Over 15,000 people enjoy the sunshine and fun at Tallafest
By Mary Dennehy
EVEN though it was impossible to eat an ice-cream before it melted, Tallafest 2018 was a triumph – with more than 15,000 people descending on Tallaght village to celebrate their community, its people and the sunshine.
Locals of all ages flocked to the village for the 6th annual Tallafest, a celebration that showcases Tallaght and the people, groups, businesses and volunteers that work together to build Tallaght into a great place to live, work and play.
Gabriel, Leah, Suzanne and Lauren Curtis (left)
The atmosphere in the village for Tallafest 2018 was as warm as the weather, and was reminiscent of long-hot, Tallaght summers of yesteryear – when street parties and festivals were all the go.
Organised by Tallaght Community Council (TCC), a record 15,000 people attended this year’s festival, which, made possible by an army of volunteers, was officially opened by the Dublin Fire Brigade pipe band.
Over the course of the day, plenty of fun was had across the festival’s history, culture, nature, sports and kids’ zones, with games, food, music and stalls also lining the village.
The festival also had an international flavour this year, with Casa Peru dancers, Brazilian clowns, African drumming, Mexican food and Tallaght honey.
The area’s rural community was well represented by local farmer Donie Anderson, his gaggle of geese and trusty sheepdog, Jess – who enjoyed the day from the shade of a garden on Main Street.
The new soccer blitz organised by Tallaght Town FC on the grounds of IT Tallaght provided plenty of suspense on the day, with congratulations to Sacred Heart FC who won the Tallafest Shield and Tallaght Town FC who won the Tallafest Cup.
Youthreach on the Greenhills Road was also a hive of activity as the kids’ zone moved in for the day.
Speaking with The Echo, Tallaght Person of the Year, Sinead Tighe said: “Tallafest is representing the community absolutely wonderfully.
“It’s putting a positive spin on what Tallaght’s all about and showcasing all of the community groups.”
Looking back on the day, Tara De Buitléar, TCC PRO, told The Echo: “An amazing day of sunshine, laughter, smiles and a buzz like we haven’t seen in Tallaght Village for decades.
“It has simply been the best Tallafest so far – all down to passionate volunteers who want to give Tallaght a village festival they will be proud of.
“We achieved that on Saturday.
“A huge thanks to all the volunteers and groups who came together in collaboration, the feeling on the day was electric and uplifting.”
See this week’s Echo, out now, for a two-page picture spread from the event!
