Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds Returns

FCLR, Committee Left to Right: Billy Reynolds, Alec Farrell, Anna Guider, Corina Guider, Mary Feeney, Aisling Feeney, Helena Coughlan, Christopher Feeney, Claire Gibbons, Martina Flanagan

After a long-awaited break, Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds returns this September for its ninth year of ceol, cultúr, and craic. The weekend was originally established to commemorate the life and music of local man, Larry Reynolds, and his contribution to traditional Irish music but since grown to celebrate and promote all things Irish music, arts, heritage, and culture. 

Opening the weekend, Kerry accordion player, Danny O’Mahony, will deliver an up close and personal concert in Gibbons’ Pillar House, Society Street. Entry costs €15. A limited number of tickets are available on the festival’s website. The Friday night will also see the beginning of the weekend’s session trail. All musicians are welcome!

On the Saturday morning, traditional music workshops will take place in Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Society Street. Workshops are offered in flute, button accordion, fiddle, banjo, and bodhrán, with tutors Céin Sweeney, Danny O’Mahony, Dylan Carlos, George McAdam, and Martin Gavin respectively.

The Larry Reynolds All-Ireland Under 18 fiddle competition returns on Saturday the 10th of September. The Larry Reynolds Perpetual Trophy, as well as a monetary prize, is awarded to first place. The competition takes place at 3 pm in Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Society Street.

The schools’ art competition will return this year with medals awarded on the Saturday of the festival. More information is available from participating schools. This year also sees the launch of our first photography competition, where visitors to the festival are encouraged to send in their best photo of the weekend.

As in previous years, an interactive display of traditional crafters will take place from 11 am Saturday in St. Michael’s Square. There will also be a historical walk of Ballinasloe leaving at 12 pm from the Ballinasloe Library, Society Street. The session trail will continue throughout Saturday in participating pubs around the town.

Sunday begins with a remembrance mass in St. Michael’s Church at 12 pm followed by more music sessions around the town. The weekend céilí will start at 3 pm in Gullane’s Hotel, Main Street with music provided by Uí Bhriain Céilí Band, all the way from County Kerry!

The very popular singers’ circle will kick off at 3 pm in Clarke’s Dunlo Tavern, led by the legendary Johnny Johnston and Eleanor Shanley. The festival will come to a close at 6 pm Sunday evening with a final Slán Abhaile session in The Pillar House.

Keep an eye on the  social media channels and website for more information over the next two months. “The festival would like to thank all our sponsors, supporters, and friends over the last nine years. We look forward to seeing you all in September, All musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers, hand clappers, and foot stompers are welcome! ”, states Festival Chair Bernie Feeney.   
www.larryreynoldsweekend.com