The Ardmore Pattern Festival Weekend got off to a flying start as Gerry Humphries, known as 'The Flying Farmer' dipped and dived, looped and rolled through a sun shower and rainbow in the skies over Ardmore Bay last night after which we were treated to Street Entertainment, music from the Bon Jovi Tribute Show and Fireworks which dazzled the night sky.
The Festival runs until Sunday, 28th and is not to be missed for free family fun and fantastic entertainment. Check out the full Programme of Events by clicking the link.
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Due to demand, I am delighted to share with you that My Ardmore Diary is now open for Photo Sales ! For further information, please contact me directly by email to ardmorediary@gmail.com.
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Just a short while ago I returned from St. Declan's Well having
attended the Midnight Vigil of the Pattern Day. It's been a few years
since I last ventured there, the excuse of being too tired after a busy
day being the one nearest to hand, this year, however, I was determined
to go back in search of the inner tranquility and calmness of my previous midnight visit.
Walking past the bright foyer of the Cliff House Hotel into the
darkness a recollection of my last visit and those who accompanied me
there mingled with the anticipation of this visit in my mind. We
approached the entrance to St Declan's Hermitage illuminated by a
solitary candle standing guard in a wonderfully large glass jar which
welcomed us onwards. A river of night-lights flowed towards the
entrance to the Well where a serene and respectful atmosphere was
observed as old friends greeted each other and new ones were introduced.
Having wandered around in the mystery of candlelight for a few moments,
I came to rest against the railing near St. Declan's Well just as Sr.
Declan began her welcome and gave an introduction to those not familiar
with the history of St. Declan and his Holy Well.
The rosary
was recited 'as gaeilge' and faceless people, both young and old, prayed
in unity, side by side, in a tradition that has lasted centuries in
Ardmore. As I gazed from candle light to full moon light I came to
realise that our prayers were rising to the heavens above and I have no
doubt that centuries of those great Déise people, gone before us, prayed
with us too as the water lapped the rocks below with the cry of the
curlew was lost in the mumble of prayer.
Tonight in this ancient
ruined site in the open air of summer, I was reminded why we celebrate
the Pattern Day, the real and true meaning behind this wonderful
tradition is the simple celebration of our Christian faith given to us
by St Declan, without all the trappings and the ceremony, it is the
celebration of our connection with our ancient past, our ultimate future
and our journey with those we encounter as we pass through. Happy
Pattern Day
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Congratulations
to lucky local lady, Claire O'Donnell who won a large framed version of
'Dusk in Whiting Bay' during the production of 'The Sand Park' in St
Declan's Hall last night.
'My Ardmore Diary' is delighted to have made a financial donation to become a 'friend' of the Ardmore Pattern Festival and also to have donated two large framed photographs to be given as
prizes.
I wonder who's going to win the next one which will be raffled
along with some other lovely prizes during 'Musical Delights' on
Wednesday evening, 24th July with John Kennedy, in St Declan's Hall at
8.30pm - be sure and buy some tickets, if you're not in - you can't win !
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Photographed recently is Ardmore's Hugh O'Reilly on board 'Aimee', having just returned to the Boat Cove on a beautiful sunny Summer's evening having fished off the coast of Ardmore. I am intrigued with the names of boats and often wonder what inspired the owner to name it so, the names seem to be mostly female leading me to believe that the boats are named after some very special ladies indeed !
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This is what I've been busy studying all week in the glorious sunshine.
It's the 7th Ardmore Pattern Festival Programme of Events which BEGINS TODAY with the Annual Antique Fair
& Afternoon Tea in Halla Dhéagláin at Noon until 6pm hosted by the
wonderful ladies of the Ardmore/Grange ICA Guild.
At 4pm, Cappoquin man, Thomas McCarthy, Poet will host light refreshments at the Molly Keane Writers Retreat as he recounts the wonderful memories and life of the Booker Prize Author, Molly Keane.
And so it begins, it's going to be a busy week in every household in
the community as well as for the many businesses who serve all of
Ardmore's visitors, however, its going to be an extra busy week for the
mighty Ardmore Pattern Festival Committee who give their very best to
the organisation of this wonderful Festival VOLUNTARILY every year !
Please give them your support and a clap on the back when you see them
during the week and donate a euro or more to their Donation Boxes that
will be manned by them.
So, John S, Maurice, Don, Rosie,
Ciara G, John K & Ciara M every good wish to you all for a wonderful
week ahead, may the loads you have to lift be light, may the distance
you have to run be short, may the cable ties be plentiful and the pliers
sharp, may the traffic calm itself, may the litter reach the bins and
not the ground, may the weather just be right....I could go on ! It's
going to be a strange Festival for me having worn the 'Committee'
t-shirt in previous years but I am really looking forward to enjoying it
from 'the other side' this year with my family. Go n-éirí an t-adh
libh lads, let the festival fever commence ! xox
For further information on the 80+ events being held over the Ardmore Pattern Festival, please visit www.ardmorepatternfestival.ie
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Follow the link for a quick Guide to What's on in Ardmore for the month of July.
What's on in Ardmore - July 2013
If you are running an event and would like 'My Ardmore Diary' to help promote it for free, then please e-mail the details to ardmorediary@gmail.com.
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