Bad weather fails to dampen community spirit at Grainne Uaile Festival

THE Newport Grainne Uaile Festival 2024 had the town buzzing over the Bank Holiday. There was an incredible turn out to the Pirate Parade on the opening night and the town was filled with vibrant costumes and joyful faces as the crowd watched the colourful floats and the spirited Tonragee Pipe Band led by Festival Queen, Eleana Chambers, across town to raise the festival flag. It was a spectacular start with the evening ending on a high with fantastic music from The Afters as the sun shone down. There were prizes for entrants to the Pirate Parade and the award for Best Dressed Pirate Child went to Emily Plavice; the Best Lady Pirate was Lisa Williams; the Best Float went to Amber Walsh and the Best Group was the Dermot Monaghan Family. The pre-festival Art Competition attracted some colourful entries and the winners were 1, Hannah Garvin; 2, Aimie Keshfiieva; 3, Rachelle. A special merit for creativeness was awarded to Rosie.

_{The adverse weather conditions meant the outdoor music for the Grainne Uaile Festival was cancelled on Sunday evening, but the Cuilmore CCE and the Newport Junior Set Dancers entertained a large crowd in Hotel Newport}

On Saturday Morning the Historical Walk with Michael Chambers attracted a large group of very interested people; thank you to Michael for conducting the walk. Meanwhile at McGovern Park the sports events were taking place. The Blitz saw two enthusiastic teams in action for a great friendly game. Well done to the Green Team who were, Alimic and Adam Keshfiieva, Finn and Lee Mac Donnacha, Eilen Holmes, Finn Bready and Nathan Moran. Well done to the White Team who were Dilara Ripotova, Dara and Barry Mac Donnacha, Ruby Brady, Ronan Dziaba, and Tadgh Holmes.

The Saturday morning novelty sport results are as follows : Boys Egg and Spoon Race 1, Finn Mac Donnacha; 2, Nathan Moran; 3, Finn Brady. Girls Egg and Spoon Race 1, Alimic Keshfiieva; 2, Victoria Palamarczuk; 3, Erin Holmes.

Boys Wheelbarrow Race 1, Finn Mac Donnacha and Nathan Moran; 2, Adam Keshfiieva and Ronan Dziaba; 3, Finn Brady and Lee Mac Donnacha. Girls Wheelbarrow Race 1, Alimic Keshfiieva and Diliara Ripotova; 2, Erin Holmes and Ruby Brady.

Boys Three Legged Race 1, Aran Moran and Finn Brady; 2, Roman Dziaba and Adam Keshfiie. Girls Three Legged Race 1, Alimie Keshfiieva and Diliara Ripotova; 2, Victoria Palamarczuk and Erin Holmes; 3, Bella Holmes and Ruby Brady.

Boys Running Race 1, Adam Keshfiieva; 2, Finn Mac Donnacha; 3, Ronan Dziaba. Girls Running Race 1,Victoria Palamarczuk; 2, Alimie Keshfiieva; 3, Erin Holmes. A big thank you is given to Brian and Lorraine Mc Loughlin and Stephen Barrett for their help and organisation of the sports day events.

_{A large crowd turned out on Saturday evening to see the Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band}

Treasure Hunt

The Treasure Hunt on Saturday afternoon was very popular and well attended, with up to 100 people taking part. First prize went to Team Cartoons and second prize to The Big Lads. A big thank you is given to Sharon Mc Greal, Catherine Sheridan, Louise Walsh, Sara Mc Nulty and Caìlìn for their help and sponsorship.

The Children’s afternoon disco in Hotel Newport was packed with children of all ages. The disco lighting supplied by Declan Nevin was a big hit with the children and the parents appeared to be enjoying the music as much as the kids. Thank you to Hotel Newport for the use of the venue and to the festival committee for a fun filled event.

Saturday evening it was fun and games for the adults starting with the Bingo in Hotel Newport sponsored by Port Cabs; thank you to Tina, Denise, Claire and Evelyn for your help with the setting up and running of it. The Grog Race on Main street sponsored by Chambers-Agri attracted a huge crowd and proved to be lots of fun. Thank you to organisers Manuel Santiago and Johanna Holmstedt, Ashling O’Malley, and Lorraine Mc Loughlin, to helpers Matt Walsh and Fergus McManamon and to Brian McLoughlin who did a great job as compare; you all ensured everyone had a fantastic time. Congratulations to Aine O’Connor and John Mulcaine who claimed first prize and to second prize winners Nicola Merritt and Cathal Merritt.

_{Pirates of all ages took part in the festival parade}

Adverse weather

The outdoor music festival ended on a high with music from the Bruce Springsteen Tribute band; it should have continued on Sunday but due to the severe weather warning and buckets of rain the Family Fun Day events and the evening entertainment was cancelled. That didn’t stop people coming to town and everyone was able to enjoy the vibrant sounds of traditional Irish music and a set dancing display from talented Cuilmore CCE and the Newport Junior Set Dancers in Hotel Newport.

The committee gives thanks to Kevin Mc Intyre and Liam Brannen for their help with traffic management; to Hairs and Sirs for sponsoring the electricity over the weekend and to our fabulous Newport Tidy Towns team for keeping the town so clean and tidy over the weekend. A sincere thank you is given to all who have donated to the Festivals fundraisers and bucket collections which enabled this event to happen.

Congratulations and well done to all on the committee, the sponsors and the volunteers who kept everyone safe. Each year this small, hardworking team makes this wonderful free community event happen and for that we should all be truly grateful. This year’s festival was a great success despite the weather and a huge thank you is sent to the festival committee for a job well done.