Lorrha and rathcabbin celebrates its heritage with lots of festivities this weekend
As part of National Heritage Week, Scéal have organised the Lorrha and Rathcabbin Heritage Festival.
All events are free. To kick off the weekend this Friday August 28that 9pm, Kelly’s in Rathcabbin are hosting a historic fancy dress with prizes, barbecue and music with DJ Ray. On Saturday night (29th) Mass is being held in Redwood Castle at 8pm. Tea and refreshments afterwards. This is a ‘bring and share’ food event. All are welcome to attend.
On Sunday 30th in Lorrha, the day’s events start at 11am. There is a local market taking place at Maher’s with up to 30 stands. Local producers will have everything to satisfy the taste buds with an array of artisan foods, including homemade desserts, cakes, buns, pastries, honey and chutneys. Buy your own organic vegetables straight from the earth. Come have your Sunday lunch at Maher’s and try Denis’ famous Monk’s Pie. Tea and coffee served all day.
Local crafters have some eye catching and brilliant pieces of work and craft such as turned wood, textiles, ceramics, flowers, wooden furniture. For the fashionista, we have jewellery, fascinators, crochet and knitwear designs.
On display in the Heritage Centre will be a large volume of old photos from all corners of the parish ranging from 20 to 110 years old, including the first combine harvester in the parish and a scarce image of the famous greyhound ‘Dutch Sandhills’ (Irish Cup Winner 1937). A selection of old videos is being aired throughout the day,including the priceless production of ‘The North Tipperary Ploughing Championship Match’ at Kileen. In this video Mick O’Meara (The Hill) interviews nearly all the crowd with his usual mixture of wit and good humor. A lot of those interviewed are no longer with us,which makes this production a real local treasure and not to be missed.
Also being displayed is our natural heritage with references to our bogs and wildlife, with particular reference to human interactions with natural environment. Lots of information and amazing facts. Some historic artifacts will be on display also.
For the young kids at the market, there will be an interactive fun and craft table. It will be a great way for kids to spend the last day of the summer holidays. Starting at 2pm in Bouchier’s Field, beside the Community Hall, is the Family fun & Sports Day’. We are lucky to have acquired John O’Farrell and his helpers from Borrisokane to stage the Fun Day. There will be many events including sprints, turbo javelin, shot, relays and novelty events. Again there is free admission. For the adults who would like to test their strength, we have the 35lb weight throw for women and the 56lb for men. We are also grateful to have Garrett Needham and Portumna Rugby Club organising tag rugby for kids, a fun way to introduce kids to the sport.
Back down in the village at 3pm there will be a re-enactment of O’Sullivan Beara encampment and then at 4pm, there will be the old tradition of dancing at the crossroads with music and craic, so bring your dancing shoes! Music throughout the day. It promises to be a great weekend for the parish where we all, can get together and talk, celebrate and enjoy our past, present and future, the heritage of Lorrha, Rathcabbin and Redwood. For any information call 0863308172, 0872650911 or 0872031798