The day of the fair at Spancilhill

IT was fair day in Spancilhill on Wednesday where, as the song goes, ‘Ireland’s sons and daughters and friends assembled there; the young, the old, the brave and the bold came their duty to fulfill’.

Some buyers left happy having scooped a bargain, while many selling were disappointed, as it was clear that the recession had hit the fair.
There were noted price drops at the fair this year with some claiming that a horse that would have fetched €1,000 last year was lucky to go for €300.
Meanwhile, those that were buying noticed the deals that were to be made, with one buyer taking home a child’s pony for a paltry €160.
It was also noted by some that the recession is having its price on buyers. Those who would have normally keep horses or ponies are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the animals’ upkeep in the current economic climate.
New additions to the fair’s programme included two cob classes in heavyweight and lightweight at under 158cm, while an eve of fair donkey derby was held on Tuesday.