Meitheal Winner 2010 - Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana
Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana is held annually on August Bank Holiday Monday and boasts a prize fund of up to €45,000.
Based in north Mayo, Bonniconlon is a quintessential rural village on the outskirts of Ballina - a hospitable locality which opens its doors to over 30,000 people each year for the one-day show event.
Famed for the Bank Holiday showcase, members of each annual show committee have worked tirelessly to develop and expand its award-winning programme which since 2008, is held on 200 acres of specially-developed showgrounds.
Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana commenced in November 1949. Fueling its establishment were two main ideas that would ensure the development and betterment of Bonniconlon.
Since then, executive committees behind the event continued in its endeavours to achieve the two main goals set out six decades ago: firstly, to present an attractive feature event with an exhibition of all farm and garden produce, animals (including horse and pony show and jumping) and crafts.
Secondly, the concept was aimed at attracting visitors to Bonniconlon to create a meeting point for exiles and domiciled in the large urban centres, to celebrate, to gather and to see again the cultures and traditions of rural life.
From the 1950s right through to the present day, the show has, year on year, pieced together segments of its history and now celebrates a colourful jigsaw of achievements and successes.
Vast improvements have taken place in the accommodation of the event- the showgrounds and adjacent hall. In 2008, the event introduced new showgrounds at the show field and parish centre which now sees the provision of 200 acres to facilitate the ever-growing number of attractions and exhibitions. It is certainly a very different spectacle from the pioneering days of the first committees.
The quality of the stock and the various exhibits; the flower show; cookery; crafts; photography; and junior section have all seen dramatic advancements - and that is to name just a few.
In recent years the show has evolved considerably with the provision of live bands on the field and wide- ranging side shows and events that cater for all ages and interests.
The present committee has proven that it can host a show as entertaining as that of any village, town or city in the county - and maybe even in the entire country. Indeed Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana, taking place each year on the August Bank Holiday, has earned a reputation for being one of the most successful innovative and well- attended shows, attracting visitors from all over Ireland . It is a real, traditional Irish family day out for the thousands of attendees who return every year.
Such success truly is down to the culmination of community effort which continues to see the dreams of its predecessors advanced and expanded.
Tradition holds that the 'show dance' is held in its original venue, the Grove Ballroom in Bonniconlon, has been customary down through the years. Bonniconlon now prides itself on the fact that the Grove has stood the test of time and is now the last original dance hall in existence in the west of Ireland .
Months of planning and organising have ensured that year after year, Bonniconlon Agricultural Show & Gymkhana not only proves every bit as successful as in the previous 12 months - but also develops and improves what the event has on offer. Putting it simply, after 61 years of hard work, dedication and innovation, no other show in its category comes close.
Meitheal of the Year 2009 Siamsa Sraide - Street Festival, Swinford.
This year's winner of the Mayo Meitheal of the year are Siamsa Sraide, Street Festival, Swinford. From its inaugural one-day event way back in 1984, the movement (it's more than just a festival) is now enlarged to a full, fun-filled 5 day event. If ever a community captured the heart and ethos of "Meitheal" it must surely be the Siamsa Sraide committee, and, by extension, the entire community of Swinford. Everyone plays their part. The true spirit of volunteerism sines through everything they do. With aims like:
• Stimulate tourism in the town and region
• Provide free fun on the streets
• Highlight the history, culture, archaeology and heritage of the area
And with 50,000 plus visitors each year we think that they are doing a fantastic job.
Long may it continue...!
Meitheal of the Year 2008 Muintir a’Chorráin Teo
The term ‘Meitheal’ describes a culture of people pulling together, helping each other out, and getting things done, or in other words a community spirit at work. The winner of this year’s Meitheal award, Muintir a’Chorráin Teo, is the ultimate example of the spirit of Meitheal or a community spirit at work. Muintir a’Chorráin Teo is the Currane Community Development Committee, whose geographical remit covers an area from Bollinglanna on the south side of the Currane Peninsula to Polyranny towards the northern end of the peninsula, beside the Achill Sound. It was formed as a community committee in 1979, but was established as a limited company in 1998. Although a limited company, it has no employees, just a voluntary committee. It is funded through small income generating projects of the company such as the Laundry, the Doctor’s Surgery, grants, donations and local fund raising. Population is essential for the survival of any area, and this is what Muintir a’ Chorráin is all about. Its long-term goal is to create and promote a social and economic environment where sustainable employment will be attracted to or created in the area. In all of its many and varied activities Muintir a’ Chorráin exemplifies the spirit of Meitheal or community spirit. Other rural communities around the country should look at and seek to replicate the Trojan efforts of this organisation in a remote part of County Mayo. Hopefully, the well deserved Meitheal Award for 2008 will encourage it on its worthy journey.
Meitheal of the Year 2007 Hope House, Foxford Co. Mayo
This award is in recognition of the significant contribution it has made to the life of the county and the wider community, which include:
• The establishment of a world class residential care institution for the treatment of alcoholism, drug addiction and compulsive disorders.
• The treatment of over 1,500 people and with a full recovery rate of upwards of 60%
• The provision of comprehensive aftercare programme to its patients (which is so critical to recovery)
• The improvement in the lives of so many people, not only of patients but also of family and friends as well (duly evidenced by many personal and moving testimonials)
• The setting of an example and a standard that should be replicated throughout the State
Hope House is hereby bestowed with the honour as the Mayo Meitheal of the Year 2007.
Meitheal of the Year 2006
Erris United Soccer Club
Erris United Soccer Club was founded in 1984 and have made a huge and significant contribution and commitment to the youth in their locality. This culminated in their ultimate achievement of winning the under 18 FAI Youth Challenge Cup in 2004. The sporting facilities established by this club are used and enjoyed by other diverse sporting organisations in the local area. The achievement of this group of people are an
example of the principles of the Meitheal in action and the adjudicators are delighted to announce their choice of Erris United Soccer Club as winners of the Mayo Meitheal Award 2006.
