The Tipperary Town Music Festival took place over four days in May. The festival kicked off on May 11th with Cliona Hagan, supported by Louise Morrissey. Friday night was the first night to sell out, with the hugely popular The Tumbling Paddies. Saturday night was another sold out night with the dancing queens Abbaesque and a hopping 90s disco. Country music star Mike Denver closed out the hugely successful weekend on the Sunday night.

The Tipperary Music Festival was the brainchild of music promoter John O Brien Obs Kilross, and chairperson Eamonn Ryan of the The Porter House. John and Eamonn wanted to bring a music festival Tipperary Town, with the idea that this would become an annual event for the town. With a plan in place, and a fantastic committee formed, huge support from local business, the festival steamed ahead.

Over the weekend huge crowds attended the Tipperary Town Festival, and having spoke to some of the people who attended over the four nights and to local businesses, everyone was very happy with the weekend, with many hotels and B&Bs reporting an increase in their business over the weekend.

The following piece is from Stevie O’Donnell, committee member, who was on hand each night and met some of the people who attended the festival.

Music lovers travelled from many parts of Ireland and some traveled from England to soak up the atmosphere and get close up to their heroes. The town needed a buzz and they certainly got it, some of the visitors from Northern Ireland said they were thrilled to make the trip to Tipp for the excellent music, Michelle Ellis and Sharon Barrett travelled from the London area and they were buzzing with Abbaesque on Saturday night.

4 ladies from Antrim came to see Mike Denver and the were so happy to see the scenic glen of Aherlow, they can’t wait to come back.

I spoke with others who came from Salford near Manchester and a group of 10 came from Bristol, they came to see the Tumbling Paddies and they just loved the atmosphere.

I also met people who came from Bunclody in Wexford and they really enjoyed the visit to Tipp. Dave O’Connor who lives in Stafford England has very strong links with Tipp town was watching the music on social media and he was very impressed with the crowd and especially the work that was put before, during and after the gigs.

Well done to the committee, all the wonderful stewards, Red Cross, security, An Garda Síochána Tipperary, sponsors, DJ Brendán Buckley and the legendary DJ Richie (Richard Moloney) the excellent bar staff, all singers and their bands and of course to all the people who attended.

Thank you to all the businesses who supported the festival.