Céilí at the Crossroads

A HARDY group of 200 people braved the inclement weather last Saturday, July 22, to take part in the annual Céilí at the Crossroads in the Glenasmole Valley in Bohernabreena.

Despite the heavy downpours, the event’s organising committee went ahead with the event which was well received by the attendees.

The dancing element of the night, with live music provided by trad musicians, was pushed back from 7.30pm to 9pm as many people sheltered in the gazebos that were dotted around the crossroads.

Another typical feature of the céilí is that people in attendance will dress up in vintage clothing in reference to the heritage of the event, which stemmed from the early 1900s.

A committee of local people revived the Céilí at the Crossroads in 2015, after learning that the crossroads at Cunard had previously been the site of céilís in the early 1900s.

However, in 2023, the vintage clothes that harked back to the history of the event were traded for more weather-appropriate attire.

Pull The Wool performing on stage at the Céilí at the Crossroads

Myles Murphy from the Glenasmole Céilí Committee told The Echo: “An effort was made by some, but the priority on Saturday night was coats and umbrellas.

“It was fantastic, albeit with heavy rain and downpours, but people got into the spirit of it.

“This is the seventh year that we’ve held the céilí, but it was the first one we had where it rained – but it didn’t in any way dampen the enthusiasm of anyone there.”

The committee came close to cancelling the event, but ultimately decided not to, as an application for a road closure takes six weeks to secure, and bands had already been booked for the event.

However, despite the rain there were many smiling faces at the event with no shortage of people getting into the swing of things.

The revellers enjoyed their time so much that the céilí continued into the early hours of Sunday morning, to the delight of the organisers.

“It gave us the best feeling, that we went ahead with it, and it gives you a great sense of doing something for the community and getting people together,” added Myles.

“We want to thank everyone sincerely for coming and braving the elements – it’s important to keep the event going.”

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