Birds of prey get in a flap to wow crowd

Birds of prey get in a flap to wow crowd

12 July 2023

SEAFORDE hosted a family fun day last Saturday which provided an opportunity for people to get up close and personal with some spectacular birds of prey. 

The summer fete and falconry show was organised by the Seaforde and District Community Association, with the event funded by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.  

While the windy weather dictated a change of venue, from Jennings and Keown’s Field, the village’s Young Farmer’s Hall proved to be most suitable for the event.

Jennings and Keown’s field was still used for car parking space and proved to be a suitable spot for visitors who had brought picnics, where they were able to enjoy their lunch with a beautiful view of the Mourne Mountains.

A large crowd attended, both young and old, where they enjoyed a number of games, face painting and a craft table.

The Anchor Uses Ukulele Band from Newcastle entertained a very appreciative audience with their singing and playing and there was complimentary Brennan’s ice-cream.

The highlight of the afternoon was a display of the birds of prey by the Northern Ireland School of Falconry.

John Carmichael, who established the falconry business in 2000, talked about each of the birds in his display, with many in the  audience getting the opportunity to hold one of the birds.

The wind conditions were not ideal for flying the birds, but the two Harris Hawks and the Grey Owl provided many thrilling moments as they swooped over the crowd.