"BIG men, small men, some not too tall / All wanted urgently for the Bogman's Ball . . ."
That's the appeal issued by the Keogh family, owners of Pea cocke's Hotel in Maam Cross, Co Galway, as they prepare to host one of the highlights of Connemara's social calendar tonight.
Songs, poems and stories have been written about it since 1959, when the first Bogman's Ball was held to mark the saving of the turf. Although a much more sophisticated society is no longer so dependent on the fuel, the celebration has continued every year.
Last year, due to renovations in Peacocke's, the ball was cancelled, and this caused disappointment all over the county, according to the Keoghs. This year it has been revived and will include demonstrations of saving turf and cooking steaks on shovels over an open fire.
Guests, including Bina McLoughlin, who claims to be the State's only shepherdess, will be invited to visit The Quiet Man cottage on arrival, where they will witness poteen being made, and partake of some bog-water punch.
Proceeds from the five-course dinner tonight at £45 a head will be donated to Croi, the West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation. Tickets are still available by contacting Mary at 091-552306.
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