A high profile singer and passionate performer on the Irish folk scene, joined by other powerhouses of Irish vocals, will launch the musical programme for Scariff Harbour Festival over the August Bank Holiday week-end.
Don Stiffe, well-known for his collaborations with Sharon Shannon, the Kilfenora Céilí Band, Cherish the Ladies among others, will be accompanied by Ger O’Donnell & Trevor Sexton on Thursday 30th July at the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Mike Rodgers, Chair of the Festival Committee says this is definitely an opening event that our Scariff Festival audience will thoroughly enjoy. ‘The concert performance in our local church has become a staple over the years, a musical anchor and annual crowd-puller to kick start the festival,’ he said. ‘We are delighted to welcome the Voices of Ireland, the well-recognised trio on the folk circuit and say to our usual audience and their followers that it’s not one to be missed,’ said the festival co-founder.
Galway-based Don Stiffe overcame adversity to become a passionate and talented singer and his performance style and connection with his audience is remarkable. He is also a phenomenal song-writer and his song ‘Fairytale’ was written in honour of the mother he never knew and ‘You’ll Aways be my Mother’ honours the mother who reared him. It was a chance meeting with Philomena Lee who inspired the Oscar nominated ‘Philomena’ who truly inspired him to process life’s early difficult experiences.
Stiffe’s version of the ‘Dimming of the Day’ written by English singer-songwriter Richard Thompson strikes a special chord with audiences, a folk ballad about longing, emotional exhaustion and the quiet ache of loneliness, most often felt at the dimming of the day. The song featured on his debut solo album ‘Start of a Dream’ and its musical quality has been described by Irish Music Magazine as in the ‘Premier League’.
Joined by two other regular star performers Ger O’Donnell and Trevor Sexton, the trio exceeds audience expectations. Ger is a multi-instrumentalist and master of the acoustic guitar while Trevor is known for his powerful voice, stage presence and exceptional skills across a variety of instruments. ‘Together they have created an extraordinary sound that will leave the Scariff audience with a memorable start to the festival,’ said Harry O’Meara, Festival Co-founder. ‘This will be a hugely popular event so please book early. It is the only paid music event throughout the festival,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Jack Lukeman will headline the free street music events. Sharing stages with artists such as Sting, Jools Holland and Trevor Horn, Lukeman is one of Ireland’s most compelling live performers. Bringing audiences on a journey through his celebrated career, the Scariff audience can expect an immersive evening of song and storytelling. His show will also feature a selective repertoire from his acclaimed project Chez Jack L: Love, Sex, Death + More with his interpretation of songs by Jacquel Brel, Leonard Cohen and Kurt Weill.
In addition Eirfoyl, a unique pop-rock band from Kumamoto, Japan fronted by Irish vocalist, Bobby McMahon will entertain the street audience. A truly international band with members also from the USA & the Netherlands, visitors will hear emotional songs about travel, distance, hope and belonging, carried by big choruses, real musicianship and a story that stretches all the way from Japan to Ireland.
Scariff Harbour Festival 2026 runs from Thursday 30th July – Sunday 2nd August Other musical events include: Qween – live tribute performance; Cnoc na Gaoithe Céilí Band, and Púca, a dynamic collective of rock performers. On stage too will be the Grogan Brothers, while Oscar Blue from Ogonnelloe, and the Kilkennys will also perform during the festival.
*(Tickets for Don Stiffe, Ger O’Donnell & Trevor Sexton are available from O’Meara’s totalhealth Pharmacy, Scariff (061-921028) or on line – Early booking is advisable)