Mummer’s the word for New Inn festival

LARGE crowds are expected to converge on the East Galway village of New Inn this weekend for the annual Mummers Festival which takes place on Saturday night, January 8 and Sunday afternoon, January 9 in the local leisure centre. As has been tradition, the senior groups will compete on the Saturday night commencing at 7.30pm, with the junior competition being staged on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm.
Last year, the festival had to be postponed due to the bad weather and organisers are hoping there will be no such problems on this occasion. This festival attracts growing numbers of patrons from all over the country to New Inn annually and is being staged for the 33rd year in the area.
“It is expected that it will be really strongly supported this year, given that so many events had to be cancelled over Christmas and people are anxious to see good live entertainment.
“Anyone visiting New Inn can expect a feast of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling with top-class entertainers participating with the various groups. The level of participation this year is expected to be as good as ever and we are expecting that there will be some new entrants this year,” said Michael Mullins, festival chairman.
“The emphasis is very much on participation at the Mummers Festival but there is also a competitive element, which adds to the excitement for both participants and patrons. Every group would like to lift the Peter Donohue Perpetual Trophy and in addition to the prizes for the winning groups, there is recognition for exceptional individual performances,” he added.
The best musician, dancer, flute player, singer, storyteller, as well as the most outstanding entertainer, are all recognised at the New Inn Festival in both the senior and junior categories.
The New Inn Mummers Festival is long established as a significant traditional event in the entertainment calendar and has entertained appreciative patrons for over three decades but the festival committee is particularly keen to promote the junior competition on Sunday afternoon.
“We are anxious to nurture and encourage the young and upcoming performers, who will be the lifeblood of the festival for the future. This weekend’s junior event will be really special,” Mr Mullins continued.
This weekend, groups from many parts of County Galway and from across the country, will  provide a feast of entertainment to the many loyal patrons who have supported the festival over the years and for whom a visit to New Inn  is very much part of the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Festival secretary Michael Finnerty confirmed earlier this week that everything is now in place for the 2011 events. The groups are confirmed and the possibility of a new group from Corofin is adding to the anticipation.
“If you are a lover of traditional music, song, dance and storytelling, the venue to be at this weekend is New Inn on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The committee is looking forward to extending a Céad Míle Fáilte in New Inn to all patrons and performers and we guarantee an enjoyable and competitive festival in the comfortable surroundings of the local leisure centre,” Mr Mullins concluded.