All musicians over 12 years of age are welcome to take part in the attempt to smash the current record.
Francis Connolle of the Kilfenora Senior Citizens’ group explained the background to the attempt. “What we’re trying to do is break the Guinness World Record. When you mention the name of the village, it’s synonymous with music and the Kilfenora Céilí Band. As part of the Gathering, and as a fundraising initiative for the region, we’re trying to organise a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Irish band and it’s going to be led by the Kilfenora Céilí Band.”
She isn’t sure if the record will be broken but is looking forward to the day. “It hasn’t been done before. It’s a novel idea. People are very excited by it and interested, so we’ll put our best foot forward and hopefully we will do it.”
She was full of praise for the Kilfenora Céilí Band. “Without their support, it wouldn’t be possible. They’re great to lead this event,” she said.
Local adjudicators will determine the success or otherwise of the World Record bid. “We have to have the stewards and adjudicators there ourselves because if we brought someone from the Guinness Book of Records you’d be talking about €4,000 or €5,000,” she explained.