Pictures: Crossroads dancing and sheaf throwing in Knock for Heritage Week

Roscrea Heritage Society would like to congratulate Knock Dancing at the Crossroads committee for putting on a fantastic day to close out heritage week.

From music to dancing, stalls to sheaf throwing and a soccer blitz to name a few, there really was something for everyone on the day.

Competitors for sheaf throwing with the Russell family. Photo: PJ Wright

The sheaf throwing was a hugely popular event with competitors travelling down from all over Ireland including Co. Mayo and Co. Donegal!

Cup Presentation by Nora Russell to Gary Carey, overall winner of the Senior Sheaf Throwing Competition and Winner of the John Russell Perpetual Cup. Pic: PJ Wright

Having been nearly 30 years since a sheaf was thrown in Knock Village; the inaugural John Russell Sheaf Throwing competition caused great excitement leading up to the event.

The Russell Family - Sean, Caitlin, John, Seamus and Nora Russell. Photos: PJ Wright

John Russell was a proud Knock man and was well known for his sheaf throwing nationwide. John started sheaf throwing over 40 years ago and would travel all over Ireland every Sunday to take part in competitions, bringing back trophies regularly.

Pictured above is dancer Ria Shortt and below are musicians Tom Holmes, Theresa Larkin, Carol Thompson, Ciara Maxwell and William Holmes. Photo: PJ Wright

John won the All-Ireland Sheaf Throwing Competition in the 80’s with a result of an unreal 14lb sheaf throwing at 58ft high!
On the day there were three hard fought competitions - Ladies, Men’s Junior and Men’s Senior.

Pictured above are local Winners in the Junior Men Sheaf Throwing Competition John Carroll was competition organiser, Oliver Ryan 1st, Sean Russell 2nd , John Carroll 3rd. Pictured below are the winners of the Ladies Sheaf Throwing Competition - Orla McDonald, Rachel Ryan and Leanne Dunne. Photo: PJ WrightPhoto: PJ Wright

The perpetual cup, which was generously sponsored by the Russell family, was presented by Guest of Honour Nora Russell to Gary Carey, winner of the Senior Men’s Competition.

Soccer Winners Sarah Kelly, Haley, Caoimhe Ryan, Ella Austin, Orlaith Ryan, Saoirse Flannery, Molly Feehan. Middle Row Sophia Carey, Sarah Kirwan, Loreli Hayes Front: Sarah Kennedy, Clodagh Carroll. Pic: PJ Wright