The Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival at Shane’s Castle last weekend was an unprecedented hugh success as bumper crowds packed in from around the country.
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Knights jousting at Shane’s Castle.[/caption]
It certainly was a time for rural celebration as the visitors were treated to a wide array of stands and stalls and participative activities from angling, clay pigeon shooting, dog handling and much more. A strong support from County Down was evident at the event.
Very popular were the various dog events such as the lurcher and terrier racing and dog show and dog handling. And the dog rehoming agencies attracted an excellent crowd through the two days testifying to the truth that ‘man’s’ best friend is a dog.
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A section of the crowd at Shane’s Castle Irish Country and Game Fair.[/caption]
The main ring saw lots of action with the fabulous chivalric displays from the knights of Les Amis d’Anno, and Steven McGonagle the poacher and dog guru Keith Matthews with junior guru Cole (8), his son, also provided much entertainment to the excellent crowds. And things certainly went with a bang as the displays from the muzzle loaders showed off the old skills in shooting. Competition was hot in the clay pigeon shooting as well as the game dog contests. Â The range of interests, food suppliers and stands were nothing short of spectacular in the fantastic setting of Shane’s Castle, steeped in history.
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Pictured at the Feedwell stand from Castlewellan with Jeff McMaster, right and Jamie Clegg, back centre, are the winners of the retriever handling competition.[/caption]
But what make such a show really tick? The great effort by Albert Titterington who has been running shows for over thirty years and his dedicated team leave no stone unturned in the preparation of the fairs. And offering a testament to that is Cumbria game butcher Peter Gott who has attended the fairs since 1991. He said: “I’ve been coming to Albert’s shows for many years. He has been very accommodating and I’ve always enjoyed these events. I have very loyal customers who just buy a large quantity of game products each year and store them away. The buzz at this year’s show is just amazing. It certainly has been very busy.”
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Game butcher Peter Gott from Sillfield Farm Products in Cumbria has been a regular attender at Albert Titerington’s country and game fairs.[/caption]
Albert Titterington, director of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland, said: “Stunning sunshine and fabulous crowds ensured that this year’s Irish Game Fair & Fine Food Festival at Shanes Castle was a weekend to remember, reinforcing its position as the biggest and, by far, best attended annual game, country or country sports fair in Ireland.
“We were thrilled at the public enthusiasm for our unique combination of country sports, heritage, food and family entertainment and delighted to welcome visitors – and exhibitors – from right across these islands and beyond including Europe, Canada and the US to our action-packed celebration of all things rural.
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The unexpected: Woodcarver Ray McCullough from Glenavy starts cutting up a piece of oak and within a few minutes the profile of a bear emerges.[/caption]
“Also, we are tremendously grateful to Tourism Northern Ireland and the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their sponsorship in 2015 and for the confidence they have shown in us… it was a pleasure to repay that commitment by attracting substantial visitor numbers to the Borough!
“As international competitors, exhibitors and retailers packed up to go home after an ultra-successful show, we were already taking bookings for 2016 and we are consequently encouraged to look positively at the opportunity to extend the Shanes Castle event and also to make the Ballynahinch Harvest and Country Living Festival at Montalto Estate which we piloted last year into a developing biennial venture.
“I confidently believe that those who events will do much to build respect and affection for our wonderful rural heritage in all its forms and, important in today’s tough financial climate, will make a significant positive impact on the region’s tourism and general economy.”
With just 360 days left to next year’s show, plans are already afoot for another spectacular show. This was a truly international event, and much enjoyed by all the competitors, exhibitors and visitors.
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Shane’s Castle, the former home of the O’Neill’s.[/caption]]]>
