Féile na Sionainne local fundraising concert planned
Féile na Sionainne and Comhaltas Áth Luain will host a special fundraising concert in aid of the 2026 festival on Thursday, May 28, in Athlone Little Theatre at 8pm.
The concert promises to be a lively evening of traditional and folk music by a range of talented performers from across the Midlands and beyond. It's being organised in support of Féile na Sionainne, the annual celebration of traditional Irish music, dance and culture in Athlone which is set to take place over the August bank holiday weekend (July 31 to August 3).
Performers at this month's concert include the The Loughnaneane Céilí Band, formed last September and based in Roscommon, which is described as an exciting new addition to the Irish traditional music scene.
Bringing together talented musicians from Roscommon, Galway, Offaly, Westmeath and Cork, the band blends regional styles and influences to create a rich and authentic céilí band sound.
Led by Offaly flautist Claire Burke, the group features fiddles, flutes, banjo, concertina, accordion, piano and drums.
Other performers will include Tricia Henriques, originally from Athlone, a well-known singer with a love of folk music and a wide-ranging repertoire.
Audiences can expect songs made famous by artists including Mary Black, Clannad and Dolores Keane.
Toucan Soup formed in 2023 and made their debut performance at Féile na Sionainne. Blending percussion with melodic instruments including button accordion, bongos and guitars, the group delivers an energetic and engaging sound, performing everything from heartfelt originals to crowd-pleasing favourites.
The Flynns are brothers Keith and Liam Flynn, whose powerful blend of guitar, banjo, accordion and close vocal harmonies brings a fresh energy to traditional and contemporary songs alike.
Multi-instrumentalists with a wide-ranging repertoire, they put their own dynamic twist on everything from Luke Kelly classics to modern favourites.
Steve Heffernan and Liam Winnett, meanwhile, perform traditional Irish music on button accordion and uilleann pipes.
Drawing inspiration from older recordings, players and repertoire, the duo creates a fresh and engaging musical conversation while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition.
Organisers say the concert will help support Féile na Sionainne 2026, which is now entering its fourth year and continues to grow.
The festival will once again fill the town with music, song and dance through concerts, sessions, workshops and family-friendly events.
The 2026 festival will run alongside the Athlone River Festival, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Tickets for the fundraising concert can be purchased by emailing: feilenasionainne@gmail.com or calling 087 902 8058.
There will also be plenty of spot prizes on the night.