Old market day in Kells recreated, 40 years on

Thousands flocked to Kells on Sunday for the Kells Market Day, which proved to be the highlight of this year's Kells Heritage Festival. Farrell Street, Cross Street, Market Street, Newmarket Street and Church Street were closed off to facilitate the event, which recreated an old market day in Kells, with many new attractions which were not around in the 1960s when the last market was held. Pig racing, street entertainment, a pageant, a farmers' market and many colourful stalls were among the attractions of what proved to be a very successful day. The wet and windy weather of Sunday morning looked as if it might spoil the day, but the organisers were determined to go ahead. As the rain cleared away, thousands of visitors poured into Kells for a great day's entertainment. The market day was officially opened by the cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Conor Ferguson, and president sof Kells Chamber of Commerce, Jess Olohan. Music was provided throughout the day by Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann who performed on the main stage and also in the Market Yard where the local ICA were serving teas. Rock bands also provided music during the day and the Kells Musical and Dramatic Society performed a pageant on the life of St Colmcille which got the day off to a great start. The pig racing proved very entertaining and artist Patrick Morris and his team created a fascinating sculpture from half a tree, watched by the many visitors to the fair. Navan Travellers' Workshop had a storyteller and tinsmith there who also proved interesting and popular. Ian Rogan gave an art demonstration, matchmaker, Gus Tierney was in regular demand and Causey Farm had a children's play area. All sorts of colourful stalls including artisan foods, jewellery, handbags and a French market. A pig roast went down very well and the food stall where boxty, potato cakes and bread was made in the street proved very popular. Meanwhile, other attractions of the festival were the performances of the John B Keane play, 'Sive', comedy with Fred Cooke, music by Colm 'Stride' O'Brien, an antiques and collectables fair, country market, flower show, a garden barbecue and street entertainment for children. There was a children's pavement art competition, a dog show, an aquathon (a combined swimming and running competition), a dog show, an arts and a photographic trail. A Poets and Gazebo evening with the Byron Society, which took place in the garden of the Railway Bar, was enjoyed by many. As well as the Byron Society, there were readings by Eamon Cooke and Tommy Murray. The work of the Kells Heritage Festival Committee and its chairman, Eileen Morgan, came in for praise. Cllr Ferguson thanked all the volunteers who helped to make the day such a success. Cllr Tommy Grimes said Kells hadn't seen anything like it for years. Cllr Brian Curran paid tribute to the festival committee, Kells Chamber of Commerce, the Tidy Towns committee, Civil Defence, Gardai and Cllr John Farrelly for their work on the day.