Craic On

Monday night saw the Muff Festival 2016 come to an end. I’m sure no one in the village can deny what a great weekend it was from start to finish. A little rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and the sun shone for the greater part of the four day event.
Friday evening saw the opening parade and Queen of Queens dance, and our new Mayor, Jason Huges was elected. Saturday saw fun and frolics for everyone and Sunday was a repeat of much the same. As Monday brought the few final events, the evening saw the latest addition to the annual festival, The Grand Finalé and Fun Awards ceremony. This took place in the lounge at The Squealing Pig.
Awards on the night were presented to: Caraiosa Grant for being the ‘Outstanding Female’ of the festival weekend. Caraoisa (Cara) was an ever present little lady throughout the weekend. She participated in just about every event that she could. Her little smiling face was there at all times and she just brightened up the entire weekend for everyone. A very deserved recipent of this award. Well done Cara.
‘Outstanding Male’ of the festival went to Caolan and Liam Harkin. We all see the work Liam puts in year after year, and now his grandson Caolan is following in his footsteps. Caolan was there all weekend and not only helping Granda but helping anyone who needed assistance. Again, a very deserving pair for this joint award in 2016.
The ‘Festival Volunteer’ award went to Mr Terry Barr. Terry is there year in, year out, and constantly helping in every area of the weekend. Be it sorting the bins, getting trophies, or making a burger, Terry is there for everyone. Here’s hoping he sticks around for a few years to come!!
The award for ‘Festival Family’ went to the Nicholas family: Steven, Eilish, Jessica, Joshua and Grace. This family were not only ever present all weekend but also at recent festivals. The parents and children enter every possible event and show what a real family orientated festival this weekend really is in Muff. Congrats to each and every one of you on just great participation over the weekend.
The ‘Unsung Hero’ award was awarded to Mr Packie Lynch for his endless work over the weekend. Always in the background but very much at the fore, Packie is an ever present assistant and tireless worker over the festival. Packie was away at yet another meeting on Monday so his family collected it on his behalf.
And finally the award for ‘Community Spirit’ went to Mrs Phyllis McKenna. Mrs McKenna is just a huge part of village life here in Muff and does so much for the local community. Her talents and work are endless here in Muff and it was a delight to see her receive this award on Monday night.
Although no award was given to this final group of people, a huge THANK YOU must surely go out to each and every one of them. Without these folk working tirelessly through the year and endlessly over the Festival weekend, none of what took place over the weekend would have been possible. These folks are continually planning the next festival. They are continually working and giving so much of their time to ensure this community and family orientated weekend continues annually. So from all in the village, THANK YOU one and all of our amazing Festival Committee. We are all so very grateful for all that you do. Here’s to doing it all over again in 2017.

GMcC