Irish culture was most certainly embraced and celebrated during the inaugural hosting of Féile na Sionainne, a three day festival which graced the streets of Athlone from August 6-8 inclusive.
Complementing the 2023 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann taking place in Mullingar until August 14, Féile na Sionainne showcased Athlone’s history, heritage and culture, through the form of music, song and dance.
Over the course of the three day event, a vast array of traditional music and cultural workshops was on offer to members of the Midlands public with a clear focus on inclusivity for all those who attended.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Athlone’s hosting of the 1953 Fleadh and to mark this occasion, a commemorative paving-stone was unveiled by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann executive members, along with the Mullingar All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil committee on Tuesday morning under the Canopy on Church Street.
The Féile na Sionainne committee have expressed their sincere gratitude to all who helped to make the inaugural three day festival a popular occasion one which it is hoped will be replicated in the years ahead.
"Without your support and participation we would not have been in a position to host this three day festival. We hope that Féile na Sionainne will become an annual event here in Athlone, which will both support, encourage and develop a culture of Irish music, song and dance in the town of Athlone," a committee spokesperson said this week.
