Kilfenora lives up to tradition with music festival

*Photograph: John Sheridan

KILFENORA lived up to its tag as ‘the city of the crosses and the home of céilí music’.

April’s last weekend always brings the best of music to Kilfenora and the 2025 festival didn’t disappoint.

Máirtín O’Connor and his band were the main concert act on Saturday in the Community Hall. The accordionist was joined by Cathal Hayden on fiddle and banjo, the songs and accompaniment of multi-instrumentalist Seamie O’Dowd, and the percussion of Jim Higgins.

2024 Meitheal Summer School prize-winner Aoife Ní Chonghaile, who is also U18 Fleadh winner 2024 on the harp served as the support act.

There was also the launch of ‘The Sounds of Kilfenora’ on Friday. This will celebrate the vibrant musical heritage of Kilfenora and the surrounding area, bringing its rich history of traditional music to life, featuring the music, stories, and vibrant spirit that have defined this hugely important music village for generations. The outcome of the project will include an online archive of music, photographs, and oral histories.

An open-air céilí on Sunday afternoon featured the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band preceded by groups of young Clare musicians.

CD launches this year featured the renowned Clare fiddler Tara Breen and Tipperary’s Ailbie Grace and Liam Flanagan.