The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Be sure to head west for Feile Lughnasa from July 27 to Aug 1
FOR the communities of Cloghane and Brandon, celebrating the ancient festival of Lúghnasa is, quite literally, older than the hills that surround this stunning part of Kerry. One never needs a reason to visit West Kerry at any time of the year, but with a celebration of fun, culture, music and language all set to kick off from July 27 to August 1, it’s as good a reason as any to head West for a few days.
Pattern Day has long existed in the parishes of Cloghane and Brandon but it was revived back in 1995 as a family festival which hasn’t looked back since. Sunday is the traditional Pattern Day in Cloghane and Monday is the turn of Brandon so turning both days into a festival seemed like the perfect merger. A committee of 10 people oversee the organising of the festival which it’s extremely well supported by locals and tourists and this year’s revelers are sure to be satisfied with a quality lineup of acts planned, as Caitríona Ní Churráin explains:
“This year’s Féila Lúghnasa will be opened by none other than TD, Michael Healy-Rae on Friday July 29 and there’s lots happening. For example, a play will take place called ‘To be or not to be, Willy Tweed’ and it’s performed by Hy-Brasil Theatre Group who kindly perform a play each year for the festival. A book reading by Felicity Hayes-McCoy, a poker classic, and the hugely popular sand castle competition.”
The festival is a celebration of the year’s turning and one final hooley before the evenings start to draw short. There’s everything from kids’ fancy dress and Currach display, Tug of War, music in local bars and festival marquee. And if disguise is your forte, then why not take your chance at the adults’ fancy dress parade where the best dressed man and woman will be selected.
“For the first time this year we will also have a children’s photography competition. The Padráig Rohan Cup will be up for grabs when Cloghane take on Castlegregory. There will also be a special Fr Leahy memorial evening on Saturday as Fr Leahy passed away this year and he was a very inspirational member of the community; so we’re going to remember him on the Saturday night. On the Sunday the pilgrimage to Mount Brandon takes place and the blessing of the boats,” concluded Caitríona.