The lack of help means that unfortunately, many families hoping to attend next month’s Donagh Summer Festival could be left disappointed. 

Donagh Development Association is currently in the midst of attempting to organise their annual summer festival, having last year pulled off a coup by attracting well known radio DJ and entertainer Hugo Duncan for the event. 

The four day festival has been going now for around 10 years and includes the usual favourites such as family fun activities and the annual duck race. 

This year it could be scaled back to just one day with the Donagh Vintage Car and Tractor Run taking place on Sunday 9th July at 2.30pm with all proceeds going towards Beltany House Respite Care and Kidney Research UK. This run will take place regardless of the festival arrangements but in a final attempt to avoid disappointment, a public meeting is planned for tonight (Wednesday, June 28th) at 8.30pm in the Millennium Hall. 

If sufficient numbers attend and are willing to help, then it is hoped that the festival will be organised as usual. Organisers are keen to attract more help to keep the area’s strong sense of community spirit alive and well for the next generation. However they have stressed that if that help is not forthcoming, then regretfully, this year’s event will be cancelled.

The Association’s Assistant Secretary Elizabeth McCormack told the Herald: “We have had the same people helping out over the past few years but this year a couple of them are away. Recently there has been a dwindle in support and while people will turn up on the day to help out, they don’t come to our one or two meetings a year. Instead we have to just hope on the day that those people will be there.”

Elizabeth and her fellow committee members are always seeking new blood to keep things fresh. 

“We are hoping to attract new people with new ideas. We welcome new members of all ages and abilities as everyone brings new ideas. It’s also a chance to give something back to the community.”