Labasheeda is readying for the 28th Dan Furey Weekend of Set-Dancing to be held in the village from August 22nd to the 24th.
This annual event celebrating Dan and his dances is one of the longest continuous festivals of its kind and to attract dancers from all over the country and abroad to the scenic location on the banks of the Shannon estuary.
The dedicated committee continues to maintain the event with the strong support of the community throughout the weekend. This is a true community effort with many called on to fulfil an endless list of duties to ensure the smooth running of the festival.
This year’s weekend will be officially opened by Maureen O’Neill/Regan, President of the County Clare P, B & S Association of New York on Friday 22nd at 8.30pm. Maureen has proud Labasheeda roots, her late father, John O’Neill was a native of Ballyguirey, Labasheeda and was well known throughout New York as a talented musician who entertained the diaspora for many years along with his brother James.
Music for the first céili at 9pm is by the Tulla Céili Band. Saturday nights céili is with the legendary Kilfenora Céili Band while Johnny Reidy and his céili band brings the dancing to an end on Sunday 18th starting at 2.30pm.
Other events happening over the weekend include a talk on ‘Exploring the foundations of Christianity in the Labasheeda area’ by Paul Markham and Stephen McDonagh starting at 1pm and a Trad Disco for children at 3pm both on Saturday.
The annual parade brings colour and fun to the village on Sunday starting at 1pm. After the céili, a junior Seisiún at 5.30pm and then an open Seisiún for adults bring events to a close. Come along and enjoy the best of our culture and the atmosphere in the village for the duration of the festival.
