Big crowds expected for centuries-old Banagher Horse Fair

Pictured at last year's Banagher Horse Fair were Eamon Flannery and Ciaran Cox showing their impressive cob | oe

placeholder image — Pictured at last year's Banagher Horse Fair were Eamon Flannery and Ciaran Cox showing their impressive cob | oe

‘horses bought here took part in a number of famous battles, including Waterloo’

BIG crowds are expected for the centuries-old Banagher Horse Fair which is taking place this Sunday September 13.

Founded by a Royal Charter from Charles I, in 1608, this prestigious Fair has been run every year since.

It was an important fair for the British Army to purchase horses for their cavalry regiments; and horses bought here took part in a number of famous battles, including Waterloo.

At last year's Banagher Horse Fair were l. to r. Peter Nolan, Michael McLoughlin, Owen Casey and John Madden | oe

Teresa McDermott and her daughter Caroline out browsing the stalls at last year's Banagher Horse Fair. | oe

“For hundreds of years people have descended upon the town to trade their horses,” said a promoter of the Fair. “Due to its central location people travel from every corner of the country. It occurs on the Sunday closest to the 15th of September every year. It was always one of the bigger Fairs and it continues to this day to attract a colossal following. Along with Spancil Hill, Ballinasloe, Castleisland, Maam Cross and Buttevant, it would be one of the remaining big ones still surviving nationwide. It runs from early in the morning to about 5pm.”