Merriman Festival date for Sharon

SHARON Shannon and her big band with special guests Shane McGowan and Dessie O’Halloran will headline the Merriman Festival in Killanena this year.
The event, which has been brought forward by a week, will run from Friday, July 23 to Sunday, July 25 at Canny’s in Killanena, culminating in the performance by Sharon Shannon and special guests.
This is the first time the world-renowned Clare musician has played this festival, but another musician making his debut at the Merriman festival is country western act Jimmy Buckley, who will take to the marquee stage on Friday, July 23.
Each year for the last 13 years, the festival attracts visitors from all over and has gone from being an event that was solely focused on set dancing and céilí bands to one that is open to popular mainstream acts, as well as alternative acts.
This year, the Merriman Festival has partnered up with Killanena Hurling Club, who will organise a fundraising event on Sunday where they will host a family fun day. As part of this event, they will host a Guess the Horse Plot, with the winner of the lucky plot getting a prize of €1,000.
A host of other events will be taking place on the day, including bouncing castles, face painting, tug-o-war and a barbecue on Sunday night.
Jimmy Buckley will kick off the event on Friday night, while popular cover band Big Generator will take to the marquee stage on Saturday night. Sharon Shannon with Shane McGowan and Dessie O’Halloran will headline on Sunday night.
Adding to the event will be a host of traditional music sessions in Canny’s bar throughout the festival.
For further information or to book tickets for the Sharon Shannon gig, contact Canny’s on 061 925148. Tickets will be available on the door for all other events.