It’s full steam ahead in Moynalty...well almost!

The Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival will not be taking place this year but the members of the organising committee have instead switched the focus onto staging other events as part of a drive to raise funds and in the process let it be known that they are still very much in business; still flying the flag.

Among the events scheduled is the opening of a festival museum followed next month by a county n' western jamboree.

"We endeavour as always to put on a day of entertainment for all in a safe environment especially now in the Covid-19 pandemic and as a part of all that we are hosting our Museum Open Day on Sunday 11th July,” explained Cormac Donegan, the PRO of the Moynalty Steam Threshing.

"This event will comprise of a Country Craft and Food Market as well as the opportunity to view the vast number of historical artifacts which we have on display in our museum. We will have friends of Moynalty Steam Threshing attending the show bringing steam-related articles and items of by-gone times. There will be refreshments and other entertainment on the day and it will run from 10am-5pm. There will be an admission charge of €5 for adults while children are free. As always, government restrictions will be ahered to carefully."

Further events are also planned including a music festival - the Moynalty Country Music Festival - on Sunday 8th August from 2pm to 9pm. The festival will feature talented country n'western singers Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Robert Mizell, Matt Leavy and Paul Leavy. Tickets, which cost €32 can be purchased from moynaltysteamthreshing.ie or by ringing the organisers on (046) 92 44810. There is only a limited number of tickets available. The aim is to sell 3,000 tickets for this outside event.

On Saturday 4th September the organisers also plan to hold a tractor run - 'Willie's Tractor Run' - in aid of Nobber Cancer Support group. "Details of this tractor run will be made available closer to the event but we will be determined to try and raise as much as possible for a local charity, which like all cancer support groups, is a great aid to people who need it most," added Cormac Donegan.

The Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival originated in 1976 and from humble beginnings it grew to become a major event. The organisers have overcome numerous challenges over the years.

Few was more formidable than in 2019 when heavy rain made conditions very difficult but the local people dug in and helped out - and the show went on.

Then there was Covid-19, a very different proposition.

"We had taken great pride in the fact that since 1976-2019 we had to never postpone or cancel a show due to any circumstances, however with Covid-19 we were forced to give up this accolade. But when the well being and health of our would-be attendees were in doubt, we felt that to try and run an event would be careless. This decision was made before government guidelines would inevitably have forced us to do so anyway," explained Donegan.

Some fund-raising has been done now more is needed. "Christmas 2020 was the first opportunity we got to host a fundraiser to which we held our Christmas Market. This event was a great success as it helped us raise funds for the upkeep of the museum and grounds. A special word of thanks has to go to local county councillors and Meath County Council for accepting our grant request to purchase items needed to host outdoor events.

The committee point out there maybe slight changes to scheduled events and times.

Anyone interested can keep up with planned events on social media or by contacting the office on (046) 9244810 for any enquires.