Ryan and Robert Mizzell on Ballymore country line-up
Just days remain until August 1 – the day of the annual Ballymore Country Music Festival.
Ballymore has never looked better, and the sort of community effort that has seen the village install seating areas and a new sculpture is also in evidence at the GAA park, where the concert, headlined by Derek Ryan, takes place.
“We got the straw bales, and we’ve done everything that can be done at this stage,” says Willie Finerty, chairman of the organising committee, who are drawn from the membership of Ballymore GAA and Fr Dalton’s Hurling Club.
Already, there’s evidence from ticket sales that the festival is attracting interest from some who are travelling to Mullingar for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. “The way we view it is that people who come for the fleadh might like a day out of town, and we’re only 15 minutes out the road and we have an absolutely brilliant line-up,” said Willie.
Derek Ryan’s appearance marks a welcome return. The Carlow singer has performed at many of the gigs there, and has always been a favourite with the attendance.
Derek is just one big-name performers making a return: Johnny Brady is back, promising an enthralling set delivered in his trademark edgy energetic style; Robert Mizzell, Westmeath-based but with genuine US country roots honed in his native Louisiana, brings both glamour and humour, and he is regarded as one of Ireland’s top stars.
Local favourites The Sheerins always give a top-class show; Cliona Hagan is a great favourite with crowds; Mayo’s Gerry Guthrie is one of the “new guard” making it big, while Offaly’s Ciarán Rosney has made the transition from a classical guitar background to country and is one not to miss.
Also performing is the Longford singer, Bríd Shaughnessy, while the warm-up acts are Offaly duo Saddle Tramp and Tyrrellspass performer Andy Feery.
Providing compère services to Ballymore since the revival of the festival has been the Sunday World’s entertainment editor Eddie Rowley, and he is lined up in that role once again.
No expense has been spared in terms of the dance and sound facilities to give festival-goers the best experience: “We have a really good dance floor this year – up a serious notch from what we have had in the past,” says Willie.
“We also have a serious lighting and sound set-up arranged.”
The festival takes place at the Ballymore GAA grounds. The gates open at noon and the first band takes to the stage at 12.30.
“There is loads of parking on the site, and nearby we have a second car park, and there will be a shuttle bus running to and from that car park and from Ballymore village,” says Willie.
Ballymore has always prided itself on offering value for money: “We keep the ticket prices very affordable (€25 each) and children under 12 are admitted free as long as they are accompanied by an adult,” says Willie.
There is a tented bar on site, and in a new departure, the local Gaelic for Mothers and Others group are serving refreshments and freshly-made sandwiches on site.
The funds raised go towards the development of the local sports facilities and the focus at the moment is on having a gym provided at the GAA Club.
Tickets for the event can be bought online via the festival website, ballymorecountrymusicfestival.com. In Ballymore, they can be bought at Daybreak, Cassells’ pub, Cunningham’s pub and Rooney’s pub. They are also available in Mullingar at Rochfort’s Superstore, the Sports Outlet and at Glanbia, Shandonagh.