Go on! Get to know your neighbour

Know Your Neighbour has got off to a great start, and Fermoy Macra are bidding to be one of the first to build an event around this Macra initiative to bring people together and help build strong community spirit.

Although July 13 and 14 is officially Know Your Neighbour weekend, Fermoy’s annual tug-of-war/field evening at 7pm on Friday, Jun 28, in O’Doherty’s Pub, Clondulane, has got “KYN” billing (see www.knowyourneighbour.ie).

Also among the early movers have been Terelton Macra, ready to host a Know Your Neighbour barbecue on Sunday, Jul 21, in Foleys Bar, Terelton at 6pm, with fun and games to keep the local neighbours entertained.

Not too far away, some neighbours in Ballincollig will meet at 2pm on Saturday, Jul 13, for a cup of tea and a biscuit.

The day after, at Our Lady’s Day Care Centre, in Ballylanders, Co Limerick, tea, coffee, cake, and a good chat will be on offer in aid of Drive to Survive, at 11:30am.

The Drive to Survive Campaign aims to mobilise the country to raise funds for hospices in Ireland.

Also on Sunday, Jul 14, there’s a 5km fun run and fun evening at 2pm, based at the Laine Bar, Ballinagree. All are welcome to run or walk. Sign-in is at 2pm with the race starting at 3pm. This will be followed by an evening in the Laine Bar, starting at 4.40pm, with barbecue, music from The Hillbillys, and side shows for all the family.

Another great way to get to know your neighbours — and support a worthy cause — is to attend Freemount Macra’s midsummer festival, running from July 26-28.

It features traditional music on Friday night, mixed seven-a-side football and a barn dance on Saturday, and a duck race, family fun day and field evening at Moses Roche’s farm and barbecue at the Haggart Bar, on Sunday.

Proceeds from the weekend, organised in conjunction with the Community Development Association, will go to fund a new walkway in the village of Freemount.