The Warrenpoint weather was kind to the patrons who attended the 33rd Annual Family Fun Day hosted by Cumann Pheadair Naofa in Clonallon Park, Warrenpoint on Sunday 14 August as part of the Maiden of the Mournes International Festival. Club representatives welcomed the newly crowned Maiden of the Mournes Grace Sommerville who visited the Fun Day along with the other Maidens to mingle with patrons.
There was much fun and entertainment for all ages amidst the lively music of the Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann Warrenpoint and the CPN Dancers, both ceili and set dancers, who will represent Ulster in the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis next week end. Warrenpoint GAA Band took centre stage with their enthusiastic and talented renditions of favourite modern music and music from times past.
The ever popular Bell’s Amusements were much enjoyed by the children, as were the variety of stalls which added to the relaxed atmosphere. The face painting provided by Diva Make-up, the Chocolate fountain and a variety of stalls were also great attractions.
It was evident that much planning had gone into the organisation of the Family Fun Day and patrons were very fulsome in their praise of a well organized event. Warrenpoint Fire Station of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service gave a most informative and visual Health and Safety demonstration highlighting the seriousness and impact of a road traffic collision.
This year for the first time, the dancing section hosted a car boot sale and a cake sale which attracted much attention.
The Bonny Baby Competition, sponsored by Conrad Madden Photography, proved a popular event. Lewis Hylands was the winner in the 0 – 12 months Bonny Baby Competition and the 1 – 3 Year Bonny Baby Competition was won by Ceallagh Doyle.
The Fancy Dress Competition, sponsored by PKF- FPM Accountants, attracted a high standard of entries as acknowledged by the two Judges, Erika Murray and Mairead Murphy and the results of the three sections were as follows:
Most Topical 1st “Elena “– Anna Crilly
2nd “ Dracula” –Nathen Travers
Most Original 1st “The Point “–Lily McAlinden
2nd “Princess Cinders” – Chloe Faith-Donlan
Best Costume 1st “Adams Family” – Orlaith Travers
2nd “Woody”– Mikey Fitzpatrick
Throughout the afternoon there were underage mini games of football, hurling and for the first time in recent years, the recently rejuvenated underage camogie section displayed their newly learned camogie skills.
In keeping with the Club’s Health and Wellbeing ethos, CPN Health and Wellbeing officer Katrina Kernan hosted a healthy eating stall with the Pointer Youth Group, where the fare was an array of colourful fruit and freshly made delicious smoothies, sponsored by Appletree Dental Care.
Other popular activities included the penalty kick competitions and the winners were Cailum Morgan in the U-14 competition and Ruairi McCormack who won both the U-16 and Senior Football penalty Kick competition.
The day concluded with the Duck Derby Race and the winning duck, Number 289 was owned by Feargal McCormack, and second place in the Duck Race went to Duck number 41, owned by Eoghan Rooney. Angela Magennis was the proud owner of the third placed duck, number 51.
Event organizer Feargal McCormack expressed his sincere appreciation to all those who had supported the Family Fun Day. In particular, he expressed his appreciation to the voluntary stewards who made things happen, the variety of local businesses and organisations that assisted the event and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for their excellent support and co-operation.
