A festival celebrating the song, poetry and music of Raftery takes place in Loughrea on Friday 28th to Sunday 30th March.

Local accordionist Joe Burke and fiddle maestro Charlie Lennon head an impressive musical line-up and expect to see young Spiddal sean-nós dancer Seosamh Ó Neachtain liven things up with a step or two!

On the singing front, Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Meaití Joe Shéamuis and others will showcase some of Raftery’s finest songs, while one of our greatest modern day poets, Louis De Paor, will also feature.

This years organisers have pulled out all the stops to provide a full and exciting programme of events. Including workshops in poetry, song and fiddle music, a singers’ circle, sessions, a talk on Raftery and a grand concert in his honour, Féile Raifteirí 2008 will be a fitting celebration and commemoration of the legendary Raftery.

The official opening will take place on Friday 28th March at An Teach Beag at 9pm sharp.

Galway’s own Joe Mc Donagh will be on hand with just the right amount of wit and gravitas to get the festival weekend underway!

Further Information:
Contact: Pádraig Ó Baoill
Tel: 091-870718
or email: prua@lochariach.com