All systems go for rescheduled uisneach fire festival

Casting aside the disappointment which surrounded the 11th hour cancellation of the Fire Festival on the Hill of Uisneach last Saturday, the organisers say it will go ahead as planned this coming Saturday, May 9.

The man behind the festival, David Clarke, told the Examiner on Monday that the line-up for the revised date is the same and everyone is projecting a positive outlook.

“What happened on Saturday was simply devastating, with the rain and the high winds. RTÉ and Brenda Donohoe were here at the time and we made the decision to cancel between 8 and 9am,” said David.

“Given the conditions and with health and safety paramount, it was the right call,” continued David, who expressed his thanks to the authorities, the gardaí and all who planned on being there for their understanding and patience.

“There will be a financial loss due to the cancellation but hopefully, we will get a very good turnout next weekend,” said David, who stressed that whatever the weather the event will go ahead.

“We need to get that message out. It’s all systems go and everybody is rallying around and the feeling is all positive. And we will have more covered accommodation available should it be required”, David concluded.

And what does the weather hold for the weekend? According to Met Éireann, Ireland is to experience milder weather later in the week though there is a possibility of shower activity across the country on Saturday.