John O’Neill Folk Festival returns this weekend

THIS weekend will see the return of the popular John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival in the Old Cross Arts Centre in Donaghmore.

The festival, which will run from Friday, September 27 through until Sunday, September 29, is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of legendary traditional musician, John O’Neill, and will welcome a blend of familiar faces and new talent from all over Ireland.

The festival will be hosted by local singer-songwriter, Malachi Cush, with a line up including Sean Keane, a multi-instrumentalist who is renowned for his unique and penetrating voice and captivating talent.

Joining Sean on the Friday will be Máirín Brown and Brendan Browne from the Galway band Backwest.

The show will be opened by Brookeborough man, Brian McGrath, a gifted piano and banjo player who carries a stunning knowledge of the ‘old music’ with a distinctive sound that reflects the 1920s-piano style, accompanied by accordion player, Darren Breslin from Lisnaskea.

On Saturday morning, musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to attend a range of workshops for children and adults where they will be tutored by international performers in singing, whistle, piano, flute, guitar, accordion, concertina, fiddle and banjo.

On Saturday evening, John O’Neill’s granddaughters, Niamh and Ciara McCrystal, will open the evening for Lúnasa, one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional music.

Speaking about the festival which was created by John’s family through The John O’Neill Trust, John’s daughter Clare McCrystal said, “This year’s John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival programme includes a diverse range of musical talent which will appeal to all ages.

“From workshops to traditional music sessions and sets by some of the country’s most acclaimed performers, I am thrilled that the festival is firmly established in the traditional music calendar as a lasting legacy to my dad’s memory.”

On Sunday, September 29 at 3pm the festival will close with a session in Hayden’s Bar in Pomeroy.

Festival goers can also enjoy an exhibition featuring the latest artwork from local artist Jim McKee entitled ‘Keeper of the Flame’ at the Old Cross Arts Centre throughout the weekend, where there is also a full bar.

Doors open from 7pm and weekend tickets granting admission to both evening headline concerts can be purchased for £40 (with festival workshops priced at £25 each) via www.ticketsource.co.uk/jonfest.