Feile Brian Boru organisers learn good lessons from restrictions

THE organisers of Féile Brian Ború are considering modifying the way it runs next year’s festival even if Covid-19 is no longer an issue, writes Dan Danaher.
Most of the events for the recent 28th Annual Féile Brian Ború were held online due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Arlene White of Féile Brian Ború admitted this year’s experience had changed their overall view on how the festival should be run over the coming years.
“We didn’t miss the running and racing between venues. This year’s festival has changed the way we will run it in 2022.
“There is no harm in changing things. There will be a change in how we do things. Previously, we had a dog competition, but the pet photographic competition worked very well.
“The performance by local singer, Norma Manley with Brendan Pooley on guitar in Killaloe Cathedral on Saturday night was beautiful. There doesn’t have to be a huge concert for people to enjoy an intimate performance in a beautiful building.

New post: Photographic Competition Winners https://t.co/lbn7qSeMgi

— Feile Brian Boru (@FeileBrianBoru) July 13, 2021

“Previously, there was a view the festival had to be big and loud and must have loads of people. But if there is something people enjoy, they will go and it doesn’t have to be all big and loud.
“There was great feedback from people who participated in the festival.”
She recalled there was a lot of entries for the Children’s Art Competition “Your Favourite place on a plate”.
D J Eddie O’Gorman proved to be a big hit with children in housing estates in both Killaloe and Ballina with his mobile disco.
On Saturday, she estimated there were more than 100 people on the lake learning kayaking and paddle boarding, while Ballina Outdoor Swimming Pool was quite busy over the weekend.
The Pet Photographic Competition attracted 190 entries, with prizes in five categories.
“People are delighted to be out and about and have something to do and something to book.
“The workshops for flag and fairy door making went really well. The workshops outside the library were full all day and we could have had more if we were allowed.”
She explained it wasn’t possible to organise any fireworks display this year due to Covid-19 restrictions concerning large gatherings.

The winners were:
Children’s Art Competition “Your Favourite place on a plate” –
0 – 4 year olds:
1 Cathal Monaghan (4), 2 Rody Cronin (3.5), 3. Ebony Harty (2);
5 – 6 year olds: 1 Elle Murray (6), 2 Ronan Fleming (5), 3 Maxime Howard (5)
7 – 9 year olds: 1 Nora Neylon (7), 2 Emily Monaghan (8),
3 Liam O’Brian (8)

10 + years:
1 Anna Fleming (11), 2 Emily Seymour (10), 3 Lucy Bradwell (11)
U’16 Photography competition:
The winner was Patch Curtain (12), mirror reflection of St Flannan’s Cathedral

Adult Photography competition:
Scenic shots in our locality:
“In the Spotlight” Lough Derg from Tountinna by Amy Heijerman; nature:
“Looking for the magic in every moment” by Patrick Ryan;
Wildlife: family of Swans by Brenda O’Connell;

Buildings and Structures: “The Bridge” by Annagh Roache

Pet Photographic competition:
Cutest Eyes:
Belle the Dashund Grace Bourke and Declan O’Meara
Best Action Shot:
Sadie the Black Labrador owned by Annagh Roche
Best “OH NO” shot:
Bonny the JRT and Dolly the Cow owned by Siobhán Cahill
Best Sleeping Position:
Loki the Cat owned by Martin Conroy

Open Category:
Cincau the Chinchilla owned by Soo Ling Koh
Brian Ború’s Wild and Wonderful Art Adventure Winners
1 -Lena, Harvey & Killian McMahon; 2 Annabel and Andrew Anoop; 3 Cian and Adam O’Hora.

Wild Card Winners
1 – Cathal Monaghan, 2 Maxime and James Howard
Jack and Femke Schregardus won the colouring competition.