Yes folks … yesterday was the opening day of the week long festival here in Ballinamore.
And if there’s one thing Ballinamore people do well … it’s party.
During the day there was a pipe band and the crowds came out in the soggy rain to cheer them on.
The festival wouldn’t happen without the time and efforts of countless volunteers and my good neighbours … Damien Hamill (of B&B fame) and John D’Arcy were out keeping the crowd safe.
And then there was the evening festivities … another late night for this little princess.
I went to Moo Bar early and ran across 2 lovely women who were visiting from the UK.
Kathleen Fox would be the sister of John Fox and that’s her daughter Alison.
Kathleen was born in Drumbrick close by here and left Ireland for the UK to become a nurse in 1955.
She and her brother Peter (from New York) visit their brothers John and Patrick in Ballinamore each year.
John’s garage is mentioned in John McGaherns books.
Kathleen was enjoying catching up and chatting with people. She and Alison were also delighted with Moo … imagine … a wine bar in Ballinamore.
I was looking forward to watching the latin dancing … great stuff.
Then some of Ballinamore’s gorgeous women wandered in and the fun began …
So much chat and laughter you wouldn’t think we’d all caught up a few weeks ago in Moo for my birthday.
And as the laughter continued inside … the crowd listened to a band outside … people wandered the streets from bar to bar.
And here’s a sight I thought I’d never see … Adrian dancing … pretty good moves mate.
And here he is again with Sheila … and that’s after he said he was going home.
And again … with more of the fab girls.
That’ s Anita and Ann.
Speaking of Anita … happy birthday fellow Leo.
The crowd was mighty in Moo … and there was more dancing … that’s Anita with the dance instructor.
Maggie and I had a great chat about our dogs and their wonderfullness (yup … it is a word).
Here’s Maggie with Maria … Anita’s sister.
Did you know that Maria is blessed with 3 Leo siblings … you lucky girl ya.
Moo was packed with people chatting and greeting each other … fab fun.
And instead of going home straight from Moo … I went up to Priors with some of the women … having too much fun.
I got to bed around 3ish and am proud that I’m up and doing this blog … instead of sleeping in.
Sure … there’s the rest of the day to sleep.
I’m not out at night again until Thursday’s Ladies night in Moo.
Girls … you’d better get their early as it seems like every woman in town will be there.
It’s soggy outside and I hope they don’t have to cancel tomorrows ag show … it’s Coco’s debut.
My shining star of a dog now fetches the ball … sits and stays when asked … is house trained … and writes her own blog.
The last is a slight exaggeration … but give her a few months and I wouldn’t be surprised.
Right now she’s sleeping nearly on top of me (in that funny upside down way with legs in the air) as I type this blog in bed.
Someone offered to buy Coco yesterday.
Yeh … over my dead body … and Maggies.
By the way … Derek and Lynda …we missed you last night and people were asking after you both.
Right … I’m off for a nap …
Have a great day.
Liz
Well, now, no one told us we’d be missing out on seeing Adrian dance!
Looks like it was a fabulous night and everyone was there. Next time!!
well done with the photos, would like to meet adrian hamill? looking fwd to the fish farming show tomorro, the portaloos are in place for the fancy dress washout friday, no lock on one of them so bring one if you need one. there’s at least one elvis goin, ‘wet elvis’. what will you take for the dog?
Caomhain – thanks for pointing out that I got Damiens name all mixed up.Sorted now.
I hope the weather holds for the dog show this afternoon … I will not be walking and standing in the rain.
I won’t be at the Fancy Dress as I’m minding the D’Arcy kids so John and Helena an go … weren’t there a lot of Elvises last year?
Liz