£950 and 2,000 euros were distributed to charity at the annual Belcoo Mummers Join which was hosted by 'The Hair of the Dog', Belcoo recently.
The tradition of Mummers is very important in the Belcoo area and people look forward to the arrival of the Mummers, where amidst the music and comedy the universal themes of death and resurrection, and the triumph of good over evil are celebrated in this traditional Yuletide play.
Traditionally mummers in the area, travelled on foot performing their play in private houses during the twelve days of Christmas. But, during the later half of the last century, the changes in modern lifestyles resulted in many mummering troupes going out in the period between 8th and 25th December and performing their pageant in more public venues such as hostelries and bingo halls! Other local mummering traditions in the surrounding area see Wren Boys go out on 26th of December and Straw Boys perform throughout the year at weddings, homecomings and harvest. The Ancient Annals of Ulster help suggest that the tradition of mummering goes back 2,500 years to the Court of King Conor and the Royal Fort of Emain Macha, and while the Belcoo Mummers can't claim to go back that far, some members of the current troupe are the 4th and 5th generation of their families to be involved in this ancient pastime.
Being part of the mummers isn't for everyone. It is a huge commitment at a time of year when everyone is under pressure with the demands of Christmas. The hours are anti-social, the conditions usually cold and wet and it is completely voluntary with no monetary reward. But there are other compensations, a brilliant team of people to work with, a lovely tradition to keep alive and, perhaps most important, it offers an opportunity to give of your time and talents to help others with all the money raised going to charity.
As Jack Straw explained: "The Mummers Join is a very special feature of Christmastime when we come together with our neighbours and friends in the spirit of the season to share our 'spoils' with charities".
Last year brought new recruits to the Belcoo mummers - musicians, dancers and lively energetic young men who played the roles of Old Dolan, Anthony X, and Beelzebub.
"It is wonderful to have young people interested in keeping the tradition going" said Captain Mummer, "they have such energy and enthusiasm and as well as entertaining the public they entertained us, the older members of the group, and kept us on our toes!
We were also joined on our forays by friends from the Shannean Set Dancing Club and Roskilmanor Wren Boys".
Belcoo has long had links with Kiltyclogher and that link is still strong today with members of the Belcoo mummers and the Roskilmanor Wren Boys linking up over the Christmas period to enjoy the craic and share their different traditions.
2007 was a very sad year for the Belcoo Mummers - in July Paddy Leonard, former Captain and maker of straw hats passed away; July also saw the untimely death of Eamon McKeaney who played the roles of Jack Straw and the Turkey Champion delighting audiences with his incredible performance of sean nós dance.
As well as locally in Fermanagh, the Belcoo Mummers entertained and collected money all around the border including Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal.
The money raised was distributed to charities on both sides of the border. Charities to benefit from the activities of the Belcoo Mummers included The Ulster Cancer Foundation, Belcoo Playgroup, St Vincent De Paul Manorhamiltion, Cleenish Parish Lourdes Fund, Diabetes UK and Sligo Alzhiemers Branch.
