Kiltoom sheep shearing extravaganza to attract up to 15,000 people
All of the action centres on St Brigid's GAA Club which plays host to the 2017 Kepak All-Ireland and All Nations Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships from Friday to Sunday, with over 200 competitors from as far afield as New Zealand, Norway, France and England all down to contest 19 different competitions.
And it is certainly not all about sheep shearing; there are a myriad of other attractions over the weekend to entertain all ages, not least country sensations Nathan Carter and Johnny Brady, along with sheep racing, a vintage rally, over 90 trade stands, food and crafts village, amusements, Monster BBQ, pony rides, sheepdog trials and much, much more.
'Everything is almost there now. It has taken a massive effort by volunteers to get to this stage, we're very thankful to them, and without our sponsors it wouldn't happen at all,' according to the chief organiser Tomas Beades.
Tomas paid tribute to everyone for buying into what they are doing and he is now looking forward to 'one hell of a weekend' in South Roscommon.
'We're ready for massive crowds. I would anticipate 10,000 to 15,000 people to come over the weekend,' he said, adding their specially erected marquee can cater for 2,000 people under one roof and there are plenty of under cover attraction should the weather turn, although they are hoping for a good day.
'If people come out and support it, it will come back to the area,' he predicted.
He noted the economic boost the event, which is costing over €100,000 to stage, has already had on the area and if 10,000 attendees spend just €10 each in the area, it will generate €100,000.
Local Minister Denis Naughten will officially launch the festivities and a new Roscommon LEADER Partnerships Digital Skills for Citizens website on Friday morning at 11am, accompanied by MEP Mairead McGuinness.
This will be followed by a showcase of EU Erasmus+ Projects and, later that at 8pm the official opening will be performed by country star Nathan Carter and MEP Mairead McGuinness before the Liverpool-born star takes to the stage to entertains the crowds.
On Saturday, the sheep shearing competition begins in earnest from early morning and is expected to a great spectacle for families, along all of the side attractions mentioned above.
Popular entertainer Johnny Brady will be in the festival marqee later that night, while on Sunday it's nation against nation in the team shearing contests, with plenty of other entertainment, including sheep racing, rare breeds and a Monster BBQ in the marquee rounding off festivities in style.
Organisers stressed that a traffic system will be in place with ample parking close to the site and a one-way system will be in force on the side roads as patrons approach the St Brigid's base.