WHAT a week it’s been in Burtonport where great weather, big crowds and some wonderful entertainment ensured that the 50th Burtonport Festival has been one to remember.
And it’s not over yet – the festival continues through until Saturday with so much more to enjoy over the coming days.
The celebrations got underway on Friday last. There were two radio broadcasts planned live from the festival, the first of which was a Raidio na Gaeltachta show from St. Columba’s Community Centre, However, due to technical difficulties, this broadcast was postponed until this morning from 11am as part of La Gaelach.
On Friday afternoon, the Highland Radio outside broadcast unit was in O’Donnell’s Bar hosting the David James Show.
Caitriona Ní Dhochartaigh with her daughter Róise and sister Breid Solan.
Other events took place later in the evening, including outdoor music featuring some of our up and coming, talented singers and musicians.
On Saturday, the Festival Mass was held in St. Columba’s Church, Acres, celebrated by Rev Fr Vincent Finnegan.
Then followed the largest ever community parade, sponsored by Glanroy Construction Ltd, with weather conditions ideal. There was a great variety of floats and a large banner proclaiming “The Big 50’ was proudly carried by Evelyn McBride and Packie Bonner, assisted by Pat and Aine Boner.
A very impressive nine marching bands took part in the parade, among them the reformed younger Crickamore Band who came out especially for the occasion as did the Burtonport Band, making their first appearance since 2016.
Paul Gillespie keeping in tune at the Burtonport Festival.
The winning float was ‘The Galleon Float’ of Derek and Shauna Heena and family.
Among the guest speakers was one of the festival directors, Triona Boner who thanked all who helped prepare such a large number of events.
Fr John Joe Duffy spoke of his long association with the festival from when he was a young boy growing up in the area.
Speaking on behalf of himself and Mick Maloney, David Alcorn said it was a great honour to be asked to open the festival on its 50th anniversary.
To round off the night, music on the festival’s new stage followed with the ever popular Cufflinks.
Sunday will be a day which will be long remembered, when the largest crowd we’ve seen in all our years in Burtonport gathered as the Country Show took centre stage. Weather conditions were ideal from morning until late in the evening, which was a great asset.
Joanne Doherty with her beautiful display at the festival.
The events started with an island trip to Owey, the railway ramblers walk and the community brunch.
The annual blessing of the boats was performed by Fr John Joe Duffy and during the ceremony, Fr. Duffy presented a beautiful, framed St. Bridget’s cross to David Alcorn to recognize his 50 year involvement with the festival.
The Country Show on Sunday afternoon was hosted by local artist Conor O’Donnell with backing by the Ryan Turner Band. Guests appearing were Saffron Dixon, Sean McMonagle, Jason McCahill, Hugo Duncan and Patrick Feeney, with many dancers and jivers enjoying themselves in the area next to the stage.
Next up was the enjoyable Rosses Ukulele Group, followed in the Community Centre by the annual bridge competition.
As the outdoor entertainment continued with Paul Ward and the Humble Earthworms, the Festival Queen competition also took place with Abbey Gallagher chosen as the 2026 Burtonport Festival Queen. Well done to Abbey and all the other contestants.
Members of the Rosses Men’s Shed on parade at the Burtonport Festival.
Margaret Boner taking part in the parade.
Brian Ward and his dog Fred in Burtonport at the 50th anniversary festival.