Ballina Festival in full swing
An array of events have been taking place since last weekend, and will take place until later in the week.
THE annual Welcome Home Dance Festival, hosted by Gerry Flynn Events, got underway at the weekend and continued this week in the Grand National Hotel in Ballina.
This Tuesday night (June 23) will feature Pat Jordan and Checkers, while the Kilkenny-based duo will also perform at the afternoon session tomorrow. Pat Mulchrone and Dave Lawlor and the Ryan Turner Band will be on stage in the main room on Wednesday night with Pat also providing the afternoon music on Thursday.
There is a real Ulster feel to the show on Thursday night with Liam McLaughlin from Antrim getting things underway at 9pm and followed by Damian Davis and the Ryan Turner Band.
The last day of the festival sees Pat Jordan in the afternoon with Michelle Murphy from Wexford and Hughie Turner and Sean Moran taking it home on Friday night.
Gerry Flynn has catered for the céilí and set dancing scene from the start, and the nightly céilís are from 9pm to 11pm with the Johnny Reidy Band, The Foot Tappers and the Annaly Band providing the music during the week.
The nightly sessions in the bar, hosted by Clonmel man, Mick Mackey, attract a large and loyal clientele and have become a central part of all Gerry’s events. Musicians and singers are joined by audience members for some lovely and homely singing and banter.
Several people have made the journey from across the Irish Sea, while others from various parts of the country are also on the trip. There is also nightly admission for just €10 for those from around the region and province who may like to attend the dance and céilí.