Tipperary village of Ballynonty will be en fete during festival weekend

An eagerly-anticipated concert, featuring trailblazing musical act Folk That, and a family fun day will attract hundreds to the south Tipperary village of Ballynonty on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 10/11.

The picturesque hamlet will be awash with colour and pageantry for the festival, starting on Thursday, June 8, with the staging of the Sean Healy Memorial 5k road race, fun run and walk.

A most popular annual event, it attracts participants from all over Ireland and is a very fitting tribute to the memory of late and great Sean Healy.

Sean, who was an accomplished athlete in his heyday, is fondly remembered as “Mr Community” in Ballynonty and surrounding areas in honour of his sterling voluntary work down through the decades for the betterment of the region.

He was to the forefront of many community initiatives, a tradition proudly maintained to this day by members of his extended family, and friends.

The Sean Healy Memorial Trophy will be presented to the winner of the race, which starts in Ballynonty village at 7pm on June 8, and attractive prizes will also be presented to the runners-up. Refreshments will be served after the event.

The local voluntary community committee can take a bow for the comprehensive programme of activities it has organised over the weekend, with the much-appreciated help and support of so many groups and individuals.

The two-day festival will be staged in the community field, which is ideally located in the heart of the village, opposite Crossroads cafe.

Since its launch a few years ago, the field has been in huge demand for a variety of reasons, and it is now a favourite spot for walkers who use it in their droves, many travelling long distances to the village to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the park.
The local committee have invested many long hours and days of toil in making “the field” the community gem it truly is, and deserve huge support next weekend.

The proceeds from all events will go towards the costs associated with operating and maintaining the amenity.

A cursory glance at the programme of events suggests a fantastic two-day festival, commencing on Saturday evening, June 10 with a musical treat, when the ever-popular Folk That make a welcome return to the village.

The concert, which starts at 8pm, is set to attract music lovers from all over the region, and they can enjoy a few hours entertainment and barbecue for a very modest €5.

Tickets for the show may be purchased in advance or on the night of the event. A raffle will be held for a hamper and various prizes.

Patrons will flock back to the village the following day, Sunday June 11, for the family fun day, commencing with the ever-popular kids’ obstacle races at 2.30pm.

Among the events to follow are a dog show (at 3pm), bingo at 4pm and numerous side shows including face painting, tombola archery, flower stalls, train rides, a sale of work, a name the doll competition and a barbecue.

Family is at the heart of the 2023 Ballynonty Festival weekend, with something to suit all tastes.

Put the dates in your diary- June 8,10 and 11.