Rockchapel Gathering Weekend Delivers Unforgettable Celebration of Music, Community and Culture

Photos by Neily Curtin

Rockchapel village came alive from June 6th to June 8th, with the much anticipated Rockchapel Gathering Weekend. The hills of Rockchapel were alive with the sound of music, laughter, and local pride This annual event delivered a vibrant mix of music, culture, arts and crafts. Rockchapel Gathering Weekend lived up to every expectation - and then some. From start to finish, the village was transformed into a vibrant stage for tradition, talent, and togetherness. With activities designed to bring people together, this weekend was a testament to the enduring spirit of Rockchapel.

The weekend opened in style on Friday evening at Bruach na Carraige, where the acclaimed Fermanagh band, Tully, wowed the crowd with their rousing performance. Local favourites The McAuliffe Family added a special Rockchapel touch, ensuring the weekend began on a high note.

Saturday morning’s “Community Cuppa” coffee morning proved as heartwarming as it was entertaining, with music from John McAuliffe & Friends and a magician delighting the younger crowd. That afternoon, Murphy’s Bar hosted a lively Kids Music Session, while singers filled Paddy Molly’s Bar with harmonies under the guidance of Eibhlín and Liam Broderick.

The standout event of the weekend was undoubtedly Saturday night’s “Three Counties Challenge” - a variety show extravaganza where Cork, Kerry, and Limerick went head-to-head in a spectacular showcase of music, drama, and comedy. The packed crowd at Rockchapel Community Centre roared with applause, and the buzz around the event will surely echo for weeks to come. Congratulations to the victorious Cork team and their captain Eily Mai Hickey.

Sunday morning brought a moment of reflection with a soulful Trad Mass, followed by a family-friendly Craft Fair that turned the church grounds into a festival playground. From the Animal Roadshow to the kids’ tractor run, face painting, and art corner, there was no shortage of smiles plus the Slow Bike Race for the adults! The addition of food, coffee, and ice cream trucks ensured bellies were as full as hearts.

The weekend’s grand finale, a free outdoor concert, drew a massive crowd as Up in Smoke and The Rising delivered high-energy performances that had the entire village dancing.

And just when it seemed the night might wind down, DJ Donal took over, spinning tunes late into the evening and bringing the curtain down on a truly remarkable weekend.

Nightly music sessions in both Murphy’s and Paddy Molly’s Bars kept the tunes rolling throughout the weekend, with musicians from near and far joining in the spontaneous celebrations.

The Rockchapel Gathering Weekend 2025 will be remembered as a joyful celebration of culture, community, and connection - and already, the village is buzzing with ideas for next year. The committee would like to give a special word of thanks to main sponsors Paddy Molly’s and Murphy’s Bar, and also a big thank you to IRD Duhallow and Cork Council for their support throughout the weekend.

The McAuliffe Family opened for Tully and put on a great show on the opening night of the festival.

The Fermanagh band Tully performed in Bruach na Carraige on the opening night of the festival.

Dan Shine and friends playing at a music session in Paddy Mollys as part of the Gathering Weekend.

Mary Linehan, Kathleen Barry and Noin Deely at the Community Cuppa which was held on the Saturday morning of the festival.

Myster Magic proved to be hugely popular entertaining all the children at the Community Cuppa.

A large crowd attended the three counties challenge concert which saw the Cork team victorious.

The Kerry show at the Three Counties Challenge

The Cork Show at the Three Counties Challenged with a guest appearance from Nancy Lehane, the newly crowned Cork Rose.

Seamus Hickey, Siobhan O’Neill and Eily Mai Hickey who led the Cork Team for the three counties challenge.

The Guiney family celebrate as they lift the cup as winners of the Three Counties Challenge.

Participants of the Slow Bike Race at the Rockchapel Gathering Festival.

James and Padraig O’Connell who were the winners of the slow bike race.

117 children participated in the Tractor Run, which is a highlight for many at the Rockchapel Gathering Festival.

The band ‘Up In Smoke’ had the crowd out dancing at the open air concert on Sunday as part of the Rockchapel Gathering Festival.

Henry Keogh hosted an Art Exhibition in the Old Post Office as part of the Gathering Festivities featuring local artists from the area.

Some of the exhibits at the Art Exhibition in the Old Post Office which were on display as part of the Gathering Festival in Rockchapel.