AS usual, they came from far and near for the annual Fair of Spancilhill on Monday, and that was only the horses and ponies, as well as a number of donkeys for good measure.
The glorious weather brought out a big number of dealers and buying and selling was brisk throughout the day. The quality of the animals at the fair was described as being very good and this was reflected in the prices that were achieved.
The fair also attracted quite a number of visitors, who were happy to observe the time-honoured traditions associated with showing the animals to prospective buyers and the bartering and hand slapping.
Judging by the 2014 fair, the event famed in song by Robbie McMahon, has a strong future and will continue as an important part of the heritage of County Clare.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.