Nobber prepares for annual fair day

Nobber Vintage Club will hold its third annual Fair Day on Sunday 17th May, with a packed line-up of events that promises a great day out for all the family. The fair day was revived in 2007 for the first time in 59 years and its success has ensured it has once again become an annual affair in the parish. The fair gets underway at noon and will feature animal displays, stalls, activities and live music. One of the main attractions of the day will be the Joe Dolan Band and local traditional group Coscán will also keep the crowds entertained. There will be displays of animals and fowl, a dog show/trials, kids" amusements, a ducking chair, mini-digger skills, penalty shootout, mini go-karts, stalls, local displays, tug-of-war, 'guess the weight of the bull" competition and the cow path competition will also make a return. Animals must be booked in prior to the fair. Contact Tony Cassidy on (087) 290 1834. All stall-holders must also be booked in prior to the fair. Contact Dermot McCormack on (086) 401 6779. Nobber Fair dates back to the early 1800s and, before the fair was successfully revived in 2007, the last recorded event took place in 1948. It was held on a Monday but later changed to the third Tuesday of each month and local myth has it that it came to an end following an incident in which a 'lady", who had a row with a man at the fair, proceeded to cut his head off. It is said that the unfortunate man"s head rolled down the street. He was reputed to be a Monaghan man and purportedly uttered as his dying words were 'Nobber no more on a Monday.' Last year, the proceeds of €15,000 were donated to different charities and, this year, worthy causes will also benefit. Entry is €10 for adults and €5 for OAPs. Children under 16 will have free access.