Aug 31, 2026
As another Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend comes to a close, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s festival such a wonderful celebration of music, song, storytelling and community.
The weekend began in style with a superb opening night concert by
Elle Marie O Dwyer Music followed by a memorable programme of events including the historic
Teac Mallon Meigh Twinning Ceremony with Sheehan’s Thatched Cottage, outstanding Ballad and Storytelling Competitions, and a fitting finale with the Peggie O’Connell Memorial Rambling House on Monday afternoon.
Congratulations to Sheila O’Sullivan, winner of the 2026 Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition, and to Marie Gillen, winner of the Mick McCarthy Storytelling Competition. We will have more photos of the weekend shortly.
Congratulations also to every finalist who took to the stage throughout the weekend and all who entered both the Ballad and Storytelling Competitions. The standard of talent was exceptional and a credit to all involved.
Our sincere thanks to our performers, musicians, storytellers, competitors, adjudicators, MCs, sponsors, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm continue to make this festival possible.
A special word of thanks to
Teach Siamsa Finuge for once again providing such a welcoming home for our festival events, and to
McCarthys Bar Finuge, where the music and entertainment continued late into the night, adding to the wonderful atmosphere and enjoyment of the festival weekend.
Finally, thank you to everyone who travelled to Finuge and supported the festival. Your presence, encouragement and continued support ensure that the songs, stories and legacy of Sean McCarthy continue to thrive for generations to come.
Until next year, thank you for being part of the Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend 2026, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Finuge again soon. Below is a short video of the weekend highlights.
Jul 31, 2026
The wait is over… Our full programme of events is here!
Join us from 31st July to 3rd August for a fantastic weekend celebrating the life and legacy of Sean McCarthy.
From our Opening Night Concert with
Elle Marie O Dwyer Music, Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition Final, Mick McCarthy Storytelling Competition, and Twinning Event at Sheehan’s Thatched Cottage with Teac Mallon, to our Craft Fair & Car Boot Sale, Peggie O’Connell Memorial Rambling House, and nightly entertainment in
McCarthys Bar Finuge – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a lover of music, song, storytelling, or simply looking for a great weekend out, we’d love to welcome you to Finuge.
Check out the full programme below and start planning your August Bank Holiday – Sean McCarthy Weekend
Jul 27, 2026
A Special Twinning Celebration
As part of this year’s Sean McCarthy Weekend, we are delighted to announce a special twinning event between Sheehan’s Thatched House, Finuge and Teac Mallon, Meigh, Co. Armagh.
Both venues share a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating Ireland’s rich heritage of traditional music, song, storytelling and community. This special occasion marks the beginning of a lasting friendship between two centres dedicated to keeping our cultural traditions alive.
Sheehan’s Thatched House, Finuge
Saturday, 1st August
4.00pm
Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this unique celebration of culture, friendship and tradition as we mark this memorable milestone together.
Jul 16, 2026
Join us for a special Opening Night of the Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend with Elle Marie O Dwyer Music
An evening of song, story and tradition to begin a weekend celebrating the music, culture and lasting legacy of Sean McCarthy in the heart of North Kerry.
This special concert takes place at Teach Siamsa Finuge and is proudly sponsored by the Horgan family, Finuge, in loving memory of Claire Vivian (Horgan), whose memory and connection to the Finuge community is fondly remembered 
As we look ahead to this year’s festival, our new website is now live — with tickets available and Ballad & Storytelling entries now open online for the first time.
Tickets available now via Eventbrite
www.finugeweekend.com
#finuge #seanmccarthymemorialweekend #kerryevents #supportlocal #singersongwriter
Jul 14, 2026
Looking for a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon?
Join us at Sheehan’s Thatched Cottage, Finuge for our Craft Fair & Car Boot Sale.
Sunday, 2nd August
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Come along, browse the stalls, pick up a bargain, and enjoy the atmosphere in the beautiful surroundings of Sheehan’s Thatched Cottage.
Interested in having a stall? We’d love to hear from you! For all enquiries, please email info@finugeweekend.com.
Jul 13, 2026
Entries for this year’s Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition are now officially closed.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. We have been delighted by the fantastic response and are grateful to each songwriter for sharing their original work with us. Your passion for songwriting and Irish ballad tradition is what makes this competition so special.
Our adjudication panel will now begin the shortlisting process, and we will be in contact with the finalists during the week.
Thank you once again to everyone who entered, and we wish you the very best of luck. We look forward to welcoming the finalists to Finuge as part of the Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend.
