Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns to host Old Fair Day on Village Green

Tyrrellspass is set to come alive with colour, music and community spirit on Sunday August 17, as the local Tidy Towns Committee host their inaugural Old Fair Day. Taking place on The Green from 1pm to 5pm, the event marks a revival of a tradition of events in the village centre and forms part of the nationwide celebrations for National Heritage Week.

The Old Fair Day is a throwback to the traditional fairs of times past, and this year’s event promises a full afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, local crafts, heritage displays and community fun.

It’s also the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic that an event of this scale has taken place on the village green.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Sheelagh Connor, PRO of Tyrrellspass Tidy Towns, explained the significance of the day for the community.

“We haven’t had anything on the green in years. Before Covid, we used to have summer fair days every year and people loved them. This is about bringing people back together, meeting up, reconnecting.

“We’re hoping to see families, neighbours, and friends all enjoying the day.”

A wide range of activities are planned, with something for all ages. Heritage enthusiasts can enjoy a live demonstration of traditional steam threshing machines and scything by the committee’s own secretary, who recently completed a course on the craft.

“We have a wildflower meadow in the village that we cut every year using a scythe, so she will be showing people how it’s done – it’s a non-invasive and eco-friendly way of managing grasslands,” Sheelagh said.

Children will be well catered for too, with games, novelty competitions, and bouncy castles. A local beekeeper will also be on hand to talk about the importance of bees and biodiversity. Throughout the afternoon, there will be music and dancing to keep the atmosphere lively.

Local food and drink will be in good supply. Brian Pierson of Days Bazaar food truck, David Smyth Catering, and the popular weekend coffee stall from the GAA Pavilion will all be serving treats on the day. “We’re really lucky to have local businesses that have been so supportive,” Sheelagh said.

“Gonoud’s Bar, Sheeran Tractors, John Arthur the mechanic, have all pitched in. It’s a real team effort.”

Stalls selling local crafts, jams, accessories and other handmade goods will also feature, and organisers say there’s still room for more. Anyone interested in setting up a stall can contact Monica on 087 413 4822.

While the event is free to attend, donations will be collected on the day, and all proceeds will go to humanitarian aid for Gaza. “We’ve a connection in the village to people over there and we decided any money we make will be donated. It’s our way of doing something small that might help,” Sheelagh added.