WEST ARMAGH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL 2018
The West Armagh Community Festival begins on Monday 6th August with the children’s summer camp that will be based at Sherrys Field Sports Complex. The summer camp will operate Monday to Friday starting at 10.00am and finishing at 3.00pm.The age range is boys and girls 7 year old—11 year old and there is a full schedule of the summer camps activities available to all parents and guardians of children attending the camp.That evening we will have the Marie Smyth Ladies Road Bowls Challenge. As in previous years the event will take place on the Drumcairn Road starting at 7.00pm.
There are two ladies/girls sporting competitions lined up for the Tuesday night. First off is the McElvanna/Mallon Under-12 Camogie Challenge starting at 6.00pm.The camogie will be followed by the Máiréad Farrell Ladies Gaelic Football Challenge. Teams will be competing for the Máiréad Farrell Shield.
Wednesday night will feature a presentation and talk delivered by Mary McVeigh on the theme of Women’s Suffrage.It is 100 years since women got the right to vote in Ireland.It is hard to believe that 50% of the population were disenfranchised because of their gender. It should be a very interesting presentation and one that should interest everyone.
The semi finals of the popular Hughes/ McGerrigan Under-14’s Football Tournament takes place on Thursday night beginning at 7.30pm. This long established completion is hotly contested by under—14 teams from local GAA clubs in and around the city.
The sponsored run/walk moves to the Friday night on the events programme. This year the event will take place in the Palace Grounds Demesne starting at 7.00pm.Two charities will benefit from any monies raised. They are Lisanally Special School and Armagh Breast Cancer Support Group. The change in venue relates to new regulations regarding road events and we are appreciative of the council for the use of the Palace for our run this year.There was an estimated 400-500 participants in last years event that raised £3,350 for the charity PIPS. We are hoping for similar support this year. Sponsor forms can be had from any of the organisers or by calling at Sherry Field Sports Complex.Tel; 07759949314
Easter sees what is referred to as the start of the marching season, although several parades take place earlier throughout the North.
Halloween or Oíche Shamhna to give it its, Irish name has always been celebrated in the town. The tradition of pranks, ghost stories and traditional games have always been part of people's lives. Apple tarts and pies laced with small surprises, dressing up and of course ghoulish pranks have always featured. In recent years the council has organised a series of events at the Navan Fort / Emain Macha, including a fireworks display.