Fantastic outcome for the second annual county Longford Féile

The second annual Féile Joe Callaghan in Edgeworthstown was a great success bringing in many visitors to the town.

On Friday it started off with a toddler session in the library with children as young as three getting a brief introduction to the world of music by the capable Ryan sisters.

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Later that evening at 8pm a wonderful Trad concert was held in St Mary's Campus. A good crowd attended to listen to two wonderful groups.

The first band, The Stephen O'Dowd duo, featured two wonderful singers and musicians. Stephen who hails from Sligo is a member of the well known O'Dowd family, his dad Seamie O'Dowd is particularly well known and respected fiddle and guitar player. Stephen himself is a brilliant singer/storyteller, is a guitar, and harmonica maestro. On the double bass was Brian Questa, formerly of New York. They received a standing ovation at the end. Then “Chunky Business” came on stage. Two original members, Gary Curley and Stephen McKee, were accompanied by local girl Rachel Masterson who is no stranger to the big stage.

Rachel is a fantastic piano/keyboard player and can fit in with any genre of music anywhere. She one of the successful local players.

Rachel is a granddaughter of the Late Joe Callaghan (pictured), so her presence at this wonderful concert was very apt indeed.

On Saturday morning there were many musical workshops for all ages, which took on beginners and improvers. Afterwards there was a well attended set dancing workshop which proved both fun and fulfilling.

Later in the evening, a grand Ceili was held in the Sportshall. Music was by the All Ireland Band, The Pipers cross Ceili band” also from Co. Sligo. Nine or ten sets took to the floor, dancing, learning, sweating and mixing, Supper was served during the break and everyone chatted and got to know each other over a cuppa and a scone.

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The whole weekend was a brilliant success with great thanks going to the main sponsors: Longford County Council, Longford Tourism, CCE Monkstown, tourism, Culture, Arts and the Gaeltacht, sport and media. Also a big thank you to The Callaghan and Masterson family, Joe Callaghan CCE, Shane Ryan, and the full committee.