Remembering Loved Ones at Kiltyclogher Festival
THE close knit community of Kiltyclogher Co. Leitrim is coming together to remember their loved ones sadly no longer with us this weekend.
The idea for the festival came about when the Rock family were thinking of ways to commemorate the tragic passing of their son, Eoin Rock.
Eoin passed away due to a heart related issue at just 22 years of age last year. A dear friend to all who knew him, Eoin was a fine musician and sportsman. The community of Kiltyclogher decided to form a committee to honour his memory in some way.
While planning the festival the committee realised that many others in the area had also lost precious members of their family as well, so chose to expand the festival to make it an occasion where people could come out and honour and remember their loved ones.
The interest in the run- up top the three day festival has been phenomenal. Going from a small local event to an event being talked about nationally, the festival will be playing home to a diverse selection of music and acts over the first weekend in July.
The festival opens on Friday night with a performance from Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan. A renowned singer, composer and stalwart of Leitrim music, McGettigan will be bringing his well- known styling to the Kiltyclogher Community centre, along with a variety of other acts, from 9PM to 11PM.
Saturday is a family- fun day, with a “Family Treasure Hunt” and a busking corner ( with over 40 acts performing) from 12 noon to 4pm.
Following that, there’s to be a Ceilidh from 4PM to 6PM in Cashel Community centre with music accompaniment from the well- known Assaroe Ceilidh Band.
Not forgetting that the festival is about remembrance, there will be a non- denominational candlelight vigil and meditative hour in the heritage centre, where people will get a chance give their undivided attention to the memory of their loved ones.
The centre will be buzzing on Saturday night with a waltzing and jiving dance for all, with music going on till late.
Sunday at the festival hopes to entertain people of all ages, with visitors invited to dress in period costume to commemorate the 1916 rising, with Kiltyclogher of course being the home place of 1916 leader Sean Mac Diarmada.
Adults will be looked after with quizzes and music being held in both local bars, which will bring those attending to the festivals climax, a releasing of sky lanterns at midnight.
All money earned from raffles and quizzes at the festival will be donated to the Irish Heart Foundation. Check out www.stoneywoodsfestival.ie or check out their Facebook page.