EchoLive.ie, 10 May
Since early on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s storming semi-final
performance by Bambie, the phones have been hopping and the message
boards alive and the town has organised a massive party to celebrate as
their home-town hero vies for glory.
Bambie Thug to bring people of Macroom together for watch party
Bambie Thug of Ireland performs the song Doomsday Blue during the dress
rehearsal for the final at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo,
Sweden, today. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Concubhar Ó Liatháin
THE banners are up and the flags are unfurled in Macroom town centre in
advance of tomorrow night’s party in the Square to support Bambie Thug
at the Eurovision, when locals will cheer as the singer takes the stage
in Malmo.
Since early on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s storming semi-final
performance by Bambie, the phones have been hopping and the message
boards alive and the town has organised a massive party to celebrate as
their home-town hero vies for glory.
James O’Sullivan, of the organising ‘meitheal’ — the Irish word for
neighbours helping one another — said the response has been phenomenal
since Tuesday. “Everybody who said they would do something or
contribute in some way has done as they said they would, and then
some,” he said.
“We’ve got a great response from every business in town and the council
and the gardaí are all supporting us.
“I’m just back with a jeep load of flags, the town will be awash with
colour,” he said. “We’ve secured the biggest and best screen for the
event and the weather forecast is great, so all systems are go for a
great party.”
A ‘riot of colour’ has been predicted by Cork County Council, who have
rowed in behind the organisers and urged attendees to wear green to get
into the spirit of the event, while there will be prizes also for the
best ‘witches’ at the watch party.
County Mayor Frank O’Flynn said the local authority was delighted to
get involved. “Macroom’s street party was organised within 24 hours by
local groups and individuals, including Lee Valley Enterprise Board,
Macroom Lions Club, Macroom Tidy Towns, Briery Gap and Macroom Music
Fest,” said Mr O’Flynn.
“Cork County Council is proud to support this event, which promises to
be a fantastic occasion. It is testament to the strong sense of
community spirit and pride that thrives in Macroom and throughout the
county.”
Geraldine Galvin, from the Lee Valley Enterprise Board, said the
organisers were “thrilled to bring the community together for this
wonderful occasion”.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is a celebration of diversity and music,
and we are proud to support Bambie Thug as they display Ireland’s
talent to the world,” said Geraldine. “We would like to thank everyone
that has offered to volunteer or who has helped in any way in bringing
this event together in such a short period of time.”
The Macroom Town Square event gets under way at 7pm on Saturday and the
Eurovision grand final will commence at 8pm. Traffic will continue to
be able to flow through the town, although some minor closures will
take place on smaller roads around the Square.
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