Abla - A mecca for the Deise

Every year thousands of sun-burnt farmers from Waterford descend on this beautiful moor town to pay homage to Abla. And every year there is trouble as the Mount Sion mob meet the Ballygunner crowd. Then they head up the road and try and storm the castle at La Calahorra. Hundreds are injured from falling ladders, burning oil and sharp pikes. No one knows why. But it’s a tradition.