Mayo Day - the day dedicated to the celebration of Mayo's culture, vibrant communities, and unquenchable spirit - returns for its fifth year on Saturday, May 4.
The theme of the 2019 Mayo Day is The Mayo Word, representing our communities, our creativity, our connection to a pride of place, both here in this county and around the globe.
The Mayo Word will be discussed, celebrated and defined through this Mayo Day campaign, culminating in a flagship event taking place at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough, on Saturday, May 4.
The first musical acts to play at this year’s festival have now been confirmed and will see some of the best young musicians in Ireland take to the stage at the Museum of Country Life. Mayo’s own Lisa Canny, Cronin and Hit Machine Drummers will all be performing at Turlough House with the headline act to be announced in the coming weeks.
Born and bred in Mayo, Lisa Canny is a notably talented musician; best known for her enchanting covers and captivating live performances. Crowned UK Future Music’s Songwriting Champion in 2016, followed closely by a Late Late Show performance, a top 5 debut E.P. release and a sell-out UK and Ireland tour in May 2018, her homecoming show is one not to be missed.
Some Gastronomic delights also await in the Food Village, where visitors can enjoy tasty fare from Noo Chocolates, with Mary Corrigan displaying for sale her famous handmade chocolates created using Mayo produce. If it’s something retro you are looking for, drop by The Fire Slice for some amazing Woodfire Pizza created by Val. Jay will be on site with Mac and Spud to dish up his mouth watering mackerel and fried potato and why not stock up for your Sunday fry with some mouth watering sausages and pudding from Kelly’s of Newport Butchers.
Peter Hynes Chief Executive of Mayo County Council said: "Mayo Day 2019 is all about asking ourselves the questions; what does being part of the Mayo community mean to me? How do I communicate my sense of pride of being from Mayo? The Mayo Word and how it is conveyed into action is represented throughout all elements this year’s Mayo Day campaign."
The Made of Mayo Craft and Design showcase will be returning in 2019. This is an opportunity for premium artisans and designers to display their valued work in a relaxed showcase environment. Some of those who will be in Turlough House this year include spectacular original and limited edition artwork from Saileen D’Art, Hand forged Ironwork & sculptures by Iron Excellence, Divas by Dee’s bespoke frames for all occasions and handmade violins and other bowed instruments by Kevin Sykes.
Once again this year, Lá Mhaigh Eo will become a major part of the 2019 flagship event - The Mayo Word. The Gaeilge Mhaigh Eo Area will be showcasing everything that's charming and inviting about our Irish Language and Heritage through live music, dance, arts, crafts, food, demonstrations agus ar ndóigh neart craic.
The special guest on the day will be An tUasal Joe Byrne, (Presenter of Ceol agus Ealaíon, Midwest Radio ) a gentleman well known for his love of Gaeilge, Ceol agus Caint. There will also be live music with Seoda, Damhsa ar an Sean-nós le Liam Scanlon agus buaiteoirí an Chomórtas Amhrán Nua Chumtha trí Ghaeilge. Buail isteach chugainn i bpuball Ghaeilge Mhaigh Eo, agus má tá cúpla focal agat nó má cheapann tú mór duit féin mar dhamhsóir, beidh míle fáilte roimh chách!
Mayo Arts Service will work with Castlebar-born Emer McGarry, to curate this year’s exhibition at Turlough House. Emer is currently Interim Director at The Model, Sligo, which is home of The Niland Collection, and is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. Mayo has a vibrant arts community and this exhibition presents a selection of work in a variety of media and offers a wonderful view of the breadth of arts practice in the county. The selection includes artists Niamh O’Malley, Mick O’Dee and Joanna Hopkins, to name a few.
Cllr Blackie Gavin, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, added: "The Mayo Day celebration has gone from strength to strength since it was first launched five years ago and has now become a force to be reckoned with."
