Courtmac festival kicks off with ‘Lip Sync' competition

By Martin Walsh

THE Courtmacsherry Harbour Festival that provides entertainment for both locals and visitors alike will be officially opening in the local community centre t by a quartet that represents both groups united under the banner of Special Olympic Ireland.  

Local duo Kevin O’Dwyer and Wayne O’Sullivan along with regular visitors Mariah Couch and Riobaird Langford will perform the official function.  

Prior to the opening, the Kids Lip Sync competition (7pm) will ensure plenty of youthful excitement.  

The Recognition Award will also be presented during the opening ceremony.  

Earlier on Friday, the Under-12’s hardcourt tennis tournament for the Chaillet Family Perpetual Cup commences at 10am.

A diverse festival programme with events on land and sea offers non-stop activity right through until the August bank holiday Monday.  

Of course, Regatta Day – on Saturday – takes pride of place.  

The water events will be preceded by the street sports that always draw a great attendance as young athletes participate in the sprints that range from 50m to 100m.

  The very young also get their opportunity in the tennis court where the excitement and noise reaches fever pitch for the acquisition of those very first and precious medals.  

For the more energetic and strong sea-faring athletes, the Courtmacsherry Ocean Challenge that begins from Woodpoint is a very different proposition.  

The more regular rowing races are part of a programme of events during the afternoon that also include swimming, pillow fights, the popular greasy pole competition and the regatta treasure trail.  

The Lifeboat Display will conclude proceedings at about 7pm.  

Sunday’s car treasure hunt will start earlier than usual (12.30pm) to facilitate viewing of the Cork v Limerick All Ireland semi-final hurling match.  

On Sunday evening and hopefully with everybody in winning mood, the village promenade provides the stunning location for the Butlerstown Variety Group Showcase event, that is also currently running in Clonakilty (O’Donovan’s Hotel) on Thursday nights – finishing on Thursday August 9th. 

Meanwhile, sandcastle design and display competitions, bicycle races, fishing, kite making competitions, hurling, soccer and charades are just some of the many events through the week.  

On Wednesday evening, the tennis court becomes the venue to watch the Dog Show and on Friday morning it hosts the equally popular chalk drawing competition.  

The fireworks display is on Sunday August 5th at 10pm. 

The programme of events as seen here in the Southern Star is also available locally and also on the website – www.courtmacsherry.ie and on Facebook.