Ghouls and ghosts invade West Cork village
A horrible host of cadaverous creatures is starting to arrive in Leap — and within days, locals warn, skulking skeletons will join the blood-soaked headless women, zombie policemen and repulsive giant spiders prowling the streets of this erstwhile quiet village.
Last year’s dire display of some 300 horrible creatures which lurked behind lampposts of Leap, dangled from trees and cowered on street corners drew gasps of awe from local residents and passing motorists, while large crowds were attracted by word-of-mouth to the ghastly show.
This year, things are set to get even worse — given the hugely positive public response to the village’s efforts last year, this year’s ghoulish display of corpse-like creations is set to top 1,000, according to local resident and retired therapist Rita Ryan, whose idea it was to launch the first ever Leap Hallowe’en ‘n Scarecrow festival last autumn.
Rita floated the idea after seeing a display of decorated scarecrows in Thurles: “People said it would never take off ,” she explains — but she insisted on giving it a try, and the rest is history.
This year people from all walks of life — and from all over West Cork — are joining some 30 local artists in creating a series of macabre figurines to terrify passers-by as October 31 looms.
Anyone can enter the competition and members of the public are strongly encouraged to dig into the darkest depths of their imagination to come up with suitably repellent characters to terrify the unwary — you’re invited to create everyone’s worst nightmare whether it’s a blood-crazed vampire or a demon straight from hell: “I’m not artistic, but once I started I was amazed at what I was coming up with,” recalls Rita.
Festival organisers expect some 1,000 figures to pop up around the village and its environs. Competition entries can be registered at the local post office — and if you don’t want to enter the competition but do want to contribute your bit to the horror-show, just bring your own stakes and ties to ensure your figurine stays put.
Registration continues until this Friday with the winners being announced at the Harbour Bar on Sunday during a fancy dress.
“The feedback on the festival last year was overwhelming. All year long, people were asking about it — it created so much fun and excitement around that place for young and old,” said Ms Ryan.
