Having survived one more crises in its 400-year-old history, the great old Spancil Hill Fair will go ahead once more on Thursay the 23rd of June.

I was once asked why I participated in this unique event and my instant answer was: “Because it is utterly real.” Raw, seemingly spontaneous, but with quiet local organisation underneath, the Fair happily appears as natural as the breezes that blows down on it from Cnoc Fuar Choile, the ancient hill whose translated name it proudly bears.

Having lost two years due to Covid19, it was threatened again this year as the insurance industry turned its back on it. “Without cover we could not take the chance,” says veterinary surgeon and local committee member Paddy Hassett, who also notes that the Fair has not had a legitimate insurance claim in over 35 years of his experience.

Irish Solution

In a uniquely Irish solution to an Irish problem it was at a Clare County Council meeting in Ennis that this year’s rescue was brought about. To loud applause it was announced: “The Spancil Hill Fair will go ahead in June.”

This came on foot of a decision to include the historic Fair under the Council’s own insurance programme. It is a quirky fact that over 100 years ago at a meeting in Ennis a decision was taken to run a rival Fair in the County town in a bid to wipe out Spancil Hill. This eventually resulted in a court case that Spancil Hill won.

In 1989 another rescue of the Fair took place when a local committee was formed to run showing classes in the midst of the Fair. This has added an extra dimension since a red rosette from the show ring can influence the price realised on the fair green. I happen to know this for a fact since one time I brought a donkey to sell at Spancil Hill.

Having gotten no buyers for him on the Fair Green I entered him for a showing class in the Show Grounds. He won! Back on the Green and proudly wearing his rosette he soon sold for double the price I was asking in the first place.

Showing Classes

Committee representative Paddy Hassett has confirmed that the usual showing classes will be held; including Best Cob, Best Coloured Horse and Best Connemara, leading to an overall richly funded Championship for the Pride of Spancil Hill sash. There will also be two classes for 138cm and 148cm ponies plus two more for donkeys.

Paddy also notes that off-street parking is being organised and he offers the Committee’s thanks to Clare CEO Pat Dowing and the elected members for their saving of the Fair.