The 2016 Roscommon Lamb Festival will be officially opened tomorrow at 11am by President Macra na Feirme Sean Finan.
The ceremony will take place at Roscommon Mart and will be followed by the Oliver Burke Memorial presentation. In addition there’s a Special Sheep Sale, trade stands and a “lamb on spit”.
Now in its ninth year, the Lamb Festival has something for everyone to do over six days and multiple locations.
Wednesday evening sees the opening, at 6:30pm, of “Interconnections: Exhibition Of Woven Tapestry Art” at The Core, Church Street. At 8pm St. Coman’s Church of Ireland is the venue for an ecumenical service of thanksgiving for, and blessing on, the flocks of sheep of the county.
Thursday afternoon features a Farm Walk at Castlemine Farm at 2pm and at 6:30pm the official opening of the 25th Anniversary Exhibition of WAR (Working Artists Roscommon) takes place – click here for details.
The day’s activities conclude with a performance by Roscommon Drama Group and Roscommon Solstice Choir at the Roscommon Arts Centre entitled “A Nation once again”. Click here for more details. Limited Tickets remain for Thurday’s show but Friday’s and Saturday’s performances are sold out.
Friday’s festivities begin with a Farmers Market, Craft’s Display and Quilt Making demonstration. At 2pm there’s a talk on Surgeon Commander James Michael McNamara by Christopher Keane, with an exhibition of photographs and medals.
Friday evening features a delightful guided 8km walk, taking in a section of the Suck Valley Walk from Castlecoote to Athleague and round off the day with Roscommon Lamb Festival Céilí in Hannon’s Hotel, Athlone Road, Roscommon at 9.30pm. Music is by the Annaly Céilí Band, Admission is €10 and Tea and supper will be served. For further information contact Carmel on 086 8893897
The Exhibitions continue on Saturday from 10am and visitors have the option of attending the Mount Plunkett Nature Reserve Farm or Drum Heritage Centre – Both at 2pm.
Hannon’s Hotel hosts the annual BBQ at 8pm while at 9pm Murray’s Bar, Knockcroghery is the venue for the South Roscommon Singers Session with Donal O’Connor.
There’s an early start on Sunday with the International Sheep Dog Trials in Walsh’s Field, Castlerea Road from 9am and the Wool Merchants Cup & 9 hole Ladies Golf Competitions at 10am.
Loughnaneane Park hosts the Family Fun Day from 2pm and at 3pm TV3 Chef Joe Shannon hosts a Cookery Demo and Food Waste Rescue Event
The action concludes on Monday with the Family Carers Ireland Mini Marathon from Hannon’s Hotel at 3pm. There will be a 10k (timed & chipped) and a 5k (unchipped) Run Routes. Great prizes will be on offer in both the Women’s and Men’s categories. The Entry Fee €15 or €50 per family and the registration Stand at Hannon’s Hotel, will be open from 1:30pm.
The above is just a flavour of what is on offer, click here to Download the Roscommon Lamb Festival Event Guidefor full details.
Picture Credit: Glynns Photography, Castlerea