People of the Burren encouraged to take part in their own festival

Iconic figures from the past 50 years of popular culture descended on a field in the Burren yesterday, writes Gordon Deegan.

The presence of an 18-ft 1950s Teddy Boy a short distance from the birthplace of Michael Cusack, founder of the GAA may seem, incongruous. But "Eddie" is the creation of a Burren-based artist, Keith Payne, whose work formed a central part of the 4th Annual Burren Festival.

Payne - who lives locally - was commissioned to create 16 other such figures for Queen Elizabeth's jubilee celebrations last year. The specially fabricated costumes boosted by local stilt-walkers made their first public appearance in Clare yesterday.

Though first seen striding down the Mall in London, the figures were made in Kilfenora by local artists and craft-workers under Payne's direction.

More used to designing sets for the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Tina Turner on tour, Payne said: "The figures haven't been seen outdoors in Ireland before today so it means so much to have them take part in the festival.

"It is all very well doing rock and roll shows, but this is the best sort of thing to do in terms of enjoyment and friendship."

He added: "There is nothing better than putting on a little festival in a little field with a couple of hired toilets and a band and a bar."

Underlining the community spirit that underpins the festival, hundreds were yesterday crowding into the 50-year big top provided by the English-born artist.

Overseeing the men's and women's sheaf throwing was festival chairwoman, Mary O'Dea, who said: "Without the likes of Keith Payne, this festival wouldn't be possible. As you can see, this is a participatory festival where everyone is encouraged is take part rather than watch."

A successful festival had been generated from a small community scattered around the Burren, she noted.

In the last census, Carron's district electoral population dropped by 16 per cent, from 98 to 82. "The primary school has only 26 pupils, so that gives you an idea of how everyone has got involved in order to stage it," Mary O'Dea explained.

The chairman of the Burren branch of the Irish Farmers' Association, Michael Davoren, commented: "A lot of elderly farmers in the area wouldn't take a holiday, so this is their holiday for the year and it is an ideal break for them. It is an escape from reality for all in the farming community."

He added: "It is also a great meeting place for people who have left Carron to come back and meet old friends. This is not just a crossroads festival, a lot of work has gone into it."

The festival's bookie was busy taking bets on terrier racing and tractor reversing, while the unusual "pony muffin" competition was also attracting big interest from the punters.