Thank you from the Fair & Festival committee chairman.

So that’s it for another year at The Ballinasloe International Horse Fair & Festival.

Next years fair runs from Saturday 29th September - Sunday 7th October 2012.

I'd like to thank everyone on the Fair & Festival Committee for their support. On their behalf, I'd like to use this space to thank the many people who make the Fair & Festival the success it is.

Our six main Sponsors, The Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Supermac's, Gullane's Hotel, Domac, Premier Proteins, Ballinasloe Credit Union and all other sponsors, Associates, Patrons, Friends, Supporters and the

participating Ballinasloe Vintners. Without your generous support, there would be little to enjoy during the 9 day event.

Thanks also to Ballinasloe Town Council, An Garda Síochána, Ballinasloe Fire Brigade, The Emergency Services and Staff at Portiuncula Hospital, The Civil Defence, and the many stewards who kept the whole show ticking along smoothly.

Also, a big thanks to the many volunteers who helped out behind the scenes, setting up barriers, stands, marquees, sound & electrical equipment etc. to the lads on the soundstage and security on the Fairgreen.

To all who took part in the various competitions and events during the week from The Tug O War to the Children’s Art Competition and Equestrian events to the Busking Competition, win or lose your participation adds to the life of the fair and we hope to see you all again in 2012.

Thanks to Cathriona Farrell who was magnificent in representing us as Queen of the Fair and best of luck to her in the busy year ahead. And of course mega thanks to Irish football legend Niall Quinn who gave so generously of his time and goodwill to open this year’s fair. An absolute gentleman.

To finish, thanks to all the traders and horses on the Fair Green, after all there would be no Fair without them.  And of course, biggest thanks of all to the People of Ballinasloe and surrounding areas. Its your Fair and you make it what it is - The biggest and best horse Fair in The World.

For regular updates check back here and find ‘Ballinasloe Fair’ on Facebook.

Timmy Broderick.