Local music icons Fean, Costelloe & O’Donoghue remembered in Shannon for Culture Night

*Ray Fean. Photograph: Joe Buckley

SHANNON had a night to remember while honouring three musicians for Culture Night.

Pat Costelloe, Johnny Fean and Paul ‘Swive’ O’Donoghue were in the thoughts of all musicians and members of the audience who gathered on Friday evening at The Goalpost Bar operated by Wolfe Tones GAA club.

Organised by Cuppa Tea TV and Culture Night Clare, the trio were honoured in performances by Shaskeen, Ray Fean and Cyril O’Donoghue.

Both Pat and Paul were also acknowledged at Culture Night 2021 in Shannon.

Formerly a member of Shaskeen, Pat died in April 2020, he was the band’s singer and also played guitar, bouzouki, banjo and mandolin. The Moycarkey native had lived in Shannon for forty years had been an integral part of Clare FM’s traditional music team for twenty five years.

From Finian Park, Paul died in March 2018 with his brother Cyril leading the tribute in his honour.

A guitarist with Horslips, Johnny died in April of this year at the age of 71. He spent his childhood in Shannon and Garryowen and his father worked in Shannon Airport. He has been described as a guitarist who stood shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.

Over 40 free events were held across the county, offering an exciting, vibrant and diverse programme of events and activities for all ages and showcasing the wealth of artistic talent throughout the county.

This year’s Culture Night embraced the theme of ‘One Night For All’ and was organised by Clare Arts Office and funded by Clare County Council and the Arts Council.