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| Photo: Frank Gavin |
According to local legend, Napoleon's
most famous horse Marengo was bought in 1799 at the Fair in
Ballinasloe, which is one of Europe's oldest and largest Horse Fairs,
dating back to the 1700's when it was formally established by the local
British landlords (Trenchs).
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| Photo: Frank Gavin |
But its origins probably go back
thousands of years as Ballinsloe (Béal Átha na Sluaighe, = 'Ford-Mouth
of the Gatherings') is located at a strategic crossing of a river near
to the famed 'Esker Riada', the great prehistoric highway formed from
eskers that allowed people to cross Ireland from east to west, giving
them safe dry passage above the bogs, wetlands and lakes of the
midlands.
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| Photo: Frank Gavin |
Today, it is estimated that c100,000 visitors flock to the town to sell, buy and enjoy this majestic animal.
As part of my DERI Outreach work, I am involved with a local committee led by Frank Gavin
in collecting and digitizing images, films and stories associated with
this living heritage and cultural gathering.
Tonight (Sept 30) we
hold a special public meeting on the subject in Haydens Hotel in the
town. The fair itself starts the following day(Oct 1).
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| Photo: Frank Gavin |
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