Spectators gather for ancient Celtic fire procession that welcomes summer
Hundreds of spectators have gathered for a Celtic fire festival marking the beginning of summer in Co Westmeath.
A procession of light and fire was held at the Hill of Uisneach, an ancient ceremonial site steeped in Irish mythology.
Performers dressed in Celtic costumes and donned leaf head-dresses as they re-enacted life and traditions from centuries ago.
At the end of the procession, a huge fire was lit welcoming the summer, a ritual that dates back more than 1,000 years to the time of the High Kings of Ireland.
The Bealtaine Fire Festival, held on Saturday, also offered a talk on prehistoric astronomy, poetry and storytelling, music and drumming before the procession began at sundown.
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Scottish Sun
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On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later? "We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way. "Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always. "The four of us can't quite believe its been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world. We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can't wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x." Westlife fans were divided at the statement in the comment section. One told the lads: "I don't know whether to cry with happiness that you're finally coming back for your 25th year anniv or sob at the fact that mark won't be joining you to celebrate it. I'm so overwhelmed…" "Love you guys... BUT, Westlife isn't Westlife without Mark. 3 just don't cut it," another wrote, with a third pondering: "I wonder if Bryan McFadden will possibly join them for some shows?" Brian McFadden was a member of Westlife before leaving in March 2004. Mark first opened up about his health struggles last year when he announced his departure from Westlife. Sharing a heartfelt message on the band's official Instagram account, he wrote: "Hello and much love to you all! It's Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while. It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into AandE." He continued: "I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe " Sepsis", a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU." Mark revealed that he was discharged from hospital in December 2020 but has since grappled with chronic health issues. He elaborated: "In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in AandE, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December. I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour." "Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me. I developed a very large 'incisional hernia' and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option." Fortunately, his most recent surgery was successful, yet Mark acknowledged his need to take a step back to recuperate. "It is with the utmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual," he confessed. "Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years." He expressed his gratitude towards his family and medical team for their support during his health struggles. Mark went on: "To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you'll knock it out of the park. I'll be there with you in spirit for each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world." Openly acknowledging his current condition, he confided: "But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don't worry. Sending the most positive vibes in your direction, I will see you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx."
