Ballinasloe October Fair

Hannah Kelly

The Ballinasloe October Fair 2010 was a fantastic experience as I was crowned the 2010/2011 Carlton Shearwater Hotel Queen of the Fair. I had the privilege of representing my home town of Ballinasloe at all the major events in the locality- this included the fantastic St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

I would encourage anyone who is thinking about entering to go for it! I had a lot of fun, met lots of people and truly realised the importance of the event and what it means to the townspeople and local businesses. The night of the Selection is exciting and the atmosphere is electric- it’s a great social event and the starting point for the Annual Fair & Festival - it’s also a chance for everyone to gather together and enjoy a fantastic night hosted and sponsored by the wonderful Carlton Shearwater Hotel.

Due to the huge community interest in the October Fair, I was easily recognised by the people of the town and beyond. This prompted lots of interesting conversations with locals and tourists alike all relating back to the competition and Festival itself. Because of this local, historic event and publicity that surrounded it I felt like a queen all year!

The Fair & Festival committee have worked endlessly throughout the year and have programmed events to entertain families, locals and visitors from all over the world - without them the event would not take place. I would like to thank Mary Phelan and Kathleen Croffy who went out of their way to support me during my time as Queen of the Fair.

I wish the new Carlton Shearwater Hotel Queen of the Fair for 2011/12 an exciting year.

Hannah Kelly.

Carlton Shearwater Hotel Queen of the Fair 2010