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.
Jun 28, 2026
We’re putting the finishing touches to this year’s Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend programme, and excitement is building for another unforgettable August Bank Holiday in Finuge.
 Tickets for our weekend events are now on sale on Eventbrite! Search “Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend”Â
Stay tuned as we reveal the full programme over the coming days. We can’t wait to welcome you for a weekend of music, song, storytelling and community.
#seanmccarthyweekend #finuge #northkerry #festivalweekend #visitkerry
Jun 22, 2026
The August Bank Holiday Weekend may still be a few weeks away, but preparations are well underway for another memorable Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend in Finuge.
From Teach Siamsa to the unique atmosphere of Sheehan’s Thatched House, these special venues will once again host a celebration of music, song, storytelling and community.
 Tickets for Friday night concert with Elle Marie OâDwyer and Ballad & Storytelling events are now on sale on Eventbrite â “Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend”Â
Your support through the festival helps us continue to grow and develop the festival, and we look forward to welcoming you to Finuge this August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Apr 2, 2026
We are delighted to welcome Elle Marie OâDwyer in concert as part of this yearâs 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 â 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 Irelandâs great ballad writers while continuing that living tradition for todayâs audiences.
Audiences can expect an evening rich in emotion, narrative and musical depth â songs that resonate long after the final note.
Elle Marie OâDwyer 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 Masterâs degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance, she also published a collection of traditional songs for young singers â 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 Ăras an UachtarĂĄin, and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as The High Kings, SeĂĄn Keane, Cherish the Ladies, Maura OâConnell, and Liam OâConnor.
Elle Marie is also a member of Women of Ăire, 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
đ
 Friday 31st July
â°Â 8.30pm
đ Teach Siamsa, Finuge, Co. Kerry
đŤÂ Admission âŹ20 + booking fee
đ Tickets are on sale now đ
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 UachtarĂĄn na hĂireann, President Catherine Connolly, visited the historic Sheehanâs Thatched House â one of North Kerryâs most treasured cultural landmarks.
As part of her first official visit to County Kerry, the Presidentâs time in Finuge marked a meaningful recognition of the areaâs rich heritage and enduring community spirit. The visit itself was thoughtfully organised by Nollaig McCarthy of McCarthyâs Bar & Beer Gardens and John Cronin of Croninâs Cider, whose efforts ensured a warm and memorable occasion for all involved.
Sheehanâs 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 Sheehanâs Thatched House as one of the oldest thatched cottages in Ireland â a powerful tribute to its historical and cultural importance.
Coverage in Kerryâs Eye and across social media captured the spirit of the day â 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 Irelandâs artistic and social traditions.
The Presidentâs visit to Sheehanâs Thatched House stands as a proud and lasting moment for Finuge â a reminder that our heritage is not only to be preserved, but actively lived, shared, and celebrated.
Mar 9, 2026
Finuge St. Patrickâs Day Parade â Tuesday 17th March | 3.00pm
Get ready, Finuge! Our St. Patrickâs Day Parade kicks off at 3.00pm from Whelanâs Cross, and weâre 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 LĂĄ FhĂŠile PĂĄdraig in true Finuge style.
When the parade finishes, the celebrations will continue in McCarthyâs Bar, keeping the energy and community spirit alive into the evening.
FĂĄilte roimh chĂĄch â everyone is welcome.
