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The curtain came down on Pumpkin Festival 2025 on Sunday evening — and what a finale it was. The newly extended Burncourt Community Hall proved the perfect venue for the occasion, with its covered space allowing families to gather comfortably to enjoy the festivities. Children were kept spellbound by the magician and face painters, while neighbours caught up over music, tea, and cake. Although there were fewer scarecrows than in previous years, the standard was exceptionally high. The judges had a tough task, but the following were named as winners in the Scarecrow Competition: Scarecrow Competition Winners: John & Chloe Caplice & Family AJ, Emma Caitlin and Jamie Russell Robert and Mairead Browne & Family John, Mary G. English & Family Pumpkin Carving Competition: Dan White Carol Reardon Alison Burke There was great excitement, too, for the festival raffle, which once again drew huge community support. Raffle Winners: Eoin O’Shea – €300 Mary English Flynn – €200 Shane Fox – €100 (sponsored by Ollie Keating) Kyla Kenneally – €50 voucher (Pine Nursery) Mags Carroll – €50 voucher (Clarenbridge Garden Centre) Ned McGrath – €50 voucher (Perenia/SAP) Theresa Carroll – Gift hamper (Carey’s Pharmacy, Clogheen) Breda O’Brien – €20 voucher (John Corbett Hardware, Clogheen) Cian Duggan – Bottle of wine (Browne’s XL) PJ O’Meara – Gift box (Praline, Mitchelstown) Organisers extended heartfelt thanks to all who sponsored prizes and purchased raffle tickets, noting that the festival’s success each year depends on the ongoing support of the local community. Burncourt once again showed that when it comes to community spirit — and creativity — it’s second to none.
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