Féile Lughnasa keeps up quick pace

IN TRUTH it ran from July 23 to 30, but the official opening of Clochán Bhréanainn’s Féile Lughnasa took place in west Kerry on July 27, with South and West Municipal District Cathaoirleach Councillor Norma Moriarty present to give the event its official bow.

Such a laid-back attitude to the dates was something Councillor Moriarty had a good chuckle at, Gearóid Ó Cathasaigh of Comharchumann Forbarta an Leith Triúigh explained to The Kerryman.

And this good humour coupled with fine attendances were a hallmark of the latest edition of this long-running festival. Of late, organisers have been thanking sponsors and supporters extensively online.

From tinteáin cheoil to cheese and wine parties, sandcastle-building to poker classics, family fun to adults fancy dress, tug-of-war to currach displays, art classes to duck races, discos to table quizzes, and the iconic and superbly attended local parade, Gearóid explained there was something for everyone.

Joining the aforementioned highlights was a one-man performance of ‘After Sarah Myles’ by Michael Hilliard Mulcahy, while an amusing anecdote about the festival’s duck race also stood out.

“A German family joined us for the duck race thinking we’d have live ducks,” Gearóid said.

“Anyway, as it turned out – didn’t their duck end up winning regardless!”

Linus, Julius, Sascha, Jonah, Claudia and Noëlle from Berlin celebrate victory in the duck race