Huge crowds for hazy haymaking day in Trim

Thousands of people descended on Trim"s Porchfield on Sunday for Scurlogstown Olympiad"s Traditional Haymaking Festival and organisers say it was the most successful event to date. Each of the events from the novel 'Roll in the Hay" competition to the sheaf tossing to the donkey derby attracted huge crowds and the beautiful weather saw up to 7,000 people attend the festival. Chairperson Pat Farrelly said: 'There were absolutely huge crowds. The crowd was unbelievable and the atmosphere was electric with the music, the mooing of the cows, bawling of the donkeys and the bleeting of the sheep - they were all there!' People showed their animals and displayed their wares and skills at the numerous events of the Scurlogstown programme that unfolded around the Old Irish Village. There were great displays of hay cocks, working horses and vintage tractors and machinery including the hay-cocker machine. There were also dog, goat and donkey shoes, the notorious Donkey Derby, and the blacksmiths, tinsmiths and sheep shearers demonstrated their crafts. The Irish Cottages had their inhabitants suitably dressed and the three stages were live with the best of music from Coscan, Cois Tine, and Tara Ceili Band, as well as set dancing and performances from the very colourful Carney School of Irish dancing. Trim Drama Group"s 'Play in the Hay" and the Dunderry Wedding all commanded large audiences. A noted visitor to the Haymaking Festival was Patrick Binns, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, who enjoyed the entertainment and the programme of events. His father was a native of Co Monaghan. Another visitor was Marie Hayes from Limerick, mother to Munster and Ireland tighthead prop John Hayes. Indeed John, who was cutting silage last week, would have accompanied his mother to the hay festival but for the fact that he was called up for the Lions Tour to South Africa on Thursday as replacement for Euan Murray. One man flew from his native Romania to participate in the scythe-cutting competition and he practised for the event in his former employer"s field on his arrival back in Ireland. A new world record was achieved at the sheaf-tossing as All-Ireland Champion Michael O"Brien, from Tulla, Co Clare, successfully defended his title with a 62ft high throw. The close runner-up was Tom Conway from Galway and competing from Meath was Noel Collins. The scythe-cutting competition produced a new winner in John Mullins from Mitchelstown, Co Cork. In second place was four-times winner Paul Cotter from Lahinch, Clare. John finished runner-up to Paul in 2008 and both these men have competed for a number of years at the haymaking in Trim. Nine teams took part in the Macra na Feirme FBD National Farm Skills semi-final and the competitors displayed great proficiency and talent in every aspect of the competition, from tractor skills to fencing. Three teams - from Meath, Sligo and Wicklow - will now go forward to the national final of the competition which will be held at the Tullamore Agricultural Show in August. New this year was the Dan O"Hara Farm which was a spectacular show in its own right and also at his farm, were the rare breeds of animals which attracted a huge interest. The re-enactment of scenes from 'All Creatures Great and Small" also entertained a huge crowd. The 'Roll in the Hay", also new, had to be limited to 13 couples. 'What a course - a wheelbarrow ride, tunnel trip, hay nest and a roll towards the river,' said PRO John Marron. The competition was won by Aidan Doherty and Trish Hanley, both from Meath who won a two-night stay and dinner in the Knightsbrook Hotel. In second place was Trina Kenny, Westmeath and Michael Condron, Offaly who won a meal for two also in the Knightsbrook Hotel which kindly sponsored the generous prizes. Gus and Olive Martyn from Dunderry were beaten in a roll-off for second place. Well done to the judges and to Aisling, Neal and Tom who designed and set up the course. Mr Marron said: 'We wish to thank those who participated, brought animals, machinery and exhibits and those who sent messages of appreciation. 'You enhanced our festival. We thank all who helped with manpower and machines, all who came on the day. Thanks also to the Meath River Rescue, Trim Branch of the Irish Red Cross, and the Trim Gardai who kept a watchful presence all day. All the neighbouring Festivals helped and were present - the Dunderry Fair, Moynalty Steam Threshing, Girley Harvest Festival, Rathmoylon Festival, Virginia, Shercock, and Tecknevin Turf-Cutting Festival and many more.' He also thanked Martina"s Family Kitchen who fed competitors and workers till late with traditional lamb stew, and the Mahons, who entertained in the thatched cottage all day, supplying 'tae' and scones. Organisers said the atmosphere reminded them of the atmosphere at the first festival back in 1969 and, due to the success of the festival, organisers are looking at the possibility of extending the festival over the course of a weekend. Mr Farrelly said the group was very privileged to have the use of the Porchfield overlooking Trim Castle and said it is a unique setting like no other town in Ireland.