Braving the elements at the Castlefest on Saturday are Noelie Tomlinson, Francis Burke, Michael Sherlock and Jimmy Mitchell. Photo: Bridget Delaney

Rain fails to dampen festival spirit

Thwarted by the pandemic in the last two years, bad weather conspired against the return of Nenagh Castlefest but failed to dampen the spirit of community enjoyment.

An estimated 700-800 people attended over the two days last weekend. Those present enjoyed live music from local artists as well as the likes of Olivia Douglas, Louise Morrissey, The Conquerors, Keith and Lorraine McDonald, and - making his first Nenagh performance in some 30 years - Brendan Shine.

And although the rain militated against the planned performance outdoors, Cllr Hughie McGrath of the festival committee said relocating into the marquee proved a surprising success.

"We were fortunate enough in that we had a marquee booked anyway, so we moved all of the music into the marquee," he said. "There was a great atmosphere in the marquee - it was like olden times when people went to marquees. Even the artists found it great to be playing in there."

Cllr McGrath was delighted to receive positive feedback from the performers as well as people in attendance. He said the family-friendly Castlefest has already established itself as a festival musicians like to play at, and this reputation was if anything copper-fastened over the weekend.

"The artists just like the type of gig it is. They find that there's an affection that comes from the crowd, and the artists feel that very early when they go on stage and they respond to it. They're glad to be there and meeting people afterwards."

This year's festival had an extra emphasis on children's entertainment, which was still made possible between the showers. Cllr McGrath welcomed that families and the people of Nenagh in general had come out to support the festival despite the weather. The festival committee set up a donation box and Cllr McGrath was also heartened to see so many people leaving contributions towards the festival before they left.

"People were very generous. We appreciate that," he said.

Taking the opportunity to thank the members of the committee, Nenagh Municipal District, gardaĆ­, local media and all of the volunteers who helped make the event happen, Cllr McGrath said plans are already in train for Castlefest 2023. These will include a larger marquee with a stage and dancefloor, and sides that can be opened in the event of exceptionally good weather.

On the whole, Cllr McGrath reflected on last weekend's experience in a positive light. "It doesn't dampen our spirits for, God willing, bigger and better things next year."

Lots more photos from Castlefest in this week's Nenagh Guardian