The Ould Horse Fair - Edmond Watters

The late Edmond Watters passed away in 2015. He was better known as Eddie. He made his home in Fohenagh Ahascragh. Known for his charm, banter and storytelling but he also had a compassionate side and was willing to lend an ear and help people in times of trouble.

Eddie had many passions; he was a carpenter by trade and could turn his hand to antique restoration. He wasn’t known for his poetry, but he loved writing poems for his daughter when she was a child. He wrote all types of poetry but some of his best work is light-hearted pieces and solemn poems. Before he died, he aimed to publish a book of children poems, but he became too ill and couldn’t accomplish this.
​
While living in the neighbourhood Eddie was elected on to the local community council. While on the council he always tried his best to improve the town. We publish a piece he penned for the Fair:
 
The Ould Horse Fair
I looked on the green, at sights yearly seen,
In that place they call Ballinasloe.
There were lorries and trucks, buses, and cars,
And I’m almost sure, a few mobile bars.
There were ponies and mules, ducks, and asses,
And horses I tell you of all different classes.
The gentry were there from Cork and Clare,
And the farmers from Donegal.
All trying to find a place to stand,
When there was no room at all.
I was up to my neck in muck and mire,
Been constantly asked, “are you a buyer?”
Come look at my horse, I tell he’s sound,
Just take him out there and walk him around.
The money was passing from hand to hand,
Sometimes a few quid, but more often a few grand.
The flags were flying all maroon and white,
On top of the poles from dawn till night.
The town was full of market stalls,
Selling lots of gadgets and of course, the football.
I met Tommy from Cork and Paddy from Clare,
And I even met some Americans there.
The ponies and gigs went charging past,
It’s hard to believe they could trot so fast.
Alas! The fun fair is gone, the horses are sold,
I’m standing here in the freezing cold.
I look at the green, not a blade of grass,
But when I look back it was really class.
Please God next year when the time comes around,
We’ll have another horse fair on Ballinasloe ground.
 
Edmond Watters