Programme

Friday 31st of July 2026

6:30 PM

Registration 6:30pm. (Insurance covered by Keadue Development Association)

7:00 PM

9:00 PM

The O’Carolan Harp Festival, in conjunction with Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland, is thrilled to announce a spectacular headline concert taking place on 31st July 2026, in the St.Ronan’s Hall, Keadue. The evening promises an unforgettable celebration of harping, spanning from baroque traditions to boundary-breaking contemporary works.

At the heart of the night is a performance of Sonóir, a groundbreaking Harp Ireland commission by renowned percussionist and composer Mel Mercier. Originally premiered to critical acclaim at the Royal Irish Academy of Music last November, the piece brings together a highly unusual and evocative blend of two Irish harps, bassoon, viola da gamba, and traditional percussion.

The performance of Sonóir will feature the musicians both collectively and individually, showcasing a masterclass of talent:

• Niamh O’Brien (Harp): A 2025-2026 Fulbright Scholar and doctor of sonic arts, Niamh brings deep academic and experimental rigor, bridging the gap between traditional melodies and modern soundscapes.

• Alannah Thornburgh (Harp): Fresh off her win as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards, Alannah is one of the most exciting voices in the harp world, known for weaving folklore into complex, multi-genre arrangements.

• Malachy Robinson (Viola da Gamba) a multi-talented musician and double bassist across many genres from early music to classical repertoire in his regular appearances as a member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.

• John Leonard (Bassoon): who has just stepped down as principal bassoonist of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and is a highly respected figure in the Irish classical music scene. Renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of orchestral repertoire and his versatile musicality, John has performed extensively across a wide range of genres on both the concert platform and in studio recordings.

• Mel Mercier (Percussion/Composer): World-renowned percussionist composer explores the harp’s timbres and ensures the heartbeat of Sonóir remains authentic to his vision — a captivating blend of found sound, traditional rhythm, and contemporary pulse.

Speaking on the work, Mel Mercier said: “The composition, Sonóir (Sonar) brings together, for the first time, the rich sonorities of two harps, bassoon, viola da gamba, and traditional percussion. I am delighted to have been commissioned by Harp Ireland to write this new piece of music for the Irish Harp, contributing to 21st-century innovation in the repertoire.”

The concert will also feature The Keadue Harp Ensemble ensuring the legacy of Turlough O’Carolan is celebrated by the community that champions it best, featuring Fiachra Guihen, Emma Benson, Sophie Daly, and Aoife Guckian.

(Admission €25)

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Saturday 1st of August 2026

10:00 AM

Leaving from the Heritage Park with a guided tour.

10:30 AM

Click here for details and entry form.

Under 10’s – €10

10-12 – €10

12 – 15 – €10

15-18 – €10

Senior – €15

Open Competition – €15

2:00 PM

Activities, Attractions, Sports, and loads of Surprises (Insurance provided by Keadue Sportsfield Committee).

2:30 PM

Click here for details and entry form.

9:00 PM

Admission €20.

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Sunday 2nd of August 2026

11:30 AM

Join us for a memorial mass celebrated in Keadue Church.

3:00 PM

Festival Parade led by Kiltubrid Pipe Band – Assembly in Church car park. A sample of the cultural, business, voluntary and plain daft life of the region will pass by the viewing stand.

4:00 PM

9:00 PM

Téada, a band with a truly global reach, celebrates 25 years on the road in 2026. Acclaimed for its dynamic and deeply rooted approach to Irish traditional music. Their latest release on Gael Linn features special guest appearances by Hollywood actor and singer John C. Reilly and the late Seamus Begley, one of Ireland’s most beloved traditional singers and button accordion player. Recent highlights include performances at the National Concert Hall as part of their 25th year anniversary tour attended by Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly.

With renowned Irish traditional musicians Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Paul Finn (accordion), Damien Stenson (flute), Seán Mc Elwain (guitar/ bouzouki), Tristan Rosenstock (bodhrán), Samantha Harvey (piano/ dance), and joined by singer Niamh Farrell.

(Admission €25)

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