The John McKenna Festival was held over the weekend of June7th-10.

Events held over these four days included a concert showcasing the talents of the young and the not so young performers of the area with special thanks to the Drumkeeran Drama troupe.

Friday saw a performance of Irish music featuring Paul Brock, Enda Scahill and Dennis Carey.

On Saturday workshops and competitions were held in the community centre.




On Saturday night we had what was probably the highlight of the weekend,
a concert in honour of the late Mary Kate Flynn.
Mary Kate, a founding member of the John McKenna Society,
was a great source of knowledge about Irish music and had a great love of it.


Family of the late Mary Kate Flynn: Gerry, her son, with his wife Áine, and their family Aoife, Maeve and Cathal



Local young musicians Charlotte McLoughlin, Aoife Fallon, Thomas McPartlan, Caroline Fallon and Kate Byrne



John Kelleher, Shane Connaire, Michael O’Brien and Oliver Loughlin



On Sunday the festival Mass in memory of John McKenna and all deceased musicians
was celebrated in Tarmon Church.




Afterwards, a wreath was laid at the John McKenna Monument opposite the church.
Visiting and local musicians played at the monument before visiting John McKenna’s Cottage.

Later on Sunday evening there were various activities for the young people of the parish.

The organising committee hopes there was something on the programme for everyone’s taste
and the festival was enjoyed by all.