irish conker championships – Peter Donegan Garden Design & Landscaping

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After a different week of sorts last week [and today 😉 ] Last Friday saw Ballybougals first poker classic take place in the old school hall.

With very special thanks to the people I share this small village with €827 was raised on the night for the Niall Mellon Township Trust. I really am so appreciative, sincerely for this support. Thank you 🙂

That said… I have now in my account €2380 [plus €50 of a cheque]. And whilst theres another few bob still to come in… I’m still well short by over €2,000.

Last year I and ‘her indoors’ paid almost the full €5,000 and the year before too. I’ve kept in very close contact with the Niall Mellon Township regarding where my account stands and whilst I yesterday was very much reassured there is a place for me there and to take my time… time is still looming and I guess I have a decision to make….. ?

Personally, its been an unusual sort of a year this year with the odd jester thrown in simply to make life more interesting 🙄 [you know yourself… 😉 ] and I have chosen to take until after this weekend down in Freshford at The Conker Championships before I make any sort of decision. I might even drop by and see my good friend Pat

For the moment wish me luck and lets see how I get on in Kilkenny 😉

I’m going to compete in the Irish Conker Championships

yes you read it correctly… 😉

This coming October bank holiday weekend sees the Irish Conker Championships, now in their 10th year take place in Freshford, County Kilkenny.

I spoke with Main Orgainser Brenda who explained to me that whilst some may find the event a little on the trivial side… there are those who do take it quite serious. I explained to Brenda I was one of the more serious. Brenda laughed slightly and asked how long I had been in training for….? hmmmm

The area where the competition takes place is surrounded by 52 conker trees so its perfect for the event. It is from here the local primary school, will start in about 2 weeks time collecting conkers every day after school and at weekends. In total about 25-30,000 conkers will be used.

Brenda also explained that to avoid any ‘tom-foolery’ all and only conkers supplied by the association along with leather laces supplied by local shoe maker Michael Rossiter can be used on the day.

The holes are then drilled by some of the 70 volunteers on the Saturday and then laced on the Sunday ready for the competition starting that day at 12pm.

I’ve formed a picture in my head of the 118 50 kind of Flahavans 1980’s type tracksuit complete with cotton sweatband of course…. I’m wondering also if I need a Rocky Balboa group of trainers to stand in my corner and a nick name for when I am announced entering the ring….

Either or… I’ve been off the competitive conker circuit for close on 21 years now and I need to get into training…. 😉

If you want to find out more visit the Irish Conker Championships website. Also on the weekend will be about ’80 musicians and the Kilkenny Flower Show along with the usual fares, stalls and stands. It costs €6 for an adult to enter and €1 to use the practice arena.

Any thoughts or advice for me – leave a comment. I need all the help I can get 😉

Could this be a nice opportunity to raise a little sponsorship for a good cause…?