Slane fete 'an extraordinary success' as new activities added

The annual Lady Well Fete at Slane Castle was a huge success again this year with a range of new events added to the activities. The community of Slane turned out in force for the fete, which included a range of activities for young and old with GAA and soccer tournaments, cowpat roulette, vintage car displays, country market, sandpits and magicians and a bucking bronco. There was a kids' racecar track, face-painting, fly-fishing demonstrations and tours of the castle. The fete also included a country market with a wide selection of food, arts and crafts and a duck derby. Cllr Wayne Harding has said it was absolutely fantastic to be part of the Slane Castle Ladywell Fete committee. "It was an extraordinary success and its theme of being based around the family and community is precisely what is needed in our current economic climate," he said. "The sun was out again this year and everyone had a ball. I want to compliment all of the people who put such hard work into making the day the success it was. There were a number of extra activities this year like a Bucking Bronco and sorb balls. There was enormous community involvement from the sporting organisations, the stewards and the local business who sponsored all the events. The funds raised will go towards organising next year's event and the surplus will be distributed among voluntary groups in Slane," Cllr Harding added. The Lady Well Fete in August was celebrated for centuries in Slane at the Lady Well, which rises in an opening in the woodland of the Slane Castle demesne. Thousands of people make the journey to the woods every year to drink from the well and, traditionally, a fete was held in the adjoining field below the castle. The local community in Slane revived the fete four years ago as a fundraising venture for village projects. Meanwhile, in conjuction with Heritage Week, there will be a guided tour of the Hill of Slane by Flann Fitzpatrick this coming Sunday at 3pm. He will point out the various landmarks visible from the hill and talk about its history. This will be followed by a talk by Dr Conor Brady on his investigations of the motte on the hill.