TRAVELLERS AND traders from across Ireland began arriving in Borris, Co Carlow, yesterday for what is one of the most important annual gatherings of Travellers in Ireland.
The fair has been held in the village on the river Barrow on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15th, since medieval times, having reputedly been granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I.
Formerly Europe’s biggest sheep market, the livestock element has largely disappeared with the exception of some limited horse-trading. Instead, the mile-long Main Street is lined with temporary stalls selling a diverse range of merchandise.
Although the fair “officially” takes place tomorrow, trading is expected to begin today. Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend.
In recent years, many residents of Borris have complained that the nominally one-day event meant the village was effectively “besieged” for three or four days as traders arrived early to set up stalls.
They also expressed concern about the amount of rubbish left behind, the cost of the clean-up operation, road closures and the fact that that traders did not have to pay fees to set up stalls.
Mary White, the Minister of State for Equality, Integration and Human Rights and deputy leader of the Green Party, lives nearby and attends the Borris fair every year. She said yesterday she was planning to “go around to all the traders to encourage a donation to the Tidy Towns and to remove litter”.
The Garda has implemented a traffic management plan and Carlow County Council has installed portable toilets and skips. Pubs in the village will close.