Date: 28th of August 2023
Location: The Blackbull, Sharavogue, Birr, County Offaly
About: After three years, the eagerly awaited Community Threshing Festival at the Blackbull makes a very welcome return on Sunday 28th of August. The event takes place in Sharavogue (Eircode R42 E781) and will include many of the features which made the Festival such a success in the past along with a number of exciting new features as well. As always it promises to be a fantastic day out with attractions to suit all the family both young and old. It is 20 years since The Threshing Festival first took place and over the years it has grown from strength to strength. The key to the survival of the festival has been the incredible commitment of individuals and groups in the community. In that time it has also raised an incredible amount of money for many local groups and this year the beneficiaries will be Coolderry Central school development project. They will have all their usual attractions on the day including a working threshing mill, steam engine, large vintage display with a prize for the best overall exhibit in the vintage area, dog show with prizes for different classes, pony and trap rides, live farm animals, produce stall with fresh local produce such as vegetables, fruit, jams, plants and homebaking, lucky dip, racing mice, buttermaking , colcannon, burger stall, chicken and roast beef wraps, children’s play area, spilt the pot, target shot with a sliothar, flavoured ice-cream stall, boules, horseshoe throwing, pillow fighting, guess the weight of the beast, darts, nail painting, and a fittest family competition to mention just a few events. The auction, commencing at 3:30pm, is always an entertaining event where many bargains can be brought including firewood, hay, straw, silage, turf, vouchers and many new items generously sponsored by local businesses. This year also sees the introduction o some new events. These include a photo competition where you submit a photograph of life in the locality (past or present) to be displayed on the day. Small entry fee and prizes for categories. Contact Lorna at (086) 3584713 for more details. There will be also be a baking competition for the best brown bread, scones and apple or rhubarb tart with free entry. Contact Pauline at (087) 0682629. Music will play a big part on the day and along with all the talented local artists who will entertain all for the day, they will also have some special guests. This year the Buckley family from Kilcormac, Aisling Rafferty, winner of Glor Tire, world Irish dancing champion Abby Walshe and recent All Ireland CCE O- 18tin whistle winner Maire Brennan and ever popular Rock on Paddy will take to the stage, so there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy.
For more Information Click HERE
