Mullahoran festival set to be the biggest and best yet

This year's Mullahoran festival is expected to be the biggest yet with a line up of renowned country singers for three full nights of entertainment.

In a countryside setting with ample space, festival goers from all over are invited along for a jive and a sing along with their favourite stars on stage.

“It’s getting more and more popular every year, the crowds are getting bigger every year and there’s very big interest in it," said one of the chief organisers Ciaran Brady.

Kicking it off of Friday is Cliona Hagan at 9pm. Not long after her nationwide Dolly Songbook Tour containing hits such as '9 to 5', 'Jolene' and 'Coat Of Many Colours', Cliona is guaranteed to start the festival on a high note. Leading on from Cliona on the night is Derek Ryan, the Garryhill, County Carlow born artist who developed his love for music as a four-year-old. ‘It’s Friday’, ‘Hold On To Your Hat’ and ‘Pick a Bale of Cotton’ are among the hits certain to get the floor hopping in Mullahoran on Friday night.

Shelves will be restocked and the dance floor will be prepared for doors to open at 8pm on Saturday night. Starting out the night is up and coming star Kelan Browne. The 21 year old from Ballybofey in Donegal began his musical career by posting home videos of cover songs to his Facebook page in 2020. Since, his popularity has been steadily growing with 3.6k monthly listeners on Spotify. His hits comprise ‘Hello Darlin’ and ‘New Way to Light up an Old Flame’ among others, a mixture of slow waltz tracks and upbeat jive and fox trot tunes will bring something for everybody in the audience.

Originally starting out in 2014 as a five-piece performing at local weddings and pubs in their beloved County Fermanagh, The Tumbling Paddies are set to hit that stage after Kelan. Known for their upbeat country trad tunes with a twist, they continue to sell out venues up and down Ireland and have also toured in Dubai, Germany, Spain, and England.

With energy on an all time high, Mike Denver aka 'The Galway Boy' will then take over the stage. Born and reared on Portmua along the West Coast, he began touring at the young age of sixteen. This weekend he will travel inland to Cavan, where fans and performers alike can expect an unforgettable night.

On Sunday night, it’s ‘Back to the Craic’ with Rhythm & Sticks at 8pm. A big night for fans and band alike, it is the first time the group have played their local festival. Led by Emmet Flood on vocals and acoustic guitar, Liam Doherty on banjo, Tiernan Flood on vocals and bass guitar, Dwight Kelly on electric guitar, and Cal Flood on Drums, the band have a reputation for packing dance floors. On home turf for the first time ever, could this be their biggest night yet?

Closing the festival after that act will be difficult, the man Mullahoran Festival Committee have picked for the role is Johnny Brady. With a unique sound and charismatic personality, Johnny has been a hit with crowds all over Ireland and the UK with hits such as ‘Hillbilly Rock’ and ‘Down by the River’ he’ll have Mullahoran festivals goers ‘Living For The Jive'.

Plan to develop pitch

“It was a great success, the best ever we had last year,” said Ciaran Brady of last year's festival. “The facilities are top notch,” he said, adding that campers are invited to come along and use the camping and shower facilities free of charge.

Last year, he recalled around €112,000 was raised which went towards the costs of the night and the Mullahoran GAA club.“Our main pitch needs a lot of work, it hasn’t been touched since 1984 when the park opened.

“That’s our next big project.”

Prize freeze on drinks

On top of a spetacular line-up, alcoholic beverages have been capped at €5 this year. “We felt that people have been very good to us in the past so we said that this year we’d repay the favour and leave it [prices] as was even though the price of the drink for us has gone up.”

A sad note

Ciaran acknowledged a number of sad deaths and tragedies in the community recently. In particular he remembered Aidie Sheridan who always worked behind the counter at the event. Aidie sadly passed away following a roofing accident last month.

“He was barman every night, God be good to him.”

A mass is being offered in the Mullahoran GAA club rooms on Thursday night, July 11, at 8pm with tea and coffee afterwards to remember deceased club members and all those who have passed away in the community.