As people from across the region and beyond landed in town for the Koroit Irish Festival last weekend, on the minds of some of those patrons was the push to land much sought after pieces of material.
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The Koroit Irish Festival sashes have become coveted prizes, with each competition at the festival carrying a sash as part of the prize.
The sashes were certainly the favourite things of the festival for the winners this year.
Australian Danny Boy Championship
It was high excitement for locals when Koroit's very own Isabel McCosh was announced the winner of the 2019 Koroit Irish Festival Australian Danny Boy Championship.
The 18-year-old was one of six contestants that made it through the heats and into the final. Ms McCosh belted out Danny Boy in front of a full house in the Koroit Theatre late Saturday, with her rendition the one most loved by the judges.
Ms McCosh beat a high quality field in what was her first time in the competition.
Beks Bowman Memorial Award for Emerging Talent
Hamilton's Caetline Martin, 16, was announced the winner of this annual competition. Caetline is using the $500 prizemoney to purchase a mini Maton guitar.
Sing for Ireland Choir Competition
In just the second year of this competition, entries were up with choirs coming form across the district.
The winners were the Portland Community Rockers in their first visit to the festival.
Spud Picking and Peeling Competitions
The internationals cleaned up in both competitions,
Irish girls Grainne O'Malley and Megan Gavigan teamed together to win the spud picking title, while another Irish export, Zander Conway, was the peeling champion.
A big crowd gathered on Saturday afternoon on the Village Green to watch both competitions.
Flaming Folk Person of the Year
Plenty of red hair in Koroit last weekend with a big line-up for the Flaming Folk Parade. The winner was Koroit's Zara Walsh.
Other Winners
The McCosker family (best float), Rachael Houlihan (Fashions on the Spud Field), Des Noonan, Des Walsh, Maurice Molan (Irish Pizza Making), Garryowen Girls team (Gaelic Football Cup), David O'Grady (Irish Stout), Jessica Howard (Irish Dash).
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