18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford's hugely popular Phil Murphy Weekend to take place – ‘It's an incredible event with a great buzz in the village'
'It's been going for a long time now. It was established to honour the memory of Phil Murphy who was a harmonica player from the area here who died in 1989. Such was the success of the memorial weekend that it was continued as an annual event,' says John.
The festival has attracted some of the biggest names in Irish music and this year is no different.
'They do concerts and sit in for sessions and mix in with the community. Its for everyone.' John is appreciative the support the festival has received from local and national politicians like Cllr Jim Codd and Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.
The area's unique association and deep roots with Irish music is not a new one. Patrick Joseph McCall, born in 1861 and best known as the writer of 'Boolavogue' would holiday in the area.
This year's programme is set to be one of the festival's most exciting, with one of the most anticipated performances seeing 'Cherish the Ladies' take to the festival marquee stage. 'They're based a lot of the time in America but have recently toured in Ireland. The only Irish tour they are doing this summer is in Carrick on Bannow.'
For John there is something special about this festival.
'We have some of the top acts in the traditional music scene, performing here in a very intimate environment. Its not very often you can see acts of the calibre that we have in a very quaint and up-close venue. Aswell as the concerts, there are sessions and gatherings. It's an incredible weekend with a great buzz in the village.'
The Wexford band TULUA are home grown and are past performers at the festival. 'But this year we're not going to have them because they're touring Canada next week and just back for the Fleadh. So we'll let Canada have them for one year' he jokes.
John has been at every single festival over three decades. One act in particular stands out for him on a personal level. 'I think it was when Paul Brady played in the church here a few years ago. It was amazing to have had him here and it was a really beautiful concert.
