Two key Athlone festivals receive further council funding this year
Two of Athlone's major summer festivals are the main funding recipients under the Athlone Moate Municipal District's Festival and Events allocations for 2026.
The Athlone River Festival and Feile na Sionainne, which run concurrently over the August Bank Holiday weekend, have become highlights on the Athlone and Midland's region social calendar in recent years.
At the February meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, sitting members approved the allocation of additional funding to what was proposed by the council executive under this year's Festival and Events schedule.
Funding of €10,000 will be allocated towards the hosting of the 2026 Athlone River Festival, while the Féile na Sionainne committee will now receive €7,500 towards this year's event.
Additional funding of €2,000 for Athlone River Festival was proposed by Cllr Paul Hogan who described the event as "one of the biggest regional festivals in the country".
"For the previous two years we have allocated €8,000 towards Athlone River Festival but as it continues to grow in status I feel it is necessary to allocate the event more money to enhance its attraction.
"I know the event receives match funding from a well-known businessperson, but it is important that we too make a worthy contribution," Cllr Paul Hogan said.
His proposal was seconded by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke who also called for an increase in the funds allocated to the traditional Irish music and culture festival, Féile na Sionainne, which had been earmarked to receive €5,000.
"Given its popularity and the increase in local Comhaltas na hÉireann membership, I feel it only fitting that we allocate funding of €7,500 to Féile na Sionainne this year,” he said.
While there has been a longstanding tradition of river festivals being held in Athlone dating back to the 1940s, the event, in its current format since 2024, has witnessed an increase of August bank holiday weekend activities. Complemented by Féile na Sionainne, which first took place in 2023, both festivals breathe life into Athlone at the height of the summer season with the relevant committees currently in the throes of preparation for the 2026 editions.
Addressing the members, council official Annette Barr Jordan noted that of the €85,000 allocated to Festival and Events funding, €58,200 was dispersed to community groups throughout South Westmeath during Round 1 allocations.
"Cross referencing applications and allocations from previous years I would estimate that we would have in the region of €30,000 yet to allocate this year, but it is ultimately up to you the members to decide where the funding goes," Ms Barr Jordan said.
Commenting on the allocation process, Director of Services Jackie Finney said that the Festival and Events funding scheme was advertised in December with an "earlier than usual" closing date for applications.
"There will be a second call for applications later in the year, but the allocations will have to remain within budget. Festivals in the District are continuing to grow in popularity, and we want to be in a position to support as many as we possibly can.
“However, if we agree to increase funding support for one particular festival it may have a knock on effect for other events in the District. We just have to strike a right balance so that we are not left with making difficult decisions in the second half of 2026," Ms Finney said.