The Comeraghs Wild Festival 10th birthday celebrations (supported by Waterford City and County Council), certainly lived up to expectations with huge crowds turning out for the vast majority of events run across four days on the second weekend of the action-packed programme.
You could have heard a pin drop on Friday night as talented local musician and songwriter, Moylan who was accompanied on cello by her mam, Anne Marie, opened for the amazing Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes and Paul Noonan at Clonea Power Parish Church. Queues formed outside the church from early evening as concertgoers were eager to get the best possible seats and make a night of it. Powerful, emotive, and absolutely outstanding were the words many used to describe the experience as they thanked the organisers as they left the venue.
There were also great crowds at the various walks, at the Nire Valley Drop, for surfing at Bunmahon and for the Waterford Churches and Monuments Talk with the brilliant Julian Walton. The Bend & Blend Zen in the Park under the Kilmacthomas Viaduct was a sell-out in the morning sunshine on Saturday. And despite the rain later that afternoon, hardy locals and visitors to the region braved the elements and flocked to the afternoon of music, singing and storytelling at The Getaway Eco Camp and to an open-air concert in Ballymacarbry.
Willie Drohan also enthralled his audience in Cooney’s Yard with his sheep shearing and working dog demonstration. By evening time on Saturday, the sun was back out, the rain was gone, and great crowds also gathered back in Rathgormack for Dance Neath the Comeraghs.
Sunday’s programme included an early morning Coumshingaun Loop Walk with Muddyboots, more surfing in Bunmahon and a well-attended Aran & Im sa Chistin event at Nell’s Farmhouse. All three drew great support from across the region. The Comeraghs to Coast Chorus went down an absolute treat and the 10th birthday festivities ended on a fitting note with a sumptuous feast with Eamo & Ro in Crough Wood.
Cllr Seánie Power, Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh Municipal Districted had officially launched the festival at the High Kings Concert at Curraghmore House, as well as attending and volunteering at a number of events.
“We set out 10 years ago to organise a festival that showcases the fabulous talent, traditions, natural beauty and history of this region and this year’s programme had something for absolutely everyone,” Cllr Power stated. “There was music, story-telling, outdoor recreation, history and heritage, food and most of all fun! We sometimes forget how much we have on our own doorstep until we attend a festival like ours. Running a festival like this would not be possible without the back-up and support of Waterford City & County Council and our tremendous, voluntary committee. Each and every one of them went above and beyond and should be very, very proud of what we have achieved.”
‘AN EPIC FESTIVAL’
Festival spokesperson, Johnny Brunnock, described it as one of the best Comeraghs Wild Festivals on record.
“We took a bit of a punt by splitting the festival over two weekends and it really paid off. The feedback from people who attended the many, many events was exceptionally positive. We’re extremely thankful to all our hosts, all of our performers, all of our volunteers who have worked tirelessly for months.
“It was so heartening to see so many members of the public coming back again and again and attending so many events. We will take stock now, take a rest for a while but would hope to be back again next year and begin another decade of Comeraghs Wild. It was an epic festival from start to finish this year and we hope everyone who attended events enjoyed them as much as we enjoyed hosting them,” Brunnock concluded.
, certainly lived up to expectations with huge crowds turning out for the vast majority of events run across four days on the second weekend of the action-packed programme.){kind=link}