An Irish Tradition in Weston, MO
In 1978 in the hills outside the northern County Kilkenny town of Castlecomer in Ireland, a group of men started a tradition that has not only lasted and grown, but has reached out globally. Since 2007 that reach has included the hinterland of Kansas City - Weston - on its most Irish of weekends, the Weston Irish Festival weekend.
And your participation in Weston could give you a free dream holiday to Ireland and that original event.
2009 Weston Wellie Race
On Sunday, October 11th, 2009, the 3rd running of the Weston Wellie Race takes place. It’s a 1.5 mile stroll through residential Weston, Missouri on the Sunday morning of the Irish Fest there, and participation in the race puts you into the hat for a free trip to Ireland for 2.
Trip To Ireland
All participants who complete the race will be entered into a random drawing for a round-trip for 2 to Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland, to attend the New Year’s Day 2010 Castlecomer Wellie Races. Side trips to other points of interest will also be included in the package.
My favourite New Year’s celebrations in Ireland have always been those I have left Dublin and gone “down the country” for. I find it a magical time, not least because the Christmas celebrations in Ireland are still continuing at that time, but also that all that pre-Christmas commercial hype is absent. Whenever people in KC asked me what time of the year I recommend going to Ireland I usually say February - and New Year’s is like February with a party.
Celtic Thunder show in Kansas City
There will also be drawings for 4 pair of tickets to see Celtic Thunder at the Midland on Oct. 27, 2009 at the same time as the draw for the trip to Kilkenny to watch the 2010 Wellie Race in Castlecomer.
Kansas City Gaelic Athletic Club
The 2009 Weston Wellie Race is a benefit for the Kansas City Gaelic Athletic Club (KCGAC), so your participation supports the continued existence and growth of the Irish sports of Hurling and Gaelic Football in Kansas City.
Global Tradition
Since its beginning in Kilkenny, there have been Wellie Races in Sydney, Australia; New York, NY; and Weston, Missouri.
Time, Location, & Entry Fee
Race registration begins at 7:45am at the corner of Short & Welt streets in Weston, MO. The race begins at 9am. This year the entry fee has been reduced to $15.
Wellies
The rubber boot known as the Wellington (or Wellie for short) is named after the Irish born British aristocrat who popularized them, Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Actually what Wellington wore was a Hessian Boot that he had modified, as he wasn’t just a Commander in Chief and Prime Minister - he was a style icon.
The large obelisk-shaped monument in Dublin’s Phoenix Park is in honour of Wellington (the Iron Duke not the rubber boot). Often you hear people when speaking of Wellesley quote him saying if he had been born in a stable that wouldn’t make him a horse - and they then say that this is him claiming to be British rather than Irish despite his birthplace, however there is no proof that he ever uttered such words.
Wellie Race Information/Registration
Call The Celtic Ranch in Weston at 816-640-2881 for more information or to register.
Eolaí gan Fhéile:
[…] An Irish Tradition in Weston, MO — [ Irish KC ] » Kansas City Irish Festivals, Music, Pubs, &… irishkc.com/an-irish-tradition-in-weston-mo.htm – view page – cached Kansas City Irish Festivals, Music, Pubs, & Events by an Artist in Ireland, — From the page […]
Despite temperatures in the mid30s (F), more than 100 rubber-booted, enthusiastic and occasionally costumed “runners” took part in the Third Annual Weston Wellie Race. Photos and more details soon at the Facebook page for Midwest Irish Focus.
Photos from this year’s race are up on the Facebook page for Midwest Irish Focus.