The Corkman

Rockchapel is gearing up for a Gathering

FESTIVE WEEKEND JAM-PACKED WITH MUSIC AND ACTIVITIES

- BY SHEILA FITZGERALD

ANTICIPATI­ON of the upcoming Rockchapel Gathering Weekend revved into top gear as enthusiast­ic supporters gathered at Paddy Molly’s Bar for an exhilarati­ng launch party last Saturday night.

The inaugural Gathering, scheduled for the weekend of June 7-9, promises an unforgetta­ble experience for all ages.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from M.C. Louise Curtin who gave an overview of the weekend’s schedule and the dynamic line up of events and activities. Cllr Bernard Moynihan, representi­ng Mayor Frank O’ Flynn, shared words of encouragem­ent and support for the upcoming festivitie­s and wished the organisers well.

Chairman Patrick Browne then thanked various people, including the generous sponsors and the hard working committee members.

Highlighti­ng the community spirit, the launch night also revealed the candidates for the Mayor of Rockchapel competitio­n, who are John Curtin, Ita Geaney, Neily Curtin, and Eileen O’Mahoney.

After the formalitie­s were over, local traditiona­l musicians took to the stage, keeping the large audience entertaine­d and setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifyi­ng weekend of entertainm­ent.

The Rockchapel Gathering Festival is poised to offer an array of experience­s, from lively concerts to engaging street performanc­es and family-friendly activities. The highlight of the weekend will be a free open-air concert on Sunday evening, featuring performanc­es from two outstandin­g bands.

The festivitie­s kick off on Friday, June 7 th with a concert at Bruach na Carraige featuring Ella Marie O’Dwyer, accompanie­d by Alan Finn and Conor O’Sullivan. Saturday morning brings a delightful ‘Community Cuppa’ coffee morning with music by Jim Kiely, followed by a day filled with activities for children and adults alike, including a Kids Music Session and a singing session led by Eibhlín Broderick.

On Saturday evening, June 8th, the Mayor of Rockchapel will be crowned in the local community centre.

Sunday morning’s Mass will feature the Rockchapel Choir followed by a vibrant craft fair in the church yard, boasting over 20 stalls and various food and drink offerings, live music with Sheila Fitzgerald and a selection of engaging activities for children.

One of the highlights of the weekend on Sunday evening will be the free open air concert featuring Fuinneamh, a five-piece band delivering a captivatin­g mix of traditiona­l music and song, followed by the energetic performanc­e from No Strings Attached, promising to keep attendees dancing late into the night.

Meanwhile, Murphy’s and Paddy Molly’s Bar will host music sessions each evening.

Organisers said: “The Rockchapel Gathering Weekend is set to be an unforgetta­ble celebratio­n of community spirit and entertainm­ent. All are invited to join and partake in the festivitie­s, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime”

For further informatio­n and updates, visit the Rockchapel Gathering Weekends Facebook page.

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