I have to tell you about my visit to the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day. Due to other commitments I hadn’t been for a couple of years, but I got a chance to visit this year, to do a podcast for the Sligo PPN. I’ve been working on the Sligo Community Voices Podcast this year, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve been privileged to meet so many interesting people, and hear about community groups, and organisations. It’s been wonderful to hear about the incredible work that is taking place in County Sligo.
The Tubbercurry Old Fair Day is no exception. This year was the 41st anniversary, and the festival is a credit to the many volunteers involved. I arrived bright and early, and parked in the GAA carpark, as I was walking to the town I got chatting to one of the stewards, it turned out that he was Louise’s dad, and had travelled from Portlaoise to help out for the day. Louise is the chair of the committee, and she’s one of the people I spoke to on the podcast.
I bumped into Teresa from Cawley’s, and she invited me for a coffee. If you are looking for wonderful food and a warm welcome, Cawley’s is the place to go. Teresa is one of the lovely, genuine people in the world, and the coffee and chat set me up for a busy morning.
I usually just take photos, or podcast, but this was the first time that I’ve done both, and it’s quite a juggle! I’d usually take more videos, but I didn’t have the time or the hands this time.
The podcast is a really wonderful way to get a snap-shot of the day, and I loved chatting to such interesting people. I’d love you to have a listen and let me know what you think. You can listen here.
Here’s a brief description of the podcast:
- Michael told me about the Threshing Machine. He travels to various fairs around the country doing demonstrations with the machine. Threshers have now been replaced by combine harvesters.
- Eugene Lambe has been playing the uilleann pipes for over 70 years. He tells me about the different sounds that the pipes make, and he plays a tune.
- Woodturner Eoin, who is also the ambassador for Heritage Week. Eoin tells me about the Sligo and Leitrim chairs that he makes. We also talk about some of the heritage week events.
- Louise, the chair of the Old Fairy Day. Louise tells me all about the fair day festival, and what it means to her.
- Basket Maker Tom, who is carrying on a tradition of basket making. Tom said “I feel like I’m waiting for the basket making police to come along.” As he’s so blessed to work in this trade.
- Local signwriter Damien, who travels the county painting traditional signs. Damien is a regular visitor at the fair day.
- Kate from West Country Willows. Kate and her husband make a variety of items from willow, including coffins – which are 100% sustainable. She also tells me that people can help weave their own coffin.
- Tom and Sean, who have been on the committee of the Old Fair Day for years. They look back on memorable occasions over the years, including the time that the 2FM came to visit. They speak fondly of the committee members who are no longer with us, and about the next generation who will take over.
I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to chat to me on the day, I found it very interesting and rewarding. A special thanks to Marie for setting up the speakers for me, and to Tubbercurry Credit Union for the use of their room.
Well done to all involved in the Tubbercurry Old Fair Day, it’s an incredible event.
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