Féile Charn Tóchiar 2009 - great success
Féile Charn Tóchair, Maghera’s annual community festival celebrating the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the area, has been a huge success for the past 13 years. 2009 has been no exception!
Coláiste Charn Tóchair – Carntogher’s Irish college ran for 2 weeks. The College is aimed at the young Gaeilgeoirí of the South Derry area. CCT was set up to provide local children with opportunities to use their Gaeilge out of the classroom. Approximately 75 children aged between four and thirteen years attended the college this year.
The students came from far and near, the locals from Machaire Rátha, an tSuaitreach and Sleacht Néill. Others travelled from Dún Geimhin and Achadh Dubhthaigh (Aghadowey). The young students experienced a wide range of activities daily. Throughout the fortnight, the children had the opportunity to take part in arts and crafts, practise new tunes on the tin whistle, céilí dances, sing traditional and modern songs as Gaeilge. They also participated in language and board games, and of course a wide range of sports. The young Gaeilgeoirí in cúrsa B also got the opportunity to star in two drama productions, the Pied Piper and Labhraidh Loingseach, which were thoroughly enjoyed by both the participants and the audience.
We would like to thank our funders, Foras na Gaeilge and Magherafelt District Council for their help to make Coláiste Charn Tóchair a resounding success. We would also like to say 'go raibh míle maith agat' to all the ceannairí and múinteoirí for all their hard work and dedication.
Féile activities started on Friday 3rd July with a Heritage Walk around Maghera, a special thanks to Declan Devlin who gave his time and knowledge to lead the walk. Next it was off to McKenna’s Bar for a challenging Pub Quiz as compiled and chaired by Sean Kerr. Participants tested their knowledge and wits against each other to win the prize kindly donated by Peter McKenna.
On Saturday 4th July we held the annual BBQ, which took place this year at Walsh’s Hotel. Despite the unpredictable weather, the outdoor setting was perfect for the event and the crowd enjoyed excellent food, great craic and fantastic music provided by The Crazy Folkers. It was a bit on the chilly side to make use of the pool but next year you never know!
For all the inquisitive minds among us was the Treasure Hunt on Thursday 9th July which took place around the Maghera and Swatragh area. Thanks to Pat and Geraldine Convery who put their time and research into compiling a particularly challenging hunt this year, there may be a few cars driving about out there yet still trying to figure out those last few clues!
On the last night of the festival was a celebration of traditional music which took place at the Oakleaf Restaurant, Glenshane. Guests enjoyed sessions from The Hutchinsons, Declan and Aoibheann Devlin & Padraig Ó Mianáin, Niamh McLinchey and Declan O’Kane. Maranna McCloskey and her group then took to the stage to a captivated audience for an hour long set. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by both audience and performers alike.
And finally, drawing Féile Charn Tóchair ‘09 to a close was the Country Market on Saturday 11th July. Visitors browsed a variety of fresh fruit and veg. from local producers, home-baked breads, cakes and cookies as well as unique handmade craft items. While the adults shopped around the children enjoyed face painting and arts and crafts, making sure that the whole family was entertained.
Carntogher Community Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped out with the festival as well as all those who have attended the events which have made this year’s féile such a success. Particular thanks must also be extended to all the local businesses and individuals who so generously donated the various raffle prizes for the draw which took place during the Country Market. They include: Thèrapie Beauty Salon (won by Margaret Mullan, Magherafelt), P & N Quality Meats (Séana Stewart, Maghera), Delicious Café (Lucia McCloskey, Dungiven), Learning Space (Martin Corey, Maghera), Siopa An Carn (Colm McKenna, Maghera), Noone’s Gift Centre (Felix Glover, Maghera) and Walsh’s Hotel (Teresa McCloskey, Dungiven). We hope that everyone enjoyed taking part in the events as much as CCA enjoyed organising them and hope that next year’s festival will be as successful as Féile ’09!
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