Rahugh's gathering strength
If the amount of work they’ve put in is any indication, the Rahugh Gathering Festival on June 22 and 23 will be one of the best.
And in the true spirit of a community event, nearly everything – entertainment, exhibitions, show, all sorts, is free – thanks to sponsors and a grant from Westmeath Community Development.
The team behind the programme are Joe Henson, chairman; Mairead Quinn, secretary; Paul Coyne, treasurer; John Bagnall, assistant secretary and safety officer; Sheila Dunne, PRO; Fergal Quinn, vice-chairperson; and committee members are: Noel Dunne, PJ Egan, Cllr Paul Daly, Bernie McCarthy, Cathal Mealiffe, John Sheerin, Des Scally, Marie Reid-Fox, Annette Bagnall, Annette Lynam, Claire McNally, Sean Harte and Brian Scally.
The event is “coming together nicely”, said Mr Henson. It’s too early to say at this point but he is hopeful that the weather will be good for the Saturday and Sunday as many of the events are outdoors.
The committee are hoping to add a potato-picking competition to the list of events but nothing has been finalised yet.
What’s on Saturday
The Rahugh Gathering Festival starts at 5pm on Saturday June 22 with an open air Mass. Fr Brendan Corrigan, PP, Kilbeggan, and other priests including Tullamore curate Fr Shane Crombie, who is a native of Rahugh, will say the Mass.
After the Mass, a photographer will be hoisted up on a cherry-picker to take a picture of everybody present, and on the gig rig at the school The Sailors, and others ,will perform and entertain.
Rahugh Children’s Drama will stage a play, and over the two days of the festival is a photo exhibition in the school and an exhibition of works by artists from the area in the hall.
What’s on Sunday
A vintage parade and hunt (Brosna Hounds) from 1.30pm start the fun on the second day.
At the school, there will be entertainment on the gig rig (a highlight is a revival of the Rahugh Accordion Band), football, sports, including races for kids, and other activities for children.
An old-time fair will feature rare and unusual breeds of animals, and an exhibition of old farm machinery and there will also be pony rides for children – plus an appearance by a Clydesdale horse.
The Gathering in Rahugh is tied in with the 60th anniversary of the opening of the new school, as its know. The original one was built in 1885 and is now the hall. On Sunday evening, as part of the celebrations, 60 helium balloons are being released, and a time capsule is to be buried at the school.
The evening activities at The Hazel include tug-o-war (a team from Willie’s of Tyrrellspass will face a team from The Hazel), and there will be live entertainment, and the haybarn will have music from Rough and Ready.
There will also be a raffle for the school, for which there are great prizes, including a weekend away, a bicycle and a fine food hamper.