Roll up roll up! A carnival-like atmosphere promised for International Rules festival

Jenny McGovern

The first test of the International Rules Series will take place this Saturday, October 19 in Kingspan Breffni Park. The game which kicks off at 7pm marks the 17th International Rules series between Ireland and Australia and will be the first time the event has been held outside of Dublin/Australia.
It is expected that up to 100,000 people will descend on Cavan town for the unique festival weekend. While the match itself is the centerpiece of the festivities, there are plenty of things to see and do in Cavan this weekend.
Speaking of the event, County Manager Jack Keyes told the Celt “ It’s a once in a lifetime chance for Cavan to impress the whole country and indeed people abroad. Once again it will showcase our ability to host a major festival. It really has something for everybody, we’re particularly encouraging families from around the county and beyond to come into Cavan town. There is a host of free events on with a great focus on young people. The Active Minds youth conference and music from bands such as ‘Ham Sandwich’ and ‘Fresh Ré’ are particularly geared towards young people.”
The Anglo-Celt has picked out some highlights of the festivities. Thursday, October 19 there will be a civic reception at 6pm in the Courthouse to welcome the Irish and Australian teams to Cavan.
“Run with Catherina” takes place at noon on Sunday, October 20. Comprising of a 5k run around Cavan town with the Olympian. People of any age and any fitness level are encouraged to attend for what is billed to be an enjoyable famiy event.
The Active Minds Youth Conference will take place at 1pm in Breffni Park on Saturday, October 19. The theme ‘A winning mentality for life’ is aimed at young people between the ages of 14-19. The conference will comprise of two information sessions featuring inspirational talks from many high profile people including Joanne O’Riordan, Joe Brolly, Micheál Ó’Muircheartaigh, Oisín McConville, John Delaney, John Joe Nevin and Katherine Lynch. These sessions must be registered for in advance and can be done so by emailing activemindsconference2013@gmail.com or by calling 049 4378519.
In keeping with the standard of excellence that Cavan achieved during the Fleadh, there will be a lots of traditional music to be heard around the town.
Friday, 18 October sees the ‘2013 Comhaltas Tour of Ireland’ arrive in the Town Hall for a concert at 8pm. Eleanor Shanley and De Dannan will be in the Gig Rig Friday at 9pm. Our very own Martin Donoghue will be in the Market Square from noon until 7pm on Saturday, October 19 hosting an open session of Irish music where anyone can join in. There will also be a Céilí House in The Farnham Arms from 1pm on Sunday, October 20.
On Saturday, October 19, Bridge Street will be buzzing with street entertainers, people are encouraged to come along and do a spot of busking. Judges will be roaming the area and cash prizes and vouchers courtesy of (The Anglo-Celt & Bridge Street Traders) are on offer for the top perfomers. Judge Therese McCartin of Cavan Academy of Music gives this advice for would be entertainers: “Whether you’re a musician, singer, magician, clown, comedian, juggler or mime artist good street entertainment should catch the attention of the unsuspecting passer by. Of course talent is very important- but I am also very aware of the audience reaction to the entertainer.”
The first test of the International Rules series will kick off at 7pm on Saturday, October 19. It is expected that the event will sell out as demand for tickets is at an all time high. TV personality and proud Kerryman Dáithí Ó Sé will be the MC for the events in Breffni and people attending the match are encouraged to arrive in the grounds from 5.30pm onwards in order to fully appreciate the festivities.
All seats in the covered stand area of Breffni Park have completely sold out and tickets for the terraced areas are selling briskly- particularly in the family sections. PRO of Cavan GAA, Declan Woods told The Anglo-Celt: “There is a group ticket option whereby clubs can buy tickets for ten kids at €3 each and an adult goes free, this has proven to be very popular. We would encourage clubs to use this option as it’s a great opportunity to bring youngsters in and give them a taste of the atmosphere,which is going to be carnival-like. Completely different from what we’re used to seeing at a GAA match.”

The full line up of this weekend’s events can be found www.thisiscavan.ie