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Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Monaghan: Five stand-out things to do this weekend
Though the Farney County might not immediately spring to mind, a growing number of families have discovered that Monaghan offers a complete change of scenery and pace, as well as a surprising amount to see and do for all the family. Here is a flavour of just some of those attractions ahead of what is expected to be a Bank Holiday weekend to savour. First established in 2001, this free of charge and for all ages event is without doubt one of the most eagerly awaited spectacles on the local calendar. Heading up its impressive itinerary is a wide and diverse offering of live music, featuring a whole host of leading lights from the world of country music. At the top of that list is none other than Antrim singing sensation Johnny Brady with The Wolfe Tones and Tina Turner tribute band, Proud Mary. No fewer than 11 other acts, offering a wide and eclectic range of music to cater for all tastes have similarly been added by event organisers. For the younger generation, face painting and a perennially popular funfair has also been included alongside the availability of a magician. A spokesperson on behalf of the event's organising committee said this year's festivities promised to be among its most memorable in recent memory. 'As always, we would like to invite you to come and enjoy this free, for-all-ages, event. Each year, the June Bank Holiday, is a special occasion for the people of Carrickmacross and indeed the committee, both past and present, as there is always something for all tastes and everyone is catered for,' said the spokesperson. 'A hard-working group of local volunteers have offered their time and efforts, along with the support of Monaghan County Council and businesses in the area, into making this one of Ireland's most popular family festivals. 'An event like this is a huge task and, as always, the work behind the scenes is never underestimated by the Committee or indeed, the people of Carrickmacross. All volunteers are working hard to make this year's festival even bigger and better than before for everyone who comes to visit.' It all kicks off from May 30 to June 2. Take in a visit to a local a local market Monaghan Town Farmer's Market is a hive of activity each and every Friday and this coming bank holiday promises to be no different as a raft of local produce will be on offer for members of the public. From delectable meats and veg as well to sumptuous cakes and pickles, you name it Monaghan have it as proceedings get off the ground from 10am until 2pm. If you can't make it to Monaghan, make sure to take in a visit to Glaslough as its monthly outdoor market returns, with a range of food, crafts and variety stalls to peruse at your leisure in the heart of the village. It all takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday afternoon. Musical masterclass set for Monaghan's Garage Theatre This Saturday, The Garage Theatre will be the place to be as it rolls out the red carpet for Footloose – The Musical. In what is a classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression, this must see artistical spectacular features a delightful combination of dance choreography and realistic and touching performances. Those interested in attending can book by logging onto the Garage Theatre's website. Social Dancing at Sliabh Beagh Hotel A new month and a new opportunity to get your dancing shoes out for an afternoon to savour at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel. This idyllic venue offers Failte Ireland approved accommodation and delicious dining options on-site - a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of life. For further details and music line-up visit the Sliabh Beagh Hotel Facebook page or contact the hotel directly on (047) 89014. Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook Sample the delights of Lough Muckno Leisure Park There are hidden gems and then there are hidden gems that instantly make you sit up and take notice. Castleblayney's Lough Muckno Leisure Park undoubtedly fits into the latter category in that it of can offer something to suit all ages. Here you will find some of Monaghan's best buggy friendly walks, a fabulous adventure playpark (suitable for ages 2-12), picnic areas and coffee truck, as well as a wide range of kids activities including sailing, kayaking and tree-climbing, courtesy of Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre.
Sunday World
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
‘It's an absolute disgrace' – The Wolfe Tones are ‘totally behind' under-fire Kneecap
'They were just drawing attention to atrocities in Gaza,' says Wolfe Tones' Brian Warfield Brian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones performing at the Electric Picnic in 2023. Photo: Kieran Frost/Redferns The Wolfe Tones are the latest Irish and UK musicians to publicly voice their support for under-fire Belfast group Kneecap. It follows last week's revelation that the rappers are being investigated by counter-terrorism police in the UK following a video allegedly showing them calling for the deaths of British Tory MPs. They are also feeling the heat from an incendiary performance at the Coachella music festival in California last month during which they described Israel's military action in Gaza as a US-funded genocide. As a result, group members have been called anti-Semitic and 'terrorist sympathisers' of Hamas and Hezbollah. Kneecap have courted controversy in recent weeks Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th Due to the controversies, Kneecap have had numerous summer festivals and show appearances cancelled in Europe and America. However, a string of artists including Christy Moore, Fontaines DC, Paul Weller, Pulp, Massive Attack and Shane MacGowan's widow Victoria Mary Clarke are supporting Kneecap. And in an exclusive interview with the Sunday World, Brian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones said: 'We are totally behind Kneecap. I believe those young lads are very courageous and we don't want them left out there on their own. 'They are only starting their career and we totally and absolutely support them. It's an absolute disgrace that they are being portrayed as public enemy number one at the moment. 'We went through that ourselves for years. Our music was banned from radio by the then Minister Conor Cruise O'Brien under Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act in the '70s. That Act banned paramilitaries from speaking on the airwaves, but he included us in that saying he didn't want to hear any more Wolfe Tones-type songs on the radio because it was supporting violence in the North. 'So you couldn't sing a song about any Irish hero at all because they felt it was supporting violence. It was a ridiculous comparison to make.' Singer-songwriter and musician Warfield says he fully backs the stance taken by Kneecap on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Brian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones performing at the Electric Picnic in 2023. Photo: Kieran Frost/Redferns 'Kneecap were just drawing attention to the atrocities in Gaza,' Brian says. 'I think that's their objective. They are angry about it. They want to… highlight what's going on because nobody seems to be supporting the Palestinians and nobody seems to be looking at what really is happening, which is a genocide and ethnic cleansing. And I have no doubt about that…it's what Netanyahu wants. 'I support the Palestinian cause and I just don't understand why the world is not up in arms about what's going on. 'It's just heartbreaking when you look at the children being starved. It's very difficult to look at it. I have to force myself to look at it because I want to know what's happening there. 'And just because I would criticise Israel for what is happening in Gaza, it doesn't mean I'm anti-Semitic, far from it. Kneecap criticising Israel doesn't mean they are supporting Hamas or are anti-Semitic or anything like that. 'I believe that everybody has a place in the world and the way the Israelis have treated the Palestinians is beyond belief. It should be called out more and it's not. And that's worrying. 'So I think it's totally unfair to demonise Kneecap for speaking out. They are on the crest of a wave and the way they speak out takes a lot of courage.' Celebrity Sharon Osbourne has called for Kneecap's work visa to be revoked for America. 'I couldn't believe that,' Brian says. 'I thought she'd be more understanding being married to a famous musician (Ozzy). I thought she'd have a greater understanding of the way musicians are very outspoken about things. ' Kneecap's manager Daniel Lambert said the group are happy to apologise in person to the daughter of murdered British Conservative MP David Amess after the controversy over a chant of 'kill your local MP.' Kneecap have already published an online apology to the families of Mr Amess and Labour MP Joe Cox after footage from a gig in 2023 allegedly showed one member saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' They also insisted that they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah.
