Moments to remember from Maevefest

In Pictures: Highlights from July 1st 2017, when Ramelton welcomed a feast of music, dance, art and spoken word for Maevefest.

Maeve Sweeney O’Connor

The first festival of its kind was organised by locals to remember Donegal woman Maeve O’Connor and to raise funds for Donegal Hospice.

The inaugural Maevefest was a day-long summer party in memory of Maeve O’Connor, proud Dungloe woman and long-time resident of Ramelton.

Friends and family gathered from all over to celebrate Maeve, who passed away in 2016. She was a local stage manager and the former volunteer coordinator of the Earagail Arts Festival and Donegal’s Culture Night celebrations, as well as a talented singer and actress in her own right.

Maria Doyle Kennedy headlines MAEVEFEST LIVE in Ramelton’s Town Hall featuring Villagers guitarist Tommy McLoughlin, acclaimed comedian Ursula Burns, AKA The Dangerous Harpist, and local Ramelton legends The Shindig House Band, amongst many others.

Earlier in the day, The Ramelton Social was a special event of comedy, spoken word and music hosted by Maeve’s daughter Aoife O’Connor. Plus, two creative workshops for kids were a feast of fun for young locals.

Check out the photos from the day here, with thanks to Derek O’Connor for sharing them:

Maria Doyle Kennedy with Aoife, Anthony and Derek O’Connor

Maria Doyle Kennedy and husband Kieran brought the magic to Maevefest.

Dangerous harpist Ursula Burns wows the sell-out audience.

Members of the Shindig House Band pose outside Ramelton Town Hall with their pet wolf.

Choreographer Kevin Murphy leads the kids’ creative dance session.

Maeve O’Connor’s son Anthony and father Peter ‘Dodo’ Sweeney pose with her portrait.

Poet and historian Eddie O’Donnell reads a poem at the spoken word sessions.

Maria Doyle Kennedy and husband Kieran won a standing ovation.