CULTURE Inishbiggle Festival celebrates the past

Inishbiggle Festival celebrates the past

Three days of fun for all the family at island festival

Inishbiggle Festival 2012, which takes place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, August 4, 5 and 6, is all about celebrating the past – as well as the usual craic agus ceol. This year the festival will remember the first national school on Inishbiggle, built 100 years ago; the islanders named in the 1911 Census; the war of 1812; and the late Paddy Henry, a stalwart of the island community. This year also marks 20 years since the festival marquee first went up, sheltering revellers from the elements – something definitely worth celebrating given the unpredictability of the sea and skies along the west coast.

The event is passionately led once again by Festival Chairperson Martin McTigue, ably assisted by Chris Henry. Chris is the youngest of the three sons of scholar, gaeilgeoir and historian Paddy Henry. Paddy was renowned as an active campaigner who was unstinting in his efforts over decades on behalf of the island’s population.

In memory of his father, Chris has donated a perpetual trophy for use at this year’s festival. The shield, crafted by Kieran Sweeney of Achill Sound, will be awarded to the boat skipper with the largest catch at the festival’s fishing competition, which takes place at 11am on the Saturday from Bullsmouth pier. To enter, adults need only bring their boat rod, tackle, bait and a €10 registration fee. To avoid disappointment, entrants are advised to register in advance by phoning Chris on 086 8444100.

Back on the island, Fr Chris Ginley, PP Ballycroy and Inishbiggle, will start the festival by celebrating Mass at 2 pm in the school – the island’s second national school. Built in 1947, it also transforms into a surgery, a polling station and the central site for the festival activities.

Throughout the weekend children’s novelty events and sports will take place, while food, soft drinks and sweets will be on sale at the BBQ tent. Seafood will also be served. The marquee houses the bar, with hosts Tom Cafferkey and Mick Lynch; a staged area for Martin McTigue to oversee the festival; and the MC and musicians. Performances in the marquee by Scoil Acla and Pat’s Country Showband punctuate activities during the Saturday.

On Sunday, Jim Henry of SlΡinte Tours Ireland will give a guided walk around the island explaining the history and giving an overview of the sites. Jim will highlight the role of the island in the War of 1812, and also show the first national school on the island, built some 80 years after the agreement for such institutions through the Stanley Letter of 1831. The walk commences at 2pm from outside the school. Later that day, John Conway will give a talk on ‘The people of Innishbiggel in 1911’ – there is no one left from then now … or is there?  Even the spelling of the island’s name has changed. John will have most of the story, and maybe all of the answers.

On Sunday, Cap’n Francie’s treasure hunt for adults takes place with a bumper prize promised for the eventual winner. Again Music from Scoil Acla starts the afternoon session off, and the ever-popular David Godfrey follows. The draw for the island lines competition is at 7pm, and is preceded by the best-dressed lady and gent competition. Last but not least, at 7.30pm, members of the Achill Yawl Racing Festival Group will contest for the Michael John O’Malley Cup.

Weather permitting, the professionals at Pure Magic Achill will also be giving a show of Kitesurfing around the island over the long weekend.

On ‘Mellow Monday’, it’s the children’s treasure hunt with Cap’n Francie, who will be making sure that all his crew enjoy the fun of the pursuit for a Westport House Pirate Adventure ticket that’s up for grabs. Music on Monday kicks off with Cheers, the band with family connections to the island, and they will be followed once again by David Godfrey. Also musicians or singers who might like to come along over the long weekend are most welcome to give or join in an impromptu session.

Inishbiggle Festival 2012, takes place this Saturday, Sunday and Monday, August 4, 5 and 6. All are welcome. Ferries operate from Bullsmouth, Achill, and Doran’s Point, Ballycroy, to the island throughout the three days.