PICTURES: Dancing at the Crossroads in Knock village

Knock Village was buzzing with activity for the annual Dancing at the Crossroads Festival, a fantastic day of music, dancing, craic and community spirit organised by the local committee and Roscrea Heritage Society.

Roscrea Heritage Society has proudly sponsored this event since its inaugural year in 2019, and it continues to be a brilliant way to bring Heritage Week to a close.

“The crowds were phenomenal, the craic was savage, the atmosphere was electric, and with 10 hours of music, the crossroads was packed and the dance floor was full from start to finish,” Pamela Aitken and Mairéad Delaney from Roscrea Heritage Society told the Tribune.

“It was some spectacle and a testament to the incredible community spirit in Knock.

“From the stallholders to the sheaf throwers, musicians to dancers, ticket sellers to volunteers, and Gavin on security, everyone played their part in making a great event even better.

“Every single person who came along helped create the atmosphere that made the day so special. Thank you to County Councillors Michael Smith and Shane Lee and Tipperary County Council for sponsorship and support towards the event, helping to ensure its success,” Pamela added.

“Thank you also to everyone who sponsored and supported the event, both locally and from further afield. Your generosity and continued support are hugely appreciated and play a vital part in making a day like this possible.

“A sincere thank you to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle. Your generosity was greatly appreciated and helped make the raffle a fantastic success. Every contribution, big or small, made a difference.

“Massive thanks to all the lads who rolled up their sleeves on Saturday and again early Sunday morning to get everything ready. From the traffic stewards, to those putting down the dance floor, sorting the seating, and taking care of the countless other jobs behind the scenes - your hard work is hugely appreciated.

“Thanks also to Bill and Gary Carey for erecting the sheaf poles, and to John Carroll for organising the competition on the day.

“A special mention to Donal Lawless, Nathan Smith and Catherine Flannery for organising the much-anticipated soccer tournament and a special shout-out to Alan, Ann, Tara, Amy, Claire, Ciara, Leanne and Josephine in the Knock Inn, who kept the show on the road.

“Thank you to Mark Flannery for overseeing the advertising of the event across social media and for looking after sheaf throwing entries and guiding all through the event and a huge thanks to Michelle and Annie, who worked tirelessly feeding people from near and far throughout the day.

“Events like this don’t happen without an incredible amount of work, dedication and community spirit behind the scenes. To everyone who helped, supported, sponsored, donated, performed, competed, volunteered, danced, or simply turned up and enjoyed the day, thank you.”

Sheaf Throwing Winners

The annual John Russell Sheaf Throwing Competition brought great excitement again this year, attracting competitors from near and far all hoping to claim the coveted John Russell Perpetual Cup.

Winners were as follows:

U14 - 1st place: Amy Colclough (25 feet), 2nd Place: Cormac Carey, 3rd Place: Jack Delaney.

Ladies: 1st place: Rebecca Casey (26 Feet), 2nd place: Caitlin Russell, 3rd place: Amy Colclough.

Men’s Novice: 1st place: Declan Behan (38 Feet), 2nd place: Pat Hennessey, 3rd place: Adrian Delaney.

Men’s Senior: 1st place: Michael O’Brien (48 Feet), 2nd place: Sean Casey and 3rd place: Diarmuid Casey.