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the night went on and a few tins were downed it got worse and worse (yes I did have ago and yes I did get wupped by a girl). Fergus, however, managed to develop an extra knee cap half way down his leg.
Even with the people who didn't turn up and let Dave down this was still one of the most enjoyable gigs I was at least year and all in all this was a very relaxed and fun Gig, and an ideal way to end a hectic season (for me anyway).
Corlea 'Bog Track' project:
This is what we should be doing all the time. This small event, set around a small visitor center, built over one of the most important Iron Age finds in the country was THE gig to be at for anyone that takes what we do seriously (In a research/preservation sense) at all. Maybe I'm becoming a 'faint heart' early or maybe I've copped on to what 're-enactment really means, I'm going with the latter! To be a part of such a display was great and for such a small head count it went brilliantly. It was such a relief to do another period other than 'Viking'. No three-foot shields anywhere! Black smiting, Woodturning, Textile and general artifact displays where on show throughout the day with a small pageant and combat display depicting the legendary battle between Queen Maebh (Lynne Williams) on her cattle raid and King Conchubar (Chris Stevenson). The joys of fighting on a living Bog! It's like fighting on a giant mattress. You can hit the deck as hard as you like and you're guaranteed to bounce. The only thing to top our juvenile fun was to get the seal of approval from the special guest and the man that dug up the road in the first place, Prof. Barry Raftery, head of the Celtic Arechaeology UCD. Who is quoted as saying that he was well impressed and on actively 'trouble -shooting' the display could find no fault anywhere. Another victory in the promotion and validation of re-enactment to both Ducas and our academic peers, I'd say. DM
Swords
Swords is fast becoming an annual fixture in the Irish re-enactment calendar. The show was in Swords castle this year and was much the better for it. Spread over two days with combat and living history on both days, as well as camping facilities in the castle walls for the re-enactors. Top stuff. Malacht an Torc put on a first rate display of a Viking encampment. The public in Swords loves us and they turned out in force as they do for us every year. Fabulous weather and good people combined to make this an excellent gig. Lets have more of the same for next year from Malacht an Torc and the good people of Swords. EE.
Cahir
A great little gig, with great weather and great turnout in a great big castle. Irish Arms put on a fabulous 15th Century spread with
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everything from Archery, Falconry and Blacksmithing to Scribe, Apothecary and Pie seller. And oh, how Ferg shifted those pies! There was loads of space in Cahir castle but Irish Arms still managed to fill all the gaps indoors and out with nearly every aspect of 15th Century life. Combat was fun, as it always is on smooth cobble stone in leather soled shoes.
THE AXEMAN COMETH
Well not only do I have to review all o f this years gigs but I also get to give one of them an award. A Golden Axe award.
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Please note this is a fun award and part of Slua Ghairm and not meant as a critical put down to anyone. Obviously I can only judge events I attend but with luck I should get to as many as last year. I'm sure they will be some deliberation with the editor but all contributions should be sent to the usual address (cof).
For the record, if this issue had seen the first golden Axe Award it would have gone to Castleward. Being judged on all review factors plus enjoyment for re-enactors. This I would have selected from 5 clear leaders.
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