After over eight long years at as Event Co - ordinator and Controller; Colm Croffy is stepping down from his professional involvement with Europe's oldest horsefair and the Directors of the event have commenced the search to seek a replacement.

Colm indicated to the Management prior to last years successful event ; that the pressure of his other commitments in managing the Irish Festival and Event Network, being a Director of the European Festival and Events Association and being nominated to serve on the Presidents Council of the International Festival and Events Association, meant that he could not continue to stay involved as a contracted co- ordinator.

"My level of national and international commitment has grown considerably in the last few years and between clients and travel it's impossible to dedicate the time that Fair Week needs. I also think that it's time again for some fresh thinking and a new face to potray and co-ordinate the complex event; especially as the new challenges ahead for all the stakeholders are very different than the ones we attempted to tackle over seven years ago".

Speaking at the announcement; Fair and Festival Chairperson Brendan Bradley was warm in his praise for the huge transformation in the presentation of Fair Week and the upturn in the events fortunes that could be attributed to Colm's ambition, workrate and personal style " We as a festival committee have been fortunate to have had the services of Colm but critically the town and the various elements of the event were very lucky to have someone of his calibre, connections, vision and perhaps patience".

During his time at the helm - attendance , profile , number of events and turnover all grew by over 40% and the Event is now regarded as one of the most significant Heritage and Tourist events in the Autumn shoulder season of Ireland West.

The Directors have asked Colm to join the Board of the festival and to assist them in managing the handover with the other stakeholders.? He will also be involved in some new European projects for the promotion of the heritage of the week.

" I still have a huge gra and passion for this event and it's ambassadorial role for the town and it's environs as well as it's equestrian sector; I'll always try and give it as much support and assistance as I can - but just now I have to concentrate on other elements of my work portfolio", said Colm.

The Fair Week Co - ordinating Committee agreed at it's review meeting in late October that a special day long seminar on the future development of the event for the next five years will be hosted in early Spring and it's hoped that the new appointee will succeed in driving and delivering on the next phase of the Fair's development.

Mr. Ted Keane and Associates - a HR specialist company for the festival/event and not for profit sector have been retained by the Board to professionally recruit the most competent candidate for the contract.

A part time three year contract is on offer, with an attractive package and the post is being advertised nationally and internationally to attract calibre candidates. Closing date for CVs and letters of application is Valentine's Day. Contact with Ted Keane is by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 087 2518018.

It is hoped to have the new Co - ordinator announced in time of the Festival AGM in early April.