The Lady of the Lake Festival concluded on Sunday, July 17 following 10 days of events ranging from traditional family-friendly activities to unique competitions that saw some competitors from countries across the world take part.
As reported in last week's newspaper, the Donkey Derby at Necarne was won by Liam Og Leonard, who travelled home from Australia to participate in the race with his father's donkey, Daniel.
Taking part in The Sheep Dung Spitting Competition at Castle Irvine.
Back at Necarne for the festival's Fair Day on Wednesday, July 13, more visitors from abroad came to compete – this time in the notorious sheep dung spitting competition.
A festival favourite originally devised by none other than Joe Mahon, hotelier and a Lady of the Lake organiser, the sheep dung spitting competition saw more than 30 competitors compete for glory, including a German celebrity who travelled to Irvinestown especially for the event.
Joe revealed: "It went really well; it was good craic. A German TV crew came over to film it. They couldn't get over the whole spectacle at all! There were 37 people who took part in it, and Jimmy Tang Grainger, he won it.
"Oliver Polak, he is a German comedian. He came third, so he did. He really, really enjoyed it.
"The one thing he said was he couldn't get over the whole friendliness of the people. Everyone was talking to him, and his film crew said the same," he added.
Taking part in The Lady of The Lake Festival at Castle Irvine.
On Thursday night, July 14, crowds gathered in Irvinestown centre to watch a fancy dress parade which followed the 'Back with a Big Bang' festival theme, with young and older alike taking inspiration from the TV show, 'The Big Bang Theory', for their costumes.
"They were dressed up as scientists and robots, rockets and aliens," said Joe, commenting on a few of the creative costumes.
Morgan Quinn, Bella Funston and Hunter Funston, feeding the goats during The Lady of The Lake Festival at Castle Irvine.
There was a great festival atmosphere on Friday night, July 15, as vintage tractors and cars paraded through the town followed by a convoy of lorries with all lights ablaze for the Lady of the Lake Light Show.
Also joining the parade were a local Mumming group. Dressed in their traditional straw attire, the group created a dramatic spectacle as they carried flaming beacons through the streets.
The Hole Digging Championships – another unique Lady of the Lake Festival competition – took place on Saturday, July 16. With the hot weather and dry ground, the task was more challenging than ever, but Ballinamallard local Darryl Abraham – who was last year's winner – was the winner once again, digging the deepest hole of the day.
Erne Highland Dancers.
The final day of the Lady of the Lake Festival, Sunday, July 17, saw the return of the popular Truck Convoy in aid of Marie Curie.
"There was 368 trucks," said Joe, commenting on the great support: "Fair play to all of the truckers for coming out and supporting Marie Curie."
The festival came to a close on the Sunday evening with a performance by local band, The Tumbling Paddies, in Mahon's Hotel's Delaney Suite.
"It was totally jammed – we had to close the doors," said Joe, adding: "It finished off the festival in style. The Tumbling Paddies were brilliant."
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