The 13th Muckno Mania Festival was hailed an absolute success with the aid of an action packed programme of events and the presence of a clear sky the whole weekend.

 
The talking points included the news that Hannah Duffy became the 11th Festival Queen taking over from Katie Walsh, Tydavnet man Patrick J McKenna romped home first in the Sprint Triathlon and Mary Laverty from Dundalk was the first lady home, Aidan Lynch and Helena McMahon was the Festivals first ever Dance Mania Champions, while Sammy McAree and Aine McDonald took the new Ready Steady Cook Prize.

 
However, these are only a mere mention of some of the highlights and winners as everyone will have their own memories and talking points.  For some it may be the Festival Queen Competition or the magnificent Fireworks Display or taking part in the Rovers Soccer Tournament.  For others it might be attending events such as the Mad Hatters Tea party, the Teddy Bears Picnic, the Faughs Sports Day the Shane Tyres Float Your Soap or taking part in the Tractor Pull.

 
Over the 4 days of the Festival there was so much to talk about and even some events like the Stilt Walking Workshops, Samba Drumming Workshops and the Crafts and Drama Workshops went on quietly behind closed doors.  Many people were thoroughly entertained by the weekends various Street Performers from Dr Nick, Magic Man Jeff, Mista Will, Paul Wheel the Amani Acrobats or the Punch and Judy Show.  The guest appearance of the Latvian Folk Dancers on Sunday too was a real treat.

 
Some Events too like the Sprint Triathlon on Saturday morning required a great deal of personal training and commitment before hand as did the Dance Mania which involved over 50 adults and children.  Some events too required plenty of committee preparation like the Hulk Guinness World Record, the Triathlon Event, the Festival Queen Competition, The Cultural Fair, Dance Mania and the Food and Craft Fair.  We must also mention other happenings such as the Cuckoo in the Window, the Come Cook With Us which was a huge success, the band performance by a Tiger Named Alf, the lovely Busking on the Street, the performance by Trialstar, the boat trips on the Lake, the Vintage Display and Blayney’s Got Talent, Muckno Adventure Centre, the Angling Competition the Fancy Dress and Dog Fancy Dress Competition.

 
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The Festival is run under the auspices of Castleblayney Community Enterprise who provided the management and resources that has enabled it to grow from strength to strength. ·                                
However the Festival which prides itself as being a true Community Festival is planned and implemented by a dedicated Committee which comprises of individuals from within the Community who should be acknowledged for all their tireless work and unselfish giving of their time.

We would like to thank all of our many supporters, sponsors and the agencies who have provided sponsorship, grant aid and help because without all their generous support, this Festival would not be possible.

The Muckno Mania Festival Committee would like to acknowledge the support from Fáilte Ireland North West towards the creation of this website. www.discoverireland.ie/northwest