A SPECIAL celebration will take place on Saturday to honour the memory of Ramelton musician Paul Mooney.
Paul, late of Glen Lower, lost his life in a two-car collision on the N14 Letterkenny to Lifford road at Carrickballydoey on December 18, 2023. Paul’s partner, Nicolle, and the driver of the other vehicle were injured in the crash.
Paul was a treasured member of the band, Boy M5, and since his tragic passing, his family, friends and bandmates have come together in his memory in a collective annual night of tribute, aptly titled, ‘MoonFest’.
MoonFest 2026 will take place in The Cottage Bar, Letterkenny, on Saturday night at 7pm in memory of Paul, who would have celebrated his 33rd birthday this week. Poignantly, the event celebrates the talent of local musicians, something which Paul would have been very proud of.
Kyle O’Neill, from Boy M5, explained how what started out as a night of remembrance has “taken on legs” to “become something that Paul would have thrived in, and loved to have played his part in”.
He said: “MoonFest has grown into a small independent festival, with a solid foundation in great music, great atmosphere and the kind of vibes that only come to pass when a tight knit music and arts community truly show up for each other.
“At the very heart of it all, the night remains the same. It’s what all artists crave; a space, a community, and an avenue to showcase their work to a captive audience. Whether they’re the new kids on the block, or trule show up for each other. MoonFest showcases some of the very best this wee part of the world has to offer, a night full of varied musical tastes and full of energy in Paul’s name, exactly how he would have wanted it.
“Expect performances at their raw finest, new music, new faces, and a room full of people discovering their next favourite band.”
Kyle said the night is not only a celebration of music, but is held to celebrate those other local
heroes in the community who help friends and family in their time of need.
Proceeds on the night will be donated to The Pastoral Centre Counselling Service, keeping MoonFest grounded in purpose, as well as celebration.
“MoonFest is becoming its own thing now, and we’re very proud of that,” added Kyle.
The poster for Moonfest 2026, which will feature a host of musicians including ‘Beware of the Beast’, Maria McCormack and Cora Harkin.
