IN PICTURES: Huge turnout - including one of The 2 Johnnies - at Tipperary festival

Pictures from Clogheen August Bank Holiday Festival by Tony O’Brien

Clogheen Community Council would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support our August Bank Holiday Festival.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening with the annual 5K, which saw a record-breaking 220 participants take to the track.

Evan Fitzgerald was first male home, setting a fantastic course record of 14 minutes and 44 seconds, while Keeley Tideswell was the first female across the line.

There were plenty of winners in the various age categories too. After the race, everyone gathered in the Community Hall to enjoy refreshments, a well-earned rest, and plenty of laughter. A big thank you to all our volunteers who helped with stewarding, hospitality, and track preparation.

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On Saturday, the Community Hall came alive for the Family Disco. Young partygoers danced the afternoon away, enjoyed their party packs, and tucked into sausages and chips just before closing time.

Sunday brought the ever-popular Family Fun Day and the National Sheep Racing Finals. Despite the rain, the crowds turned out in force to enjoy market stalls, a bouncy castle, a magician, and lawn games.

The sheep races were a particular highlight, featuring six thrilling heats before the grand finale – the Richie Sullivan Perpetual Shield. This year’s winners were Kenneth and Lynn O’Brien with their sheep Da Double. Liam McCarthy, Sam Maguire and the Richie Sullivan Shield, they might have to rename their champion Da Triple next year!

The festival concluded on Monday with our raffle, which brought smiles to many lucky winners thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and the abundance of prizes donated.

From the organisers to the volunteers, participants, sponsors, and supporters – thank you all for making this year’s festival one to remember. Here’s to an even bigger and better celebration next year!