Apr 2, 2026
We are delighted to welcome Elle Marie O’Dwyer in concert as part of this year’s Sean McCarthy Festival.
Renowned for her powerful vocal presence and deep connection to the Irish song tradition, Elle Marie has earned a growing reputation as one of the most compelling voices of her generation. Her singing is rooted in storytelling — shaped by heritage, sincerity and a profound respect for the craft of the Irish ballad.
This special concert will celebrate the timeless tradition of song so closely associated with Sean McCarthy, honouring the legacy of one of Ireland’s great ballad writers while continuing that living tradition for today’s audiences.
Audiences can expect an evening rich in emotion, narrative and musical depth — songs that resonate long after the final note.
Elle Marie O’Dwyer hails from Freemount in North Cork and is widely recognised as one of the leading voices in Irish traditional singing today.
With numerous All-Ireland accolades in traditional singing to her name, Elle Marie began her recording career in 2012 and has since released four acclaimed albums. Following the completion of a Master’s degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance, she also published a collection of traditional songs for young singers — reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.
Her career has taken her to stages across Ireland and around the world. She has performed in iconic venues including Croke Park and Áras an Uachtaráin, and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as The High Kings, Seán Keane, Cherish the Ladies, Maura O’Connell, and Liam O’Connor.
Elle Marie is also a member of Women of Éire, who have recorded Ireland’s Call, further showcasing her contribution to contemporary Irish musical collaborations.
Currently, she performs as one of the lead vocalists with the world-renowned stage production Gaelic Roots, based in Killarney, Co. Kerry, and remains a much sought-after performer at festivals nationwide.
Passing on the singing tradition is central to her work. She teaches weekly classes for young singers and serves as a tutor at festivals both at home and abroad, ensuring that the rich tradition of Irish song continues to thrive.
Concert Details
📅 Friday 31st July
⏰ 8.30pm
📍 Teach Siamsa, Finuge, Co. Kerry
🎫 Admission €20 + booking fee
🎟 Tickets are on sale now 🎟
Booking is strongly advised as seating is limited.Join us for what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating Irish ballad, heritage and song as part of the Sean McCarthy Festival.
Apr 2, 2026
Finuge was honoured recently with a truly special occasion as Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Catherine Connolly, visited the historic Sheehan’s Thatched House — one of North Kerry’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
As part of her first official visit to County Kerry, the President’s time in Finuge marked a meaningful recognition of the area’s rich heritage and enduring community spirit. The visit itself was thoughtfully organised by Nollaig McCarthy of McCarthy’s Bar & Beer Gardens and John Cronin of Cronin’s Cider, whose efforts ensured a warm and memorable occasion for all involved.
Sheehan’s Thatched House, long associated with traditional music, storytelling, and gathering, provided a fitting setting for such a significant moment. The event was warmly embraced by the local community, reflecting a deep pride in both the preservation of the cottage and the traditions it continues to uphold.
A highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a Valentia slate slab set within the flags of the property. This permanent marker recognises Sheehan’s Thatched House as one of the oldest thatched cottages in Ireland — a powerful tribute to its historical and cultural importance.
Coverage in Kerry’s Eye and across social media captured the spirit of the day — one of celebration, connection, and national recognition. More than a formal engagement, the visit shone a light on the importance of rural cultural spaces and the role they continue to play in sustaining Ireland’s artistic and social traditions.
The President’s visit to Sheehan’s Thatched House stands as a proud and lasting moment for Finuge — a reminder that our heritage is not only to be preserved, but actively lived, shared, and celebrated.
Mar 9, 2026
Finuge St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Tuesday 17th March | 3.00pm
Get ready, Finuge! Our St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 3.00pm from Whelan’s Cross, and we’re inviting everyone to be part of a fantastic afternoon of colour, music and community spirit.
Come out, line the route and show your support as families, neighbours, clubs and friends come together to celebrate Lá Fhéile Pádraig in true Finuge style.
When the parade finishes, the celebrations will continue in McCarthy’s Bar, keeping the energy and community spirit alive into the evening.
Fáilte roimh chách – everyone is welcome.
Mar 9, 2026
We are proud to open this year’s festival weekend with a special concert featuring Elle Marie O’Dwyer on 31st July at 8.30pm in Teach Siamsa — an evening celebrating the rich ballad tradition and the enduring legacy of Sean McCarthy.
Tickets on sale now via Eventbrite.
The much-loved Ballad Competition and Storytelling Competition will return — so if you’re thinking of entering, now is the time to start penning those ballads!
More details on concerts, competitions and events will be announced in the coming weeks.
For further information, send us a message or email us directly at info@finugeweekend.com
Ceol, scéalta & comhluadar
Stay tuned for more photos and videos from this year’s events on our social media channels.
Oct 31, 2025
Sean McCarthy Festival 2025 – A Celebration of Music, Storytelling & Community
The village of Finuge came alive over the August Bank Holiday weekend for the Sean McCarthy Festival 2025, as locals, visitors, and artists from near and far came together to celebrate the life, music, and legacy of one of Kerry’s finest songwriters. From heartfelt ballads to captivating stories, energetic rambling houses to nightly entertainment, the festival once again showcased the very best of North Kerry’s rich folk tradition.
Musical Highlights
Friday Night – Meadhbh Walsh in Concert
Friday night saw a sold-out concert by the sensational Meadhbh Walsh, whose performance had the audience on their feet from start to finish. The atmosphere was electric, making it one of the festival’s standout moments.
Sean McCarthy Ballad Competition – 30th Year – Hear the winning song here
The competition drew entries from across Ireland. Barry Tierney from Cork took first place with “Farmer John of Heavenly Nets”, told from the perspective of a woman grieving for her Johnny, lost at sea, wishing he had stayed on the farm. The song beautifully explores the connection between fishing and farming in coastal communities.
1st Place: Barry Tierney – Farmer John of Heavenly Nets
2nd Place: Emily Aherne – The Golden Gates
3rd Place: Michael Flanagan – The Ballad of Tom & John
Storytelling & Tradition
Storytelling Competition Winners
1st Place: Frances Kennedy – Life’s Ups & Downs
2nd Place: Danny Larkin – Birthdays in Tramore
Joint 3rd Place: Dominic Bennett – Long Runs the Fox
Joint 3rd Place: Marie Gillen – Mannanan Mac Lir
Junior Rambling House
Saturday afternoon’s Junior Rambling House welcomed young musicians, singers, dancers, and storytellers from across the region — proof that our folk traditions are alive and thriving.
Peggie O’Connell Memorial Rambling House
On Monday, a huge crowd gathered to honour Peggie O’Connell, a huge part of the festival since its beginning and the driving force behind the Rambling House in Finuge. It was a fitting tribute, with an afternoon of music, song, and dance celebrating her legacy.
A Word of Thanks
The Sean McCarthy Festival would not be possible without the support of our main sponsors — Mike & Sue Nilsson, IMRO Ireland, and the Estate of Sean McCarthy — along with our many patrons, volunteers, performers, and the local community.
Your dedication and generosity keep this unique celebration alive year after year.
See You in 2026!
As we reflect on another successful year, we are already looking forward to welcoming you back to Finuge for Sean McCarthy Festival 2026. Until then, keep singing, keep telling stories, and keep the tradition alive.
