Foróige's driving force

The first ever Bogfest took place last year in Mackey's Field and was the surprise social success of the year. A lovely atmosphere, coupled with a natural setting, good music and a large crowd all gathered in Tinnamuck and produced one of the most memorable afternoons of the year. The funds raised all went to the Cancer Society and this year the proceeds are all going to Cancer Research. The event takes place this Sunday, July 17 and the bands appearing cover all varieties of music with TR Dallas (a first ever appearance Live in Tinnamuck?), Chris Loughrey and the South Sun Band and Rosie Flanagan representing the country style of things and a special performance from members of the Joe Ganley School of Dancing bringing a traditional feel to the event. Bands are being added to the list all the time but already confirmed are Premonition, The Lols, Voxhall Vivas, Bite the Ice, A& E, Influence, XLR8, Resin Effect, 9 Lives and what is described as an improvised trad performance. The children loved the day last year and with a bouncing castle, face painting and a free barbecue all arranged they will be well catered for. Last year the biggest attraction for the children was the bales of hay which proved to be a much bigger magnet than anything else provided. A central part of the fundraising is the raffle and this year there is an array of attractive prizes on offer with the highlight being a 46" 3d television although some of the younger generation appear more interested in the IPad 2 and the digital camera. Tickets for this raffle are on sale in business premises around the town and are a very reasonable €2 each. Bring your own was the formula last year and once again this is the recommended course of action for this year. The organisers have a shuttle bus which will be running throughout the day and will ferry people from the town out to the venue. For those not familiar with the area just take the Ballycumber Road out of Moate and turn left just over a mile out of town. There will be plenty of activity in the area and there will be no problem finding the premises. To keep up with the latest details log on to Bogfest on Facebook and you will be able to follow all the news. All we need now is a reasonably dry day and the Irish Cancer Society will be the beneficiaries.