Sixth annual Dunderry Fair promises packed programme

This year"s Dunderry Fair Day will take place on 10th May with a packed programme of events to keep all the family entertained. This is the sixth year of the re-launched Fair Day, which celebrates the village"s heritage and community spirit. Over the past five years, €150,000 has been raised for various charities. Last year"s good weather saw a huge turnout for the fair, with thousands enjoying the various attractions and the craic and ceoil. There will be some new events this year including a glamorous granny competition, a potato-picking competition and a 'guess the length of the cow"s horns" contest. There will be music all day from various artists, including Charlie Arkins, Matt Leavy, Poitin Ballad Group, Cois Tine, Glenside Ceili Band, Lone Ranger and Old Stage Coach. Included in the programme, too, is a bonny baby competition, a dog show, a country market, various dancing competitions, chainsaw carving, sheep shearing, horse shoeing, a boxing display, side shows and stall, vintage display, street tug of war, hot air balloon display, go-karting, funfair and bouncy castles. Scenes from the 1970s Irish drama series, 'The Riordans", will be re-enacted by the finest of local acting talent There will also be a guest appearance by All-Ireland Talent Show finalist Lauren Murtagh. Animals will be for sale on the day but animals must be booked in advance by contacting Ian on (087) 621 1264 or Sean on (087) 259 1986 for entry forms. For those looking for love, there will be a match-maker present and those interested in participating in the match-making can contact Gus on (086) 857 1627 or Tom at (086) 881 5237. On the day, the village will be closed to traffic from early morning and the fair will get underway from 12 noon. Entry for children and OAPs is free and there is plenty of free parking. The inaugural Fair Day took place on 16th May 2004 and attracted about 5,000 people. Since then, the fair has grown and prospered each year, engaging more and more people, young and old, from wide and far.