THE official launch of the big 50th 2026 Burtonport Festival brochure, commemorative book and photographic exhibition was held on Sunday evening.
MC for the occasion was the very popular Hugh Rodgers from Arranmore, or Hugh Nancy as he is affectionately known.
Hugh had helped with previous festival committees with booking bands etc and always took a particular interest in the Burtonport Festival.
He thanked all various committees who had kept this community festival alive since its inauguration in 1977.
The first item on the agenda on Sunday evening was the launch of this year’s festival brochure and on stage for this were the three festival directors, Triona Boner, Paddy Bonner and Seamus O’Donnell.
Triona gave details of all the highlights of a very comprehensive nine-day event. She emphasised that it caters for all age groups, as it has done for all previous years.
Martina Reilly, Mary Mc Gee, and Margaret Reilly at the Burtonport Festival’s book and brochure launch. Photos: Eoin McGarvey.
Street music is always a highlight and this year’s programme includes the Cufflinks, Country Show with Conor O’Donnell and guests, the Humble Earthworms, Irish Brigade, David James, Absolute Eagles, the New Indians and Mad Dog McCrea.
The next speaker was Michael McElroy, who is a member of the finance committee along with David Alcorn and John Reilly.
Michael sincerely thanked all the sponsors of the event and the local businesses who have also supported the festival.
Guests at the launch of the Burtonport Festival’s 50th anniversary commemorative book and brochure.
The new photographic exhibition covers festivals from 1977 to 2025. It has created huge interest and hopefully will be on display again on the opening weekend of July 18 and 19.
Current festival chairman David Alcorn, who is one of the founding members, was also among the speakers. He paid tribute to all involved in the festival over the many years, and remembered in particular, those who are no longer with us.
Authors of the Burtonport Festival’s 50th anniversary book, Adrian Alcorn and Eugene McGarvey and Patrick Bonner who assisted them with the publication.
David said both himself and Mick Maloney, founder members of the original festival back in 1977, are delighted to have been asked to open the 50th Festival on Saturday, July 18.
Among the highlights of Sunday evening’s event was the launch of the commemorative festival book, overseen by MC Patrick Boner, Burtonport, who interviewed the editors of the book, Eugene McGarvey and Adrian Alcorn.
David Alcorn presents a copy of the Burtonport Festival 50th anniversary book to long-time supporter and helper Owen Coyle.
The foreword for the book was written by Patrick and amongst the tributes included are messages from Daniel O’Donnell and Packie Bonner. The night concluded with the official launch of the book by the departing parish priest, Fr Pat Ward. The commemorative book will be on sale in several locations.
These include The Gift Shop and The Wheelhouse Café in Burtonport, plus SuperValu and The Cope in Dungloe.
Alternatively, contact Eugene McGarvey on 083 1453554 or Adrian Alcorn on 087 4347207.
Mick Maloney, one of the founders of the Burtonport Festival 50 years ago pictured at the brochure and commemorative book launch.
Fr John Joe Duffy at the launch celebrations.
Carol and David Alcorn.