THIS YEAR’S 21st Annual Phil Murphy Weekend which took place in Carring-on-Bannow was a great success.
The workshop aspect of the event was particularly popular with numbers up on recent years throughout the daytime seminars.
Delores Keane was due to headline the concert on Friday night, however, she was hit by illness while travelling to Carrig-on-Bannow and ended up requiring hospital treatment.
Organiser John Murphy commented to the New Ross Echo that the legendary Irish performer has vowed to return to Carrig to perform as soon as her health and schedule allows.
While the absence of Keane was obviously lamentable there was no stopping to The 3 Bs’ who fulfilled the role of headliners with ease. The trio treated the audience to a rip-roaring set before an innovative Trad Disco was held as part of the Phil Murphy Weekend 21st Birthday party.
Other highlights of the Friday night line-up were Jordan Rigout and Wookalily who specialised in American and bluegrass roots music.
On Saturday various workshops took place throughout the day with a young musicians’ concert taking place in the afternoon. The ‘Stars of the Future’ concert was held in Colfer’s and that was followed by a Sesiun.
One of the highlights of the weekend for many people, on an annual basis, is the O’Riada Mass and this year the celebration had the church packed to capacity.
That evening Colfer’s Marquee played host to performances by Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch and Paul De Grae along with Harmonica Harmonies which was composed of Sean Walsh, Mick Kinsella, Alan O’Dwyer, John Murphy and Pip Murphy.
On Sunday workshops, again, took place and proved very popular. There was also a street session competition which was won by a local group. A ceili was held in the Community Centre and that evening festival goers were treated to a brilliant performance by Folk the Recession. The band with the unforgettable name had legends such as Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane and Mick Hanly among its ranks.
Overall this year’s festival was one of the most successful in recent years.
