Roscrea ready to rock for inaugural music festival

The countdown is on for Roscrea's inaugural music festival on Castle Street this weekend.

Saturday, September 12th will see multiple local and up and coming bands take to the outdoor stage on Castle Street from 1pm and do what they do best all day long - entertain!

The free family friendly festival will take place right on Castle Street, in the shadow of the stunning Roscrea Castle and the centre of the beautiful heritage town.

The town is already buzzing with excitement for what is sure to be a fantastic day for locals and visitors alike, for the festival which will culminate with the amazing ABBA Gold by 8:45pm.

“The festival will come to a close by 10pm, making it a full day of homegrown music, a party atmosphere and a fantastic day for Roscrea and it's surrounds. Everyone is welcome so come along and let's have a party,” member of the organising committee, Aoife Redmond said.

Chairperson of the committee, Alison Hynes, thanked the main sponsor, Soleire Renewables and thanked Tipperary County Council, Premier Credit Union and the local businesses who donated and helped create the first of what will become an annual highlight.

"To the artists, who are donating their time and talent, we express our deepest gratitude for bringing the party to Castle Street.

“We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and positivity when we looked for acts and funding. Without this joint effort from businesses and artists alike this free event would not be possible.

"We are asking the public to join us in celebrating Roscrea’s local talent. We look forward to what we hope will be a musical party to remember and one we can build upon year on year,” Alison said.

Premier Credit Union CEO Brian King said the Credit Union was delighted to supportanother major event in Roscrea. “We are delighted to be one of the main sponsors of the Roscrea Music Festival and to once again demonstrate Premier Credit Union’s commitment to Roscrea and the broader local community.

"Having been the main sponsor of the Country Fleadh in May, alongside the many other local sponsorships and initiatives we support, we are very pleased to support another event that brings people together and creates a real buzz around the town,” Brian King said.

MC and Comedian Donna Fletcher said: “I’m a Roscrea native now living in Dublin, and although I’ve always loved comedy, I never once thought I’d become a comedian myself — particularly after falling off a stage as a child and developing a fairly understandable fear of public speaking!

“Fast-forward to 2024 and I spotted an advert for a stand-up comedy course. I thought it might help me conquer the fear, so naturally I decided the best way to deal with it was to get on a stage and make a fool of myself voluntarily.

“After my first five-minute set, I was completely hooked and I’ve been performing all over Ireland ever since. It’s such a brilliant, supportive and nurturing scene, and I’ve been lucky enough to perform alongside comedy heroes I grew up watching on TV, as well as performing at festivals across Ireland and the UK and gigs throughout Europe.

“I really believe there’s never been a better time to be a woman in comedy — there’s a huge appetite for female comedians, and it’s fantastic to be part of that. I also co- run and MC a weekly comedy night, The Comedy Snug, at The Lotts in Dublin with another female comedian. MC’ing is a totally different skill; it’s less about telling jokes and more about chatting to the audience, reading the room and having the craic with everyone.

“Growing up in Roscrea, where you know everyone and can’t walk down the street without stopping for a chat, has actually been excellent MC training. The people of Roscrea have supported and encouraged me from the very beginning, so I’m absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to give something back to the town by MC’ing this fantastic free music festival.

“We’ve got brilliant local musicians like Jack Keeshan, Eddie Simmons and the fantastic ABBA Gold performing, along with plenty of family fun and games. So hopefully I’ll manage to get through the day without falling off another stage!,” Donna said.

Nirvana tribute act, With the Lights Out said: “It’s an absolute pleasure for us to be welcomed to Roscrea for this amazing event, and to join the long list of top class performing artists. We’re excited to get on stage and get rocking with everyone. Roll on Saturday the 12th for some good nostalgic times.”

Nenagh and Roscrea band Nomads said: “It's really great to see a town make a special effort for live music. Two of the band members come from Nenagh and we would have grown up with bands and live music three nights a week every week but it's a rarity now. Nostalgic, sob sob moment aside, we're thrilled to be a part of what will be a terrific day of live music with something for everyone.

“Huge effort has gone toward the planning of this so make sure you don't admire it from afar and get down and support local spirit and community through live music.”

Roscrea artist Jack Keeshan said: “Roscrea Music Festival is going to be class, I can't wait to play it.

“Our community has so many amazing musicians , bands and songwriters. It will be amazing for the town, Really looking forward to catching the Nirvana tribute band. Mind yourselves and we will see you there.”

Local band Essence of Blue said: “We’re really looking forward to the gig. It’ll be our first open air concert. We’re excited to play in Gráinne’s [Front-woman] hometown. It’ll be a great opportunity to showcase local talent and a great day out for all who attend.”

Roscrea Festival Line Up:

Donna Fletcher M.C 1-1.15pm

Eddie Simmons and Michael Hutchinson 1.20-2pm

James McKelvey 2.15-2.55pm

Jack Keeshan 3.10-3.50pm

The Grapevine 4.10-4.55pm

Essence Of Blue 5.10-5.55pm

With The Lights Out 6.10-7pm

Nomads 7.15-8pm

One for the Town 8-8.15pm

Abba Gold 8.45-10.15pm