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

Sunday was a family day that incorporated sports, fancy dress, photographic exhibition, team reunions and a Gathering party.

STRONG GAA INPUT

As usual Kildorrery GAA and its members were to the fore over the weekend. The club staged their own summer camp on Saturday which attracted teams from Shanballymore, Blackrock (Co Limerick) and Ballyporeen (Co Tipperary). Participants were treated to soft drinks and ice cream and the weather couldn't have been better. On Sunday evening the hurling heroes of 1962 and '63 were honoured. Special mementos were presented and refreshments served - this was followed by a free concert by Donny Arnold and the Hilltop All-stars. The craic continued until late with no one in any hurry away.

While the festival formally ended on Sunday evening, members of the organizing committee were out bright and early on Monday morning to assist with dismantling the marquee.

'Hillfest' wouldn't be possible without a concerted team effort and the goodwill of locals - fortunately, Kildorrery is renowned for its community spirit and its ability to get things done. Everyone concerned can look back on 'Hillfest' 2013 with considerable satisfaction, safe in the knowledge that this popular festival was exceptionally well organized and well supported.

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