Bambie Thug to bring people of Macroom together for watch party

THE banners are up and the flags are unfurled in Macroom town centre in advance of tomorrow night’s party in the Square to Bambie Thug at the Eurovision, when locals will cheer as the singer takes the stage in Malmo.

Since early on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s storming semi-final performance by Bambie, the phones have been hopping and the message boards alive and the town has organised a massive party to celebrate as their home-town hero vies for glory.

James O’Sullivan, of the organising ‘meitheal’ — the Irish word for neighbours helping one another — said the response has been phenomenal since Tuesday. “Everybody who said they would do something or contribute in some way has done as they said they would, and then some,” he said.

“We’ve got a great response from every business in town and the council and the gardaí are all ing us.

“I’m just back with a jeep load of flags, the town will be awash with colour,” he said. “We’ve secured the biggest and best screen for the event and the weather forecast is great, so all systems are go for a great party.”

A ‘riot of colour’ has been predicted by Cork County Council, who have rowed in behind the organisers and urged attendees to wear green to get into the spirit of the event, while there will be prizes also for the best ‘witches’ at the watch party.

County Mayor Frank O’Flynn said the local authority was delighted to get involved. “Macroom’s street party was organised within 24 hours by local groups and individuals, including Lee Valley Enterprise Board, Macroom Lions Club, Macroom Tidy Towns, Briery Gap and Macroom Music Fest,” said Mr O’Flynn. 

“Cork County Council is proud to this event, which promises to be a fantastic occasion. It is testament to the strong sense of community spirit and pride that thrives in Macroom and throughout the county.”

Geraldine Galvin, from the Lee Valley Enterprise Board, said the organisers were “thrilled to bring the community together for this wonderful occasion”.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a celebration of diversity and music, and we are proud to Bambie Thug as they display Ireland’s talent to the world,” said Geraldine. “We would like to thank everyone that has offered to volunteer or who has helped in any way in bringing this event together in such a short period of time.”

The Macroom Town Square event gets under way at 7pm on Saturday and the Eurovision grand final will commence at 8pm. Traffic will continue to be able to flow through the town, although some minor closures will take place on smaller roads around the Square.