Furore as funfair cancelled

Last ditch efforts to save the Funfair at the Fairgreen in Navan over St Patrick’s weekend will be made by the Navan Shamrock Festival today.

Anger and disappointment has been expressed by the funfair operators and Navan Shamrock Festival, as well as local youngsters at a decision by Meath County Council to stop the funfair from using the Fairgreen this year.
McFadden’s Funfair, which has been a major attraction in Navan on St Patrick’s Day for the past 17 years, has hit out at the decision.
Dwayne McFadden who is also a member of the Shamrock Festival Committee said they had been refused permission to use the Fairgreen.
He pointed out that the Funfair provides substantial sponsorship to the festival each year and paid €6,000 last year.
“We kept going throughout the recession and when we are in town, we buy all our supplies here. We have always supported the town,” he said.
Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, chairman of the Shamrock Festival Committee said they had received a lot of sponsorship from McFaddens over the years.
He said there will be a meeting with council management today, but he wasn’t optimistic.
“We are very disappointed. We have been loyal to McFaddens over the years and they have been loyal to us.
“Teenagers can be hard to entertain and the funfair gave them something to do,” he said.
Navan man, Jonathon Cuniffe said he worked for the McFaddens Funfair for 13 years when they came to Navan. 
He said the prices for rides were reasonable and they give young people work for the weekend.
“They are good people and the council should change their mind before Paddy’s weekend because there will be nobody in Navan. There is a load off angry people over this.”
The Council acknowledged this week the dedication of the members of the Navan Shamrock Committee who organise a wonderful parade and other events in the town to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Festival and noted that the funfair is a popular attraction. 
However, a spokesperson said the Council has had to review this attraction in terms of inconvenience, noise, anti-social behaviour, parking facilities and access to St Mary’s Church.
“Having considered the issues of concern, and having consulted with the Gardaí, the council reluctantly decided not to make the Fairgreen car park available.”
“In light of this decision, the Council has increased the level of its support to the committee this year and would like to take this opportunity to wish the Committee every success with the 2017 festival.”