18/09/2026
Thursday 17th Sept. 2026.
Here I am.. a pondering; on Camp fair once again..
Theyre saying we'll get bad weather & lots n lots of rain,
But it's up to us to celebrate & keep up the old tradition
Mary Dunne; has voiced just that ; her yearly wise rendition..
The pies are baked; a golden brown; stuffed with tasty mutton
The broth has been to boiling point ;awaiting it's incursion
The pens are up.. the sheep will take; their farmer's annnual lead..
And at Camp cross ; it culminates; September the eighteenth!
It's old & Oh so joyful; Camp Sheep Fair; at the cross,
But alas; it's not the same; without either public house
The Fair will keep on going, of that; there is no doubt,
The memories; will set us free; to enjoy it as we ought !.
There'll be joy & lots of banter; Ceoil & craic go leoir
And lots of feet a dancin.. on Camp's olden trodden boards,
Tiz all about the memories; how it was; in days of o'er
There's spirit, and there's happiness; to be regained,for us once more,
There are, so many, to remember; who have played a vital part..
Each of us just know ; they're in our mind ..& in our heart..
Clare, youre turning 50 ..A Camp woman from Tyrone
And Chris youre turning 40; We love you as You know!
So back up to Camp cross we go.. and witness Brigid O Connor;
It dont take the wisest of us, to know ; She wears the badge of Honour!
'Cause throughout all the years ; when there were trials and tribulations,
She always turned it round.. to be full of Prizes & Jubilations..
Between Her & Jimmy... & Timmy on yer heels..
Ye are the Camp Fair heroes ..who deserve a worthy Cheer..
We remember the greatest Sheepmen.. that were born N bred in Camp
And all who drove their sheep.. for miles ..for Sept.. the 18th!
They're in our present minds; they're the men who kept it going,
The loyalty, the honesty, the days in Daly's yard; sheep-showing!
Camp Fair has earned it's prestige, deep in our history notes
It's richness and it's culture, its yeArly worthly quotes,
Let's keep it as it should be ..deserved ..of recognition
From so far back.. to now.. gaining this sheep fairday fruition!
St .Mary's church & Our proud, Camp Fair.. Sharing a welcome doorstep...
Our youth and all our elderly; combine a homely unit.
Aoibheann O Dwyer it's your eighteenth ; on the 18th of September..
How beautiful.. local Birthdays.. ignite us to remember..
Our tomorrows and our yesterdays merge..
New Grandchildren at the cross..
The old ones ..who've gone; paved the way; for us ..!...
Lest us not forget..!
Camp Fair Day and mutton pies and friendly farming days..
Remembering Amelia.. Day ..to Day to Day..
Oh the memories keep abounding.. past into our now.. today!
Camp Fair 18th September ; It's here & it's Ours to Stay!!
Bernadette
