Dave has asked me to become Slua Ghairm's official gig reviewer, so, naturally being the shy retiring person I am, I have agreed! He seems to think I'd be unbiased and hard to corrupt, silly lad. Anyway with the limited time I was landed with (My fault completely folks!, Dave M) I have only reviewed two of last years gigs. Dave and Ed had made a start on the rest apparently. The two events placed under my scrutiny were Castleward and Mountshannon (in the italics), though next year I hope to review all the gigs I can attend myself. (Readers should bare in mind that there are three opinions featured here Dave's, Ed's and my own, but my one's the only one that matters!)

Gigs will be under the following criteria: (which will probably change as more categories are added and new subjects covered.)

1. Sites (The main gigs)
   
2. Camp site (Facilities etc)
   
3. Living history
   
4. Warrior activities
   
5. Crowd response
   
6. Post public fun
   
7. General comments
   

Leixlip Festival
The fate of the Leixlip event hung in the balance for a number of weeks due to the 'Foot and Mouth Crisis' as the usual venue was made unavailable to us. A simple compromise rescued the situation however. We took to the streets! Availing of the gravel areas out front of the Guinness Castle grounds, Main street office units and the street itself we managed to pull off an interesting and up close display. Being right on the street edge with the living history made the displays much more accessible to even more public than usual as there was no gate fee involved and the Joe Punter passer by who wouldn't normally bother with the castle grounds got to learn something.  Security offered little problem as warriors where detailed to act as guards. Which made them look less redundant and even more 'warrior' like. Some fun was had with the combat being held smack bang in the middle of the street but did let the public get a good close look at the action.
Darra drew a following of adoring 12 year olds (not that his 'Gladiator re-enactment' had anything to do with that!) and some revealing photos are now available of Ciarán MacAoidh's very tight shorts. A fun and busy event. DM

Wexford (1)
Environment is everything! Wexford Heri

spot  (about 500m up a small track and surrounded by 12-15ft bushes and trees)  At the site there are toilets, showers a house that can be used to cook in etc (normally used for youth groups etc) and as much wood as you can use.

The living history was well laid out with nine authentic tents at which people were constantly doing things ie coin minting, sowing, weapon maintenance, showing and explaining to the public armor weapons and other historical items.  At the end of the row of tents there was wood working and a small forge the center piece was a well laid out and very well organized cooking display.  It was huge !!!  (top marks  Barry).

The battle followed the same format as last year (why change a winning formula) basically two Viking longboats row round the point towards the landing site, at this point the Irish quickly assemble they then disgorge   hordes of warriors who then fight and drive of the Irish capturing a slaves (who is then beaten and dragged back to the original site).  There is then  (later)  a shield wall display plus various other displays     etc, then near the end of the day the Irish re-appear and carnage follows.  As noted earlier a lot of the warriors helped out in the living history  (nice change).

The crowds on the day were huge (numbers not size) according to the estate manager a least 2000 turned up through out the day.  The living history site was bunged as people took in the displays and by the end of the day there where many sore throats from talking and explaining.  During fighting displays and battles there were cheers shouts and much  excitement.  In general the event was very well received.

Socially (ie no public) Castleward was great with a very large fire , drink, complete privacy and security and most of all good friends from far and wide, how could you improve on that.

Also Ronald, Roy and the rest of the Ulaidh had laid on bacon eggs bread and other foodstuff for our breakfast and not only that on the Saturday night entertainment and sweets etc was laid on for any children (and so adults could then relax and enjoy things). I think the only disappointment was that (apart from Barry's crew and Ian and Sue)  hardly any re-enactors from down south turned up  (LET ME STRESS THE MEDIA LOVES TO EXAGGERATE AND HYPE OUR YEARLY PROBLEM)  in future ring the northern guys and we will tell you the truth  ie if its safe or not .  On  a lighter note funniest moment goes to Barry squealing like a girl for me to slow down as he

tage Park is the re-enactors heaven or at least it should be. G&G do it again with this well organized and orchestrated event in a perfect backdrop. This type of surrounding really triggers something in an historical re-enactor. Almost everyone seemed to buzz off the place and when it came to show time all hands where busy and even the 'solely' combat bodies had a place to be. Combat display and safety was let down a little (At no fault of Gael agus  Gall) by over eager and inexperienced newcomers and some blatant disregard by certain 'long term' individuals for any safety protocols. It was my kid's first gig and what better a place for him to start off. He just loved it. Stole all my bloody limelight too! DM

Killaloe/Ballina
Circa 999A.D. and Boru's Dal gCais and Local Limerick Viking give the rowdy Dublin Vikings what for! What seemed a low key and under publicized event (i.e I live 20 minutes away and nobody knew anything about it. Nothing to do with Jess and Alan's efforts mind) rounded out very nicely after we drummed some number of public with our parade from Killaloe side of the Shannon to the Ballina side. I recall some of us mumbling under our breath half way over the bridge such comments like "Not another bloody parade" etc., (you know how we all just love them) but taking a look behind us when we got to the other side and seeing the masses following us I remember somebody saying "Wow, So that's why we do them!" Small, fun event set late in the day so we had loads of set-up time. Great 'Gael' turnout with various status levels being portrayed with a great costume talk by Swifty with a good focus on the Gael kit, I'm real glad I was wearing some! DM

Castleward

The actual site for the gig was in two places again this year, the main site was a large field/meadow on the Castleward estate.  This is an ideal site as the lay of the land means that the public  (when not viewing the living history) are on a slightly elevated position and can therefore get a good view of the warriors strutting their stuff.

The campsite at Castleward is superb not only because the site is literally miles away from anywhere  (so your can really let your hair down) but also because of the facilities.  Castleward being a country estate means that there are no locals to complain or get under foot.  The campsite is situated of the main road in the estate in a very secluded

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