Roberts Cove Vintage Festival is the October Community Award Winner
- Online Journalist
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
The Robert’s Cove Vintage Festival has been named as the October recipient of The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award, presented in association with The Carrigdhoun Newspaper. For nearly twenty years, Robert’s Cove Vintage Festival has been a social highlight of the Tracton community, with taking care of community at the centre of the festival's mission, and since its creation, the festival has supported a number of local and national charities.
The Roberts Cove Vintage Festival was founded in 2008 by two Tracton Parish residents, Val Dempsey and Michael O’Sullivan, with the original aim of raising funds for the restoration of the historic Knocknamanagh schoolhouse. What began as a small local initiative has since grown into one of the largest vintage festivals in County Cork, attracting visitors and participants from far beyond the local area.
At the heart of the festival is a strong commitment to supporting worthwhile causes. The event raises vital funds for a wide range of local and national charities. Beneficiaries over the years have included the local St Vincent de Paul, the Jack and Jill Foundation, RNLI, KYSS, Down Syndrome Cork, as well as local schools and sports clubs. This focus on giving back has remained central to the festival’s mission since its inception. To date, the Vintage Festival Committee has raised almost €500,000.
The Roberts Cove Vintage Festival credits its success to the collective effort of Tracton GAA Club, Minane Bridge Co-Op and the local Oysterhaven Coast Guard Unit, along with the cooperation of local landowners, volunteer stewards, sponsors, trade stall holders, exhibitors and the many supporters who pass through the gates on the day.
Vincent O’Donovan, Publisher of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, congratulated The Roberts Cove Vintage Festival on their award saying “The Robert’s Cove Vintage Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the Summer. This nomination for the Community Spirit Award, but also its long standing success is a testament to the dedication of the organising committee, but also to the entire community that continues to rally behind the festival year after year.
Cllr. Patrick Donovan, who nominated Robert’s Cove Vintage Festival praised the organising committee saying “The Roberts Cove Vintage Festival is truly unique, and we are so lucky to have such a festival that the whole community can take part in and be proud of. Long may their success continue.”
