Better weather brings crowds to Nobber Fair

The sun came out to play at Nobber Fair on Sunday, making a pleasant contrast to last year's washout where it rained for hours. It was the first time over the past four Nobber Fairs that the date didn't clash with Meath's first round Leinster Championship match. This year, for the first time, a vintage car and tractor display was held in the field behind the primary school which attracted over 100 vehicles. Matt Leavy and Old Stage Coach with Charlie Arkins on fiddle gave a great display of country music and were later joined on stage by Johnny Shankey. Ballad group Poitin played later on and even Vernon Skoronski from Nobber Pharmacy played drums outside his premises. Edel Halpin from Nobber was voted Queen of the Fair and was presented with her prize from Eugene Cassidy. Edel received her tiara from last year's winner, Laura O'Brien. Many different farm animals were on display, including sheep, cattle, hens, geese, horses and ponies. Sheep shearing was demonstrated by Eamon Meade and there was an interesting display of old farm machinery near the vintage car display. Amusements for children were available at the grounds of the primary school and many stalls were erected up and down the main street selling all types of produce to the crowds. Among the stalls was one from RISE! (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) where members were collecting signatures outlining their opposition to Government legislation banning stag hunting. Later in the afternoon, a dog show kept the crowds amused as well as a demonstration of dog training. A tug-o-war competition and gunslingers' contest also got lots of attention. Following the fair, there was a live music session in Dee Local.