In a scene reminiscent of times past, crowds gathered in Co Cork yesterday to buy and sell, trade and celebrate horses in a fair reputed to be as old as Brian Boru.
The Cahirmee horse fair in north Cork transforms Buttevant into a thriving town which attracts thousands of people from the equine community, all eager to stumble upon the next great show-jumping or racehorse bargain. Napoleon Bonaparte's famous mount, Marengo, is believed to have been bought at Cahirmee in 1799, as well as Wellington's charger, Copenhagen, around 1810.
Amid the earthy aroma of horse sweat, magnificent four-legged creatures trotted up and down the main street, eagerly examined by potential buyers, who proceeded to embark on some wheeling and dealing with the owners. Completing the market atmosphere were the many hucksters' stalls selling pots, pans, wellies, saddles and riding breeches.
"It's a great day for Buttevant. The town is really hopping with life, and with horses!" joked local auctioneer and county councillor Tommy Sheahan.