JIMMY RAFFERTY RECLAIMS BARD

Jimmy Rafferty from Loughall Co Armagh was crowned Bard of Armagh 2006 at the Festival of Humorous Verse Finals in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday 11 of November. The 1000 people, who were lucky enough to get tickets witnessed one of the closest finals since the competion began 14 years ago. Jimmy had the entire audience in the palm of his hand with his clever ode on the country and western singer from Cullybackey.

"Now I'm what you'd call a Rhinestone Cowboy, I'm a country boy through and through, From my 10 gallon hat to the dung on my wellies and the grass that I smoke must be blue. I can eat beans and bacon and fart with the best, I can spit wads of chawin' tobaccy. I am just like John Wayne, but fo one minor pain - I was born and reared near Cullybackey".

Jimmy's vast experience, his superb delivery, his ability to captivate and control the audience, his totally innovative and superb penmanship were the key ingredients in his memorable performance. But coming agonisingly close on his heels was last years winner, James McEldowney from Derry with another masterful performance. His 'Jumpers made of Fluff' is one on the great Bard creations in the history of the competition. Starting nice and gently, arousing the curiousity of the audience and then transforming the ripples of laughter into serious sidesplitting convulsions, James in only his second year in the competition has added a whole new dimension to the event and no doubt he will be back in contention next year again.

One of the most popular female bards over the years has been Marie McCartan. Her poem 'The Mammy' was totally outstanding and it was the closest a woman has ever come to winning the Bard. In fact in many people's opinions she must have been neck and neck with Jimmy and James. Some would suggest that she should have won. 'The Mammy' is a poem that every mother can identify with and it will join with the great Bard classics to be recited all over the country.

Ms Valerie Gourley, Marketing Manager from the main sponsor, the IRISH NEWS, congratulated the fifteen finalists and as a newcomer herself to the Bard was bowled over by the special atmosphere which only a Bard night can create. She paid tribute to the hard work of the organising committee and had a special word of praise for the impeccable MC on the night, Mr Pearse McBride.

Meanwhile, plans are underway to compile a CD of the Bard highlights of 2005 and 2006. This should reach the shops before Christmas.