Return of July family festival

After a lapse of several years, Kilrush will host a family festival entitled Féile Shona, this summer. The event will be held from Thursday, July 1 until Sunday, July 4.
Kilrush Fine Gael town councillor Ian Lynch is the main organiser and is appealing to local clubs to become involved and help out. However, he says that the idea nearly stalled after an unsuccessful first meeting.
“I’ll admit that at several points ,I considered giving up on the idea, especially after I first organised a meeting inviting over 50 different groups and clubs and only two people turned up. But I persisted and I am delighted I did so because I believe this will be a great event,” Councillor Lynch said.
“So often I hear our youth saying ‘there is nothing to do in the town’. Yet we have almost 40 clubs and organisations all screaming for new members.
“This festival will give groups and clubs a chance to get recognised by taking part and holding events in an effort to recruit new members,” he added.
Councillor Lynch said that the four-day festival will feature several events including a singing pubs competition, a seven-a-side soccer and rugby blitz and walks taking in local history sites.
“The festival will end on the Sunday, with an emergency services recruitment fair and demonstration with participation from the army, navy, air corps, coast guard, RNLI and Red Cross.
“As the final day of the festival falls on the July 4, we will celebrate the town’s many American connections with a US theme closing with a fireworks display,” he explained.
However, Councillor Lynch said that for the festival to run smoothly, local people and organisations would have to help out.
“I am asking all clubs, societies and anyone with an idea, skill or general interest that can be of assistance to attend a public meeting that will take place in the Haven Arms in Henry Street at 8pm next Wednesday evening.
“This festival is an event for everyone to be enjoyed, not just in Kilrush but by all of the West Clare community.
“However, the festival can only happen with assistance and if the community as a whole come together, work together and make it happen.
“I urge everyone to get behind this event and make it yours,” Councillor Lynch added.