Chieftain’s hands For Wall Of Fame in Cong

HAVING A CHAT This year's recipient of the Cong Hands Of Fame Award (CHOFA), Matt Molloy, chatting with committee organisers Paddy Rock (left) and Ray McHugh in Matt Molloy's pub on Bridge Street in Westport yesterday evening. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Michael Duffy

Well known Chieftain, musician and publican Matt Molloy has been named as one of the recipients of the Cong Hands Of Fame Award for 2019.
The award, otherwise known as the ‘CHOFA’, is awarded to those who have through their work managed to promote Ireland at home and abroad.
Matt was pictured on Monday evening in his famous Westport pub, leaving an impression of his hands on a special mould which will be cast in bronze by well-known sculptor Mark Rode from Killasser, Swinford. Mark, who is responsible for the design of the John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara statue in Cong, said he is very honoured to be able to work with such a talented and respected person as Matt Molloy.
Matt will join fellow musician John Sheahan in Cong on Sunday, September 15 for the unveiling of their hands and they will be special guests of the Cong Food Festival committee that afternoon.
Chairman of the Cong Food Festival Committee Jonathan Keane said it was ‘a great boost’ to the food festival to have both of these musicians attending and he looks forward to welcoming them on arrival with a special plated dish of Connemara Hill Lamb. Paddy Rock and Ray McHugh of the organising committee, who have been tasked with sourcing recipients for the wall, now have their sights firmly set on 2020.