Tipperary Village Festival on July 8 and 9 dedicated to memory of late community activist

The rescheduled Ballynonty Festival on the weekend of July 8/9 next will be dedicated to the memory of local community activist, the late Bernie Hayes.
Within hours of the festival due to commence, on Thursday evening, June 8 last, the local community was stunned to learn of the sudden passing of Bernie Hayes.
A native of Coalbrook and a member of the popular Grant family, Bernie was a much-loved personality in the village of Ballynonty. A wonderful neighbour, and friend to many, she was always on hand to support community activities and various worthy causes.
Like her family and extended family, Bernie toiled unsparingly in support of the Ballynonty Field day down through the years. Fittingly, as a mark of respect to the deceased and her family, the planned festival on June 8,10 and 11 was cancelled.
The Festival Committee joined in the many heartfelt tributes paid to the late Bernie following her unexpected passing, and they have dedicated the upcoming festival to her memory. Undoubtedly, many fond memories of Bernie's community exploits will be shared by the hundreds expected to converge on the village for the 2023 festival.
The two day event starts on Saturday evening, July 8 at 8pm, with a concert featuring well known group Folk That.
The event is set to attract music lovers from all over the region, and they can enjoy a few hours of entertainment and barbeque for a very modest €5.
Patrons will flock back to the village the following day, July 9 for, among other events, a kids obstacle race (2pm), dog show (3pm) and bingo (4pm). Numerous side shows will include archery, tombola, flower stalls, a sensory stall, a games trailer, train rides, a sale of work, name the doll competition and a barbecue. All proceeds from the festival will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the community field.
Meanwhile, the Sean Healy Memorial 5k Road Race, which was cancelled on that fateful evening, June 8, will be staged on a date yet to be decided upon by the organisers.
A large number of athletes are due to participate in the event, which will commemorate the memory of the late Sean, who was a community stalwart in his day.