Cloney woman at Countrysports Fair

Joanne McGivern from Donaghcloney will be among the tens of thousands of people from across Northern Ireland donning their wellie boots, wax coats and peak caps and flocking to Moira at the end of the month to try their hand at one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, clay pigeon shooting.

The National Countrysports Fair, which takes place on the May 29 and 30, is the largest game & country fair in Ireland where all ages and backgrounds can take part in not only clay-pigeon shooting but archery, falconry, fishing, gundog & equestrian events.

Along with these fantastic activities you can enjoy the horses and hounds and birds of prey shows, vintage tractors and gundog demonstrations.

This is the fifteenth year of the highly successful game fair, and to celebrate this, organisers are allowing children under 16 to go free.

Director of The National Countrysports Fair, Bill Beckett said, “The event gets bigger and better year on year and for 2010 we have over 150 trade stalls as well as all of our exciting competitions and demonstrations during the event.

“We’re expecting more than 20,000 visitors from across Northern Ireland and further afield over the course of the two days.

“We have fantastic opportunities for children to see birds of prey up close and participate in the falconry display as well as a free-to-enter pet show.

“To give even more young people an introduction to country sports we’re scrapping the children’s entry fee to actively encourage their participation.”

There will be a specialist family area at Moira Demesne with public dining and children’s activities, live music from Radio star Hugo Duncan, traditional dance, pony rides and miniature horses among other highlights.

Those who enjoy culinary delights are in for a treat as an international food fair will feature with gourmet treats for all taste buds from crepes to paella to homemade fudge from the Isle of Arran.

There are over 150 trade stalls at the two-day show and for those interested in hand-made crafts there will be woollens, ceramics, pottery, jewellery, textiles and toys and silverware.

The National Countrysports Fair commences at 10am each day and runs through until 6pm. The adult admission fee is 10 with car parking being on-site and free of charge.

More information on this and all aspects of this two-day game and country fair can be had by visiting the show’s website at www.gamefairireland.com

The event is supported by Lisburn City Council and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.