Tubs lends a hand in Cong

Tubs lends a hand in Cong


Ciara Galvin

IT is famous for its famous visitors, and now Cong is honouring stars by creating a Hollywood boulevard-like site in the centre of the village.
Soon the Quiet Man bronze statue depicting the characters SeΡn Thornton and Mary Kate Danaher, will be surrounded by bronze casts of celebrities and public figures’ hands.
The Cong Hands of Fame Awards (CHOFA) will honour one person each year who has contributed to Irish culture at home, or abroad. The first star to have an impression of their hands cast in bronze is Ryan Tubridy. The chat show and radio host has already made his hand impression and the bronze cast will be revealed on Sunday, October 12, the closing day of this year’s Cong Festival.
Chairman of the CHOFA committee Patrick Luskin told The Mayo News that each person they honour does not have to be Irish born, but must have contributed to Irish culture.
Mr Luskin said the idea was the brainchild of Paddy Rock and together with a committee of nine others, the idea will be brought to fruition on October 12 next.
The project also involves the support of the Tidy Towns committee and Cong Community Centre committee. The festival’s chosen charities are Madra and Hand in Hand, the chosen charities of The Lodge at Ashford and Ashford Castle.
Speaking ahead of this year’s festival, Mr Luskin said the village had ‘never been busier’.
“It’s booming and it’s a result of all the hard work done by committees over the last five years. We are only seeing the fruits of our labour now,” said Luskin.
Ryan Tubridy will also be a guest of honour at the Inishfree Ball this year, which takes place on October 11. Full details of the schedule of events for this year’s festival will be revealed this Thursday at The Lodge at Ashford.