Approaching its 400th year, Spancil Hill Fair is on Tuesday of next week. Patented by King James I back in 1621, it has been going steady ever since. In more recent times, only the foot-and-mouth outbreak prevented it happening in 2001 but backed by a strong local committee it continues to thrive.

Once again this year there will be the usual selection of showing classes leading to the Pride of Spancil Hill Championship. A very well supported registered Connemara class is again included. There will be a combined coloured horse classes plus two classes each for ponies and donkeys. During the afternoon there is loose jumping in the pen for horses and ponies. It all happens at the Cross of Spancil Hill where a new monument has been erected in memory of Robbie McMahon, who sang the Spancil Hill song like no one else.