Driving a revival of Irish music and culture in Athlone
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Group of the Year finalist: Athlone Comhaltas/Féile na Sionainne
Athlone has a proud history with Comhaltas, stretching back over seven decades and rooted in a long connection with Irish music, culture and heritage.
Athlone’s Comhaltas story began in 1951, with the town playing a significant role in the national traditional music movement. Indeed, the town hosted the third Fleadh Cheoil in 1953.
The branch was reformed in 2023, coinciding with the Fleadh Cheoil taking place in Mullingar.
The organisers of the Fleadh approached Athlone Comhaltas about bringing part of the celebrations to the town, with Athlone hosting events on the Tuesday of the Fleadh.
From this emerged Féile na Sionainne - a simple idea to celebrate Athlone’s rich cultural heritage while creating a new annual festival for the town.
Speaking about the origins of the festival, Chairperson of Féile na Sionainne Jim Mulkerrins said the event grew out of a renewed energy within the Athlone Comhaltas branch.
“That gave us the opportunity to say, ‘Let’s make something of our own here'. That’s where the idea for Féile na Sionainne, the Festival of the Shannon, came from," Jim said.
Since its launch, Féile na Sionainne has continued to grow. Increased funding has allowed the organisers to expand the programme.
The resurgent Athlone Comhaltas and thriving Féile event provides a real focal point for local musical talent.
"There are so many young musicians, dancers and singers in Athlone and the surrounding areas,” said Athlone Comhaltas Chairperson Ellen Glennon.
“Before, many of them had to travel to branches in Moate, Ballymore, or Roscommon. Now they have the opportunity to learn, perform and be part of a thriving branch in their own town.”
Both Athlone Comhaltas and Féile na Sionainne are supported by dedicated voluntary committees. This includes Féile na Sionainne Vice Chairperson Aengus O’Rourke, Secretary Fiona O’Neill, Athlone Comhaltas Secretary Mary Norton, Treasurer Miriam Nally, Junior Group Coordinator Anita McEnroe, Fundraising Coordinator James Donohue, PRO Dave Caulfield, Athlone Comhaltas PRO Philippa Barry, Media and Interview Coordinator Michelle O’Connor, Programme Coordinator and Ticket Sales Lucy Nally, Session Organiser Eimear Brett and fire safety officer Colum McDaid.
The Group of the Year finalists are Heartlands Pride, Moate Agricultural Show and Athlone Comhaltas/Féile na Sionainne.