Sterling festival work in Ardglass

SIR, — After months of planning, our local festival in Ardglass was about to kick off.

The pre-festival performance arts workshop for children, which lasted five consecutive days, was a huge success. Two committee members, who contributed to this in their capacity as volunteers, were Festival Association chairperson Colette Murray and press officer Valine McQuoid.

I didn’t realise at the time the critical roles these members in particular would adopt when the actual festival events proceeded.

On the eve of the first event — the family run — I contracted a severe viral infection, the symptoms of which included the inability to sleep. I contacted Colette the next morning and she insisted that I relax at home and ensured me that the day’s scheduled events would go ahead as planned.

Of course, due to my prevailing incapacity, I was given the same strict advice the following day in which there were four main children’s events, followed by the parade. Although I recovered slightly on the Saturday, I was forbidden by Colette and Valine to attend the harbour events and was only required to complete any necessary cheques for performers.

Thankfully, my health improved sufficiently on the Sunday for me at last to play an active role in the fun day event at the school grounds. I learned at first hand from residents, the impressive leadership and work rate shown by Colette. Of course, in her modesty, Colette informed me that her niece, Valine, who was also double-jobbing as a community care worker and had her own new seamstress business, had shown immense energy and determination.

Valine also complimented the work and sacrifices of our two youngest members, Rebecca Smyth and Leontia Maginn, together with non-members, Kieran Shields and Syd Wright. Both Rebecca and Leontia have been a revelation and are exemplar role models for young teenagers. Kieran has become established as the co-ordinator of the Thursday street events and strives to encourage teenagers to participate to motivate their older siblings and reluctant parents to become more active.

Syd has amazing stamina and community spirit and was available to assist in any way, especially regarding the erection or dismantling of equipment. He was rewarded by being proclaimed “king” for the festival period but, of course, did not rest on his laurels.

Some other committee members were limited in their contribution during the week due to work and family commitments, but successfully fulfilled their scheduled assignments.

Undoubtedly, the success of the festival was mainly due to the efforts of those mentioned above. They were so dedicated that they were even team leaders in the village clean-up, the final festival event.

Yours etc.,

GERRY CASEY,

Ardglass Festival Association treasurer.