Bealtaine in Duhallow

Bealtaine In Duhallow

The Duhallow Saoi Network was delighted to see a return of the Bealtaine Festival post covid with many of the favourite in person events back on the calendar. Bealtaine is a festival held throughout the month of May which aims to promote actively ageing and encouraging older people to get involved in their community. Hundreds of older people got involved in events in their community with a wide range of activities from the Duhallow Dawn Chorus, Tea Dances, to Culture and Heritage evenings, as well as Chairperson Jack Roche’s Famous Mystery Tour, Walks, Day Time Cinema and the Duhallow Seniors Concert. The following are some of our favourite photos from this year’s festivities.

Mary O’Brien, Elenor Burke, and Rita Guiney of the Newmarket Knitting and Crochet group at an art exhibition and trad session in the CYMS Hall, Newmarket

Kate and Norman Wilson

Tessie Kelleher, Cullen, with her daughter Teresa, enjoying the Bealtaine Festival party hosted by the Newmarket Thursday Club at the CYMS Hall. Tessie will celebrate her 104th Birthday in August.

Rita O'Connor pictured with her own work

Sheila Fitzgerald performed at the event

Dermot Jones and Marie Forrest

Jack Roche’s Mystery tour group visited Cork Gaol, the Cobh Heritage Centre, and Fota House. They also had lunch in Cobh’s Commodore Hotel and dinner at The Wild Goose in Mallow.

On stage at the Sinsir Club. The Bealtaine Festival Concert in Castlemagner.

The Tureencahill Singers

The Castlemagner Singers

Eileen Lehane sang Amazing Grace

Sister and brother duo Isobel and Ronal Hynes performed on the day