Fr ted star for killinkere jamboree

Everyone’s favourite comedy - Fr Ted - provides the inspiration for the climax of this year’s Jamboree!
Sunday night sees Killinkere Leisure Centre transformed into a beach on Craggy Island as festival organisers welcome revellers eager to experience an homage to the cult clerical comedy. Come dressed in beach wear or as any of the Fr Ted characters for a night of ecumenical craic.
Organisers have even enlisted the help of comedian Joe Rooney, also known by his ordained title of Fr Damo (so keep your whistles in a safe place).
It’s time to polish up on your Ted trivia for a quiz to celebrate 20 years of Fr Ted - do know the name of Ted and Dougal’s Eurovision entry? Or for which singer Mrs Doyle bakes a jumper cake? Can you recall what Fr Jack drank to get stage four hairy hands?
Teams of four are urged to hit the beach for 10pm; entry €15 per person (beach party included) with a whopping €1,000 for first prize, and €300 for the runners-up.
There’s prizes for the Best Dressed Team, and of course it would be a mortal sin if there was no Lovely Girls competition. Book your team on 086 6053 483. For those thinking - down with this sort of thing - come along later for the beach party disco.
DJ Johnny O’Keefe of Northern Sound fame has promised to bring more than just The Specials’ Ghost Town.
Admission €10 for those attending the beach party only.

Variety of reasons to head along!

If variety is the spice of life, who will prove to be the hottest chilli pepper at Killinkere Jamboree?
The annual variety night always provides a hugely enjoyable feast of music, song, and dancing in the lounge. Wannabe stars are welcome to put their names forward to secure their 15 minutes (or more likely three minutes) of fame.
Asked how they coax people to get up on stage to perform?
“I’ve no doubt there’ll be lots putting their names forward - I fear it’ll be hard to get it stopped,” quips Jamboree chairman Pat Clarke.
With quality performances and an audience crowd generous with applause, it’s guaranteed to be a mighty night’s entertainment.
Having delighted last year’s audience the talented 'Rubber Sole’ from Castleblayney bounce back once more as the house band. And best of all, admission’s free!
CÉilí
Ahead of the variety show, Killinkere’s impressive céilí dancers will hit the floor on Saturday from 9-11pm. Dancing has proved very popular in Killinkere with the fíor céilí group meeting every Wednesday night.
The local dancers have invited céilí goups from across the county to join them for the Jamboree celebrations.
Saturday gets off to a healthy start with a sponsored family 5k walk from the centre at 3pm around the scenic byways of Killinkere.
The Jamboree weekend ensures a large turn out for this fun community event to raise funds for the juvenile GAA club who are doing well with Lewis Fay-Cooper in the ranks of the minor county team.
“We have a strong underage committee and they are doing good work, and making progress on the pitch,” enthused Pat.

Presentation night

Now in its 39th year the Jamboree committee are honouring some of those who have given a lifetime of devotion to ensure that the highlight of the Killinkere social calendar continues to thrive. The special presentation night will take place ahead of the ever popular variety show on Saturday at 10.30pm.
“There’s a few people who wouldn’t normally seek the limelight but have put in enormous hours behind the scenes, so it is only right that we acknowledge their commitment to the community,” said Pat.

In a field of their own

The biggest hit of last year’s Jamboree was the inaugural 'Fittest Family in the Parish’ and it makes its return to the field day on Sunday afternoon.
The McCabes emerged as the 2014 victors after a fiercely contested battle.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” enthused Pat. “Everybody was enthralled by last year’s event and they are eagerly anticipating this year’s competition.”
The gruelling assault course will once more put the families to the test, as will the new events geared to keep the competitors guessing.
Reigning champions, the McCabes, will mount a stout defence of their title. Will the Smiths, who were narrowly pipped in a tie-breaker last year claim the crown this time out? The McQuades, Fitzsimons, Kellys, Clarke-Fitzsimons, are also bidding for glory. Or will a new family emerge triumphant from this gargantuan athletic tussle? Find out at 3pm on Sunday.
Gates open
Field day gates open at 11am, and the day’s fun gets under way with a juvenile football tournament at noon. The motoring enthusiasts of Mullagh Vintage are expected to cruise their fabulous machines into the field at around 1.30pm. Talented Eddie Owens will return at 2.30pm to provide the music for the 38th annual Senior Citizens’ Party and the waltzing competition in the lounge.
The organisers have attracted an illustrious poultry line-up for this year’s World Hen Racing Finals at 4pm.
“We have the European champion hen coming over from Bristol, England called Chickchu,” explains Pat Clarke. “Hen racing is one of the fastest growing festival events in Ireland, and I think Killinkere were the first to hold it. It is always great craic.”
Derryham Stables will offer free pony rides; there’s a school art competition with a Jamboree theme confined to the junior and senior pupils of Billis and Killinkere national schools; Moto-Cross with North Dublin Club; a Bonny Baby competition sponsored by Baby Baby, Virginia; heritage stand; Barbara Geddes’ photo display; archery display by Cavan Archery Club; the duckin’ stool; amusement arcade with the Mounter Family, and other side shows galore.
Entry’s a mere €10; children free admission.

The Dog Show sponsored by Lurgan Agri Supplies gets underway at 2.30pm.
There are classes for working dogs, pup, gun and hounds, terriers, toy breeds, mixed breeds, any breed handled by a child under 12, any breed within a 10 mile radius, best dressed dog, and best in show for all the winners in each class. Entry is €5.