LAUNCHING this year’s Lady of the Lake Festival was a bitter sweet moment for the people of Irvinestown last Friday night, not least organiser and hotelier Joe Mahon.

On the one hand, the streets were packed with people of all ages, a testament to Mr. Mahon and all who help make the festival the biggest cross community event in Fermanagh each year.

On the other, there was one person who had been integral to the festival and community for decades who was missing from the launch night – Malachy Mahon who passed away earlier this year.

“Malachy was always a great supporter of the festival and of the town,” said his nephew Joe Mahon. “He was a member of the Trustees and was always on hand to give us advice or offer his support. He was always there on the opening night so it was sad not to have him with us.” Following a procession of vintage tractors, as part of the farming through the years theme, Eimear Donnelly was unveiled as this year’s Lady of the Lake, kicking off proceedings in style.

The 19 year old hairdresser who lives in Irvinestown with her mother Sharon and brother Christopher said she was “absolutely delighted” to take on the iconic role.

“I am really happy. From the moment I got the phone call I got excited and it was hard to act normal. I didn’t tell anyone apart from my mother and she was delighted too. I have never missed the festival over the years. Being a part of it now is really amazing. I didn’t realise how busy I would be. I’ve been involved in loads of events and posing for photographs. It’s great,” she laughed.

The launch night included music from Tractor Boys plus Drumharvey Pipe Band, Trillick Pipe Band and Kilskeery Silver Band and a jiving performance by Modern Country Moves.

“The launch went very well and the street was packed again,” said Mr. Mahon. “We were very lucky with the weather the whole night. There was plenty of excitement when the Lady of the Lake was unveiled, nobody knew it was going to be her, it was a real surprise.” With over a week to go, Mr. Mahon says this year’s festival could be the biggest and best yet.

“It gets bigger every year. I think the reason why it is such a success is because it has great support from all of the community. I was talking to someone from Belfast in the bar and he was saying he couldn’t get over the community spirit in the town. He said he wasn’t used to it. He couldn’t believe that everybody gets on so well and I told him that it has always been like that here. That’s the normal way of life for the people in Irvinestown,” he said.