Fair days to make welcome return after Covid break

After a two year break because of the pandemic, the Dunderry and Nobber communities are gearing up for the return of their traditional Fair Days in 2022.

Like many events, the annual fair days in both villages fell victim to the pandemic but committees are busy planning with renewed vigour to ensure a day of celebration where people can finally meet up with others and enjoy a bit of normality.

Dunderry Fair Day will take place on 1st May, while Nobber Fair and Show takes place on 22nd May.

Henry Mulligan, chair of Nobber Show and Fair Committee said: “The minute we heard the restrictions were lifting, we were on the phone to each other and it gave a great lift to everyone.”

He said they were already planning and working away in the background and were delighted to be able to go ahead with their plans for 22nd May once restrictions lifted.

“This year with things opening up again, people are excited about it and there is great interest. It is always a great chance to catch up with local people and people from the surrounding parishes. There is already a great buzz about it.”

Declan Nerney will headline the event with other music acts also in the pipeline. A new addition to the fair in 2019 was the livestock show and this will return again for 2022.

There will also be a vintage display, dog show, and the usual exhibitors will be back with the full programme still being worked on.

This year Dunderry Fair takes place on Sunday, 1st May and is always a great day out not just for the local parish but with people travelling from across the county and further afield to soak up the atmosphere.

Gerry Comaskey, PRO of Dunderry Fair said they were “delighted to announce that following two years of cancellations they are back bigger and better than ever on the streets of Dunderry on 1st May”.

This year the fair is on the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend and Gerry said Dunderry will be the only place to be as many old and dear friends renew acquaintances and make new ones.

On the entertainment side, he said they are very excited to announce their new headline act of country superstar Cliona Hagan, with more to be announced in the weeks ahead.

Gerry said they were looking forward to seeing people back at the fair as they face 2022 with a renewed optimism adding that there is “much catching up to do”.