Lyreacrompane marks a very special milestone with style

THE Dan Paddy Andy Festival celebrated its 21st year over the August Bank Holiday weekend and, in true Dan Paddy Andy style, it delivered in spades. The occasion was celebrated with all the usual events taking place, including seven bands on stage in the marquee over four days.

“Dancers packed the Festival Marquee, but the dance floor held up,” joked Joe Harrington, festival co-organiser. “Locals joined townsfolk on the bog walk, while participants also enjoyed the 5K/10K walk/run, which portrayed Lyreacrompane at its best,” he added.

That event managed to raise funds for the Kerry Branch of Enable Ireland as 147 delighted participants took part. Country singer Pat McKenna from Derry drew crowds to the Marquee, while Paddy O’Brien and his band from Waterford also did the trick.

Pat McCarthy made a surprise presentation to Kay O’Leary – who initiated the Dan Paddy Andy Festival 21 years ago – for her role in the community and her work in building the festival over the years. Another surprise event at the festival was the singing of the winning song in the Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition.

The song was written by Joe Harrington and was sung by Pat McCarthy. After winning, Joe and Pat dashed back to Lyreacrompane and Pat sang the song ‘The Road John Murphy Made’ while the dancers in the Marquee took a break.

“I’d like to thank the many people who gave a hand again this year. It’s all about pride in the community – and we have plenty of that here.” Joe said.

BELOW LEFT: Winners of the Dan Paddy Andy Festival waltzing competition: Ann Reidy and Joe Burke with judge Michael Murphy.

And they’re off: runners hit the road in the Dan Paddy Andy walk/run in aid of Enable Ireland.LEFT: Eamonn Monahan, Tim Nash, Chris Kelly and Sean Enright, steward the event.

BELOW: Joe Harrington demonstrating the finer points of turf-cutting on the bog in Lyre.

Kay O’Leary receiving a special presentation from Pat McCarthy to mark 21 years of community service.