*Photograph: Joe Buckley
NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS will host the 19th Hole Community and Family Fun Festival when the Women’s Irish Open rolls into town at the end of August.
Clare County Council will host the festival in conjunction with the Women’s Irish Open which runs from August 31st to September 2nd in Dromoland Castle.
To add to the atmosphere of the European Tour event, a two-day festival will take place in the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus on September 2nd and 3rd.
Packed with loads of activities and entertainment, this two-day family festival promises to captivate families and all members of the community alike. The festival offers a diverse range of events, from the popular Shaskeen traditional music band and the Papa Zitas Motown band experience on Saturday evening to Clodagh Lawlor and Abba Sensations Tribute Band on Sunday evening. The programme of events ensures there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, including children’s entertainment at O’Regan Park in Newmarket on Fergus.
Practice is well underway for the Newmarket-on-Fergus Brass Band who have the honour of kicking off the festival. Local sporting teams are scheduled to make an appearance on the Saturday (September 2nd). The various musical acts will perform on both days, commencing at 6:00pm and finishing at 10:00pm on Saturday and 9:00pm on Sunday.
In conjunction with Obair, a Mooghaun Children’s Experience will involve interactive displays and a guided tour of this Bronze Age hill fort on Sunday at 3:00pm. A bus service will take parents and children to and from Mooghaun.
Country music star, Clodagh Lawlor herself a native of Newmarket-on-Fergus will look to have a strong local support when she takes to the stage on Sunday evening. To close out the festival, ABBA Sensations will perform the band’s greatest hits, including ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Super Trouper’.
Cathaoirleach of Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) expressed her excitement about the upcoming festival, stating, “We encourage everyone to join us for this exciting weekend of free events. The festival is sure to foster a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere and is well worth a family visit, with something for people of all ages to enjoy”.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “I am delighted that Clare is hosting the Women’s Irish Open and pleased that the nearby town of Newmarket-on-Fergus will enjoy this community festival in early September. Events like the Women’s Irish Open are crucial to our local economy and help boost the profile of tourism in Clare, and it is a real opportunity to showcase Newmarket-on-Fergus and its hinterland and foster a strong sense of community”.
Senior executive officer in the Shannon Municipal District, Anne Griffin confirmed that a park and ride service will operate every half-hour from the roadway close to the Women’s Irish Open parking area in Dromoland to Newmarket-on-Fergus to facilitate all visitors to the Saturday and Sunday events. She also acknowledged the assistance of Newmarket-on-Fergus Community Forum, Obair, and the wider community, including residents, for their co-operation and support.
Saturday, 2nd September, 2023: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
5:30pm: Festival commences with Newmarket on Fergus Brass Band
6:00pm – 8:00pm: Shaskeen Traditional Music Band
8:00pm – 10:00pm: Papa Zitas – Ireland’s definitive Motown Big Band experience
Sunday, 3rd September, 2023: 12 noon to 9:00pm
12:00pm – 6:00pm: Live golf streamed on big screen in village
3:00pm – 5:00pm: Mooghaun Children’s Experience in conjunction with Obair (bus from O’Regan Park at 3:00pm)
6:00pm – 7:30pm: Clodagh Lawlor, local country and western sensation
7:00pm – 9:00pm: ABBA Sensations Tribute Band.
