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The Tommy Makem Folk Festival in November has been hailed as a wonderful success by organisers, with the event bringing together musicians, historians, local families and visitors in a celebration of music, community and heritage.
The festival showcased the talent in Keady as well as the community spirit, with concerts, sessions, walking tours, workshops and film screenings taking place throughout the event. Organisers said it was a heartfelt celebration of the traditions inspired by Tommy Makem.
The committee have extended their deepest gratitude to everyone who took part, including performers, volunteers, sponsors and funders. They thanked headline acts and local folk groups for sharing their talent, songs and spirit, saying the music was the heartbeat of the festival. Volunteers and committee members were praised for their dedication, hard work and generosity in organising concerts, sessions, walking tours, workshops and events.
The festival also welcomed ABC Borough Council Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jessica Johnston, who took part in a walking tour led by local historian Liam Ó Manacháin. Cllr Johnston said: "It was great to meet with local historian Liam Ó Manacháin and learn more about Keady and its history. The walking tour provided great insight into the development of the town, its people and of course, about the life and legacy of Tommy Makem.
Commenting on the funding for the festival a spokesperson said "To our funders, without your support, our festival simply would not have been possible. We greatly appreciate the support you gave our festival and we hope that we can continue this year on year."
The committee said they were filled with hope and determination following this year's success. Born out of a love for Tommy's songs and the community that shaped him, the festival aims to keep his spirit alive and nurture the talents of future generations through his legacy. Organisers look forward to building on this success and ensuring next year's festival is even stronger with more music, more voices and more memories.
