AppleFest brought a touch of autumn sunshine to Abbeyleix

WITH autumn entering its second month and the harvest season well underway, apple lovers gathered in the local community garden for the annual Abbeyleix AppleFest on Sunday 6 October. Those who attended were encouraged to bring their own bottles to taste the freshly-squeezed apple juice. Also on offer were hot spiced apple juice as well as wood-fired pizzas.

Beekeeping was also on display, courtesy of the Laois Beekeepers. Other attractions included basket making demonstrations, while members of the Spink branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann provided the musical entertainment.

One of the highlights of the day was the junior baking competition, which was was sponsored by Mueller and O’Connell Bakery. Young bakers who took part in the competition presented a huge array of apple pies, tarts and muffins, which was sampled and complemented on by the judging panel.

Winner of the apple tarts section was Johnny Fitzpatrick, Evie-Mai Wilson was runner-up and third was Sally Hourigan. In the apple muffins category, Sive Lalor took first place, Síne Rowan was second and Quincy Burke took third spot. Joint winners of the apple pies section were Rosie Scully and Seán Flanagan; joint second were Lucia Gonzalez with Suzanne and Agata, while Libby Hourigan was third.