After years of ‘we should do something’; ‘Claregalway should have its own’; ‘it’d be only right to do it ourselves’—it was eventually done. A hard working and dedicated committee of Claregalwegians finally took the initiative and organised a festival to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in our village. Many challenges had to be overcome and obstacles surmounted but the inaugural Féile Naomh Pádhraic Baile Chláir (Claregalway’s St Patrick’s Day Festival) was held in 2015.
Local groups were invited openly to perform at the festival and many groups accepted the invitation. Local talent of a very high standard was showcased at the event. The DJ for the occasion was Adrian Hanley whose assortment of music ensured the crowd was entertained between acts. The children from Growing Tree Montessori—all outfitted for the occasion in festive attire, opened the festival with a telling of the story of St Patrick. This, together with their singing and dancing thoroughly entertained the crowd and set a high bar for the other acts to follow.
The children were followed onto the stage by set dancers from Renmore—Damhsoirí na dTreabh. The dancers performed energetic sets, namely the Ballyvourney Jig and the Connemara Set which culminated in members of the audience joining in for the last part—Maggie in the Wood.
St Patrick (aka Fr Eugene McLoughlin SMA) graced the festival with his presence after being transported via a pony and trap, driven by John McDonagh, from the SMA House in Claregalway. Fr Eugene had penned a song based on the life of St Patrick especially for the occasion and accompanying himself on guitar regaled the crowd with the composition. Next to perform were the boys and girls from The Corrib Boxing Club, led by Seán Cumiskey. The crowd were treated to a display of boxing and kickboxing which left nobody in doubt as to the talent and skill possessed by these youngsters.
Peter Hession was the next act on stage and he was accompanied by the Mooney Brothers. This was a lively, spirited performance on guitar and accordion treating the crowd to an assortment of foot-tappingly good traditional tunes.
Laura Howard’s Drama group was the next act to entertain the crowd. Children from the community ensured all of our safety by successfully catching the bear from Laura’s story.
The Drama group was followed on stage by the Corrib School of Irish Dancing. The boys and girls from the Corrib school, fresh from their successes at the Connaught Championships and in the throes of preparation for their appearances at the World Championships in Killarney next month captivated the crowd with their slip jigs, reels and jigs. Their routine concluded with a vivacious performance, in their hard shoes, of the traditional and apt dance, St Patrick’s Day.
Bernardo the Magician was the next act on stage. He amused the children with his tricks and illusions using balloons, boxes, scarves and eggs to name but a few. His willing on-stage helpers were rewarded with Easter Eggs (sponsored by Hughes SuperValu) for volunteering their assistance.
The musicians from Coláiste Baile Chláir were the next act on stage. They played a selection of tunes on instruments as varied as the uilleann pipes, the bodhrán, the accordion, the concertina, the guitar and the flute. As well as entertaining the crowd with their beautiful music, these talented musicians delighted the gathering with their renditions of songs, both old and new.
The thoroughly enjoyable festival was then drawing to a close and the last act on stage was Gerry Mooney. He wrapped up the event with an enjoyable miscellany of songs including Galway Girl which didn’t fail in getting the children out dancing for one last whirl.
All the while the entertainment was taking place on stage there was a variety of other attractions to keep everybody entertained. The fascination with Michael O’Connell’s vintage tractors meant they were never without enthusiastic drivers. Likewise, Victor and Tom Spellman’s vintage car display appealed to young and old alike. Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society brought an assortment of artefacts from times past. Their display was always busy with people eager to learn about the past. While the adults were kept occupied with learning the children had the opportunity to put their art and craft skills to use. Cruthú Art Studio from Claregalway and Aisling Kearney from Beechmount Art Studio assisted the children in producing festive works of art and also offered face-painting to any who wished to avail of it. Bernardo The Magician’s Balloon modelling was also a big hit. Craig Stephens aka The Mad Scientist showed the children how to make a special green goo—the washing up liquid in the parish will not be safe from now on! The bouncing castle and the putting competition operated by The Cregboy Golf Academy also drew big numbers for the duration of the evening.
The first ever Féile Naomh Pádhraic Baile Chláir ended on a high note leaving the crowd gathered at the Courtyard at Hughes in an elated mood having celebrated our Patron Saint’s Day in style. Many thanks are extended to all who attended the festival, without the support of the community the event could not have been the enjoyable event it proved to be. Photographs and comments about the event have been uploaded onto our Facebook page—Féile Naomh Pádhraic Baile Chláir—Claregalway, why not visit our page and increase our likes.
Féile Naomh Pádhraic Baile Chláir could not have happened without the help of businesses in the community who very generously donated the equipment that was needed to ensure the success of the festival. The trailer and steps were on loan from John Roche Transport, the tables and chairs were loaned from the SMA Fathers and the Claregalway Agricultural Show. The dance floor was donated and erected by Classic Marquees in Lydacan. The balloons and bunting that ensured the Courtyard was festively decorated for the occasion were sponsored by Inspirations and Treat Café respectively. Treat Café also supplied the discounted refreshments for the day. Sincere thanks are also extended to those who hung the bunting for the occasion, the painstaking task was undertaken voluntarily and their work certainly added to the occasion. As well as providing the perfect location Hughes SuperValu sponsored the advertising for the event and the treats provided for all of the performers. The Order of Malta on duty ensuring the safety of all who attended the festival came from Craughwell.
Local businesses kindly provided the financial backing needed for the festival. Without their generous contributions the event would not have been possible and in turn it is hoped that those who enjoyed the festival might consider supporting these generous patrons wherever possible. The sponsors were: Americano Ice cream, The Arches Bar & Restaurant, Brendan O’Gorman Accountant, Claregalway Dental Surgery, Claregalway Hotel, Connaught Waste Recycling, Dr Day and Dr Twomey Medical Centre, Glynn’s Fruit & Veg, Jimmy Duggan Agricultural Contractor, John Mulholland Bookmakers, Michael Hannon Financial Consultant, Paul Harty Car Parts Warehouse, Pyramid Bookmakers, Summerfield Bar & Restaurant, T Duggan Garage, Treat Café and Whiriskey Refrigeration.
The Festival Committee
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir as teacht go dtí Fhéile Naomh Pádhraic Baile Chláir, táim cinnte gur bhain a lán daoine sult as an ocáid agus buiochas le Dia beidh muid abálta an Féile a cur í leith arís an bhliain seo chugainn.
