Majestic new Guardian for the Slieve Blooms
The 'Guardian of the Ridge', standing eight feet tall, was crafted entirely from willow by Lynn Kirkham Photo: Rosenallis Festival
THE magnificent Slieve Blooms have a majestic new guardian, who was brought to glorious life at the Rosenallis Festival of the Mountain.
The statuesque ‘Guardian of the Ridge’, standing eight feet tall, was crafted by master basket maker, weaver and sculptor Lynn Kirkham at the unforgettable festival on 16 August.
Working throughout the afternoon, Lynn and her team of assistants Rosie, Mike and Micí wove the imposing structure entirely from native willow, having been commissioned by the festival committee. The result is breathtaking.
Lynn has donated the finished Guardian to the festival committee, which will retain it for future events in the scenic area.
The willow sculpture is also a spectacular reminder of a record-breaking event, which brought more than 2,300 people to the idyllic festival field in Glenbarrow. It was the biggest crowd ever to attend the oldest festival in Laois, which began way back in 1962.
An impressive black hound, which Lynn created from recycled silage plastic, was another fascinating focal point at the celebrated Festival of the Mountain and Vintage Rally.
With the help of a €5,000 grant from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and another €1,000 from Laois Co Council, organisers were able to expand the festival and provide an elevated main stage, where countless performers ranged from belly dancers and Bollywood dancers to the much-loved Timahoe Male Choir, Abbeyfolk, Ukrainian vocalist Tetiana Herasymova and the O’Neil Sisters, The Red Embers, Jump Street Dancers and the Beats of Tullamore Dancers, made up of staff from both Midland Regional Hospitals in Portlaoise and Tullamore.
Maryellen Tynan was crowned Queen of the Mountain, wearing a beautiful 40-year-old dress that was handmade by her mother. Maryellen was joined on stage at the presentation ceremony by her parents Timmy and Mary, competition judge Caroline and Irish Wolfhounds Moll and Roisin, with handlers Hugh and Christina Kelly.
The pair of stunning wolfhounds was a thoughtful tribute to the rich history of the festival, which was founded by Rosenallis priest Fr Thomas Kennedy to raise funds for local sports facilities.
A cousin of then-US President John F. Kennedy, the priest bred these gentle giants in Laois and once gifted an Irish Wolfhound pup to JFK in the White House, where it became a beloved pet for the Kennedy children.
The world-beating RNS Robotics team from Rosenallis NS, fresh from their success at the World Championships in the USA, gave a fantastic day of demonstrations at the festival.
Meanwhile, Maura Scully from Capoley, Portlaoise won the coveted Glamorous Granny title, following a rigorous interview by author and MC Jim O’Brien.
Reigning Tug of War champions Cadamstown proudly retained their title after a tough final against home side Rosenallis, which had to be satisfied with silver. In the dog show, Edel McCoy and Willow scooped the top prize.
As always, vintage displays, classic cars, drumming sessions, craft and food marquees, vintage tractors, a traditional threshing machine and children’s GAA matches were among the endless attractions lining the hillside.
Following a wonderful day, the delighted committee said: ‘We are blown away by the crowds who came to the Festival of the Mountain. It was incredible and we can't thank you all enough for your support.’
