Joe's turkey throw (paper style) heads Down Under

Editorial Department • Published 10 Dec 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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Bringing smiles and helping charity - Joe Mahon style

The much talked about controversial turkey throw is to take place this weekend in Irvinestown. Joe "madcap" Mahon will hurl 50 turkeys off the roof of his hotel to see if they can fly, as part of the town's annual craft fair in aid of Cancer Research.

A storm erupted when Mr. Mahon's idea was first revealed, with many angry punters demanding the hotelier's head on plate this Christmas time!

But Mr. Mahon who has raised thousands for charity with his 'wacky' events over the years has assured the public that the turkeys will not be real, instead they will be made out of papier-mâchè.

We can also reveal that if the family fun day is a success, Mr. Mahon plans to brings his turkey throw to Australia.

"A man that used to live in Fermanagh was reading about the event all the way in Sydney and he's invited me out to throw the turkeys off the bridge - so the turkeys could well be going Down Under," he said.

"But we're going to get Saturday over us first. It's a fun day out for all the family and for a very good cause," said Mr. Mahon.

The turkey throw will run alongside the annual turkey parade and the Indoor Food, Arts and Craft Fair in the Delaney suite in Mahon's Hotel. One of the organisers, Teresa O'Hare said the town was "proud" to revive and keep alive rural traditions.

"There is nothing to beat the buzz of people on the streets enjoying pre-Christmas celebrations. We have local food producers, farmers and craft people who are coming together. We are offering a quality afternoon of amateur street drama, excellent shopping in the town and the opportunity to buy artisan food and arts and crafts," she said.

Mrs. O'Hare has also offered a safe refuge to any turkeys 'injured' in the turkey throw; "If any poor old turkey does take flight then I hope they take a straight flight path to the food and craft fair in the Delaney suite, where I will personally make sure they will never have to fly again!" she laughed.

Traders at the Turkey Fair include Mrs. O'Hare's Orchard Acre Farm selling Food Hampers and other local traders offering a unique range of produce, including hand made baskets and cradles, hand turned wooden pieces, a delicious chocolate fountain, hand made cards, wedding stationery, children's knitwear, cakes and light refreshments.

"There is something for everyone and something for everyone's budget," added Mrs. O'Hare.

All the fun kicks off in Irvinestown's Main Street on Saturday December 12 at 12 noon.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Dec 09

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