community notes Aug 10th
August 26, 2024
Festival 2024 Begins:
Timoleague Harvest Festival began with a bang on Sunday night.Thunder roared and the odd flash of lightening brightened proceedings as the Fancy Dress made its way from its start point under The Abbey. The Thomas Davis Pipe Band from Mallow gave a recital at the village centre before the Fancy Dress Parade. They were joined by former member Michael Heaney, now an adopted Timoleague man, with his brother-in-law Pa McCarthy, another former member, not too far away! This year marked the 51st. staging of the popular festival which has become part of the fabric of Timoleague and West-Cork August entertainment since its fledgeling beginning back in 1973. Locals and neighbours took part in the Fancy Dress Parade, which is one of the star attractions on the opening night and this year was no exception. People go to a lot of trouble to partake and the crowd acknowledged this with spontaneous applause as the floats made their way through the village streets.
This year the official opening was performed by recently retired councillor John O’Sullivan. Festival chairman, Sean Deasy welcomed everyone and spoke of The Green Project. This has nothing to do with environmental issues as the name might suggest. The said area of ground near the hall is badly in need of a face lift. It is used extensively by the pupils of the school but it is prone to flooding at certain times of the year and as such it is out of bounds as a play area. Ambitious plans are in place to make it accessible throughout the year.The funds generated by this year’s festival are being used to part fund this much needed refurbishment.
John O’Sullivan in his address thanked the organisers for the invitation to open the festival. He remarked that he was honoured to do so and when he looked back at others who had performed the task, he was humbled to be in such exalted company. He spoke of the great community spirit that exists in Timoleague and the wonderful work done to enhance the area for the betterment of all. He wished his successor John Michael Foley well as he begins his term as a member of Cork County Council. John Michael was in attendance on the street among the people accompanied by fellow councillor, Alan Coleman.
Saturday night saw the first of the outdoor music acts and the weather was just the tonic needed to get the festival off to a great start. Silver Dollar had their large audience rocking at “The Cross” as they belted out hit after hit much to the enjoyment of the appreciative crowd.
The Children’s Fancy Dress Parade was held on Monday night and it was an opportunity for the younger brigade to enter into the spirit of the occasion. There was also a historical talk/presentation by Fiona Finlay and Edward Mc Sweeney on the three ecclesiastical gems that we are fortunate to have in our village, namely Timoleague Abbey, The Church of The Ascension and The Church of The Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary.
There is much to look forward to this week-end. There are food stalls on the street on Friday night and later in the night The Buachaills will top the bill with music on the street.On Saturday there will be an afternoon of Children’s Fun and Activities from 3 to 5pm at The Community Grounds at Lady’s Well. Music on the street will feature Allie Sherlock.
On Sunday there will be a Dog Show at Abbeyside Park beginning at 3pm. Later that night Pat Fitz, who is no stranger to Timoleague, will bring the music events of this year’s festival to a close.
Mc Fadden’s Funfair will continue their residency at The Green throughout the festival and there will be a cut- price night on Monday 19th. when the curtain will come down on the 2024 festival.
JAFC V Randal Óg:
The Junior footballers will look to build on their opening round draw when they will play round two on Friday 16th. Randal Óg will provide the opposition in Ballinascarthy at 7pm with support appreciated.