CLANCY BROTHERS FESTIVAL, CARRICK-ON-SUIR:THOUSANDS of festival-goers enjoyed music of many varieties and spanning many decades in Carrick-on-Suir at the weekend as the Co Tipperary town celebrated the legacy of some of its most famous sons.
The fourth annual Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival attracted the event’s biggest crowds to date, while the weather played its part for much of the duration of the programme as the area basked in sunshine.
The festival is held in memory of the brothers who became famous throughout their world for their folk interpretations – Liam, Tom, Paddy and Bobby Clancy – and became particularly popular in north America with Tommy Makem during the 1960s and 1970s.
Liam Clancy was the last of the brothers to die, in December 2009, but their memory is kept alive by the festival in their home town.
From the opening event on Thursday night at Brewery Lane Theatre to last night’s concert at the Strand Theatre featuring Paul Brady, music-lovers had much to enjoy over the four days.
Chairman Ross Clery described it as “a fantastic weekend” and said Carrick welcomed up to 10,000 visitors from all over Ireland. “We are delighted with the turnout and already looking forward to next year.”
Among the highlights were the hosting by Mary Clancy – wife of the late Paddy Clancy – of From Carnegie to Carrick with the Clancy Brothersas well as a Friends of Brewery Lane variety concert.
Also enjoyed by many was the Eoghan Power Memorial Singing Competition, which featured many of the sounds of the Clancy Brothers’ extensive repertoire.
Saturday night’s main event was the Rock on the Suir concert headlined by Paddy Casey and Mundy in the open air, with support acts El Hombre Jokes, Chimpanbee and Amber Jean.
Meanwhile, the Art Trail featured over 100 artists, students and photographers, and succeeded in enthralling visitors who trekked between the nine venues and enjoyed the exhibition River Suir Inspired at Ormond Castle. This trail and exhibition continues today.
Saturday’s children’s parade was launched by Cllr Joe Brennan, chairman of the South Tipperary Development Company, while yesterday’s River Festival included face-painting, stilt walkers, street musicians, art workshops, music and dance.
