Tributes to Irish Legends at Kilcoo Festival on the Lough

The voices of Irish legends will echo across the lough on Friday 24 May as tributes to Irish folk heroes Luke Kelly and Christy Moore perform for the crowds. [caption id="attachment_38867" align="alignleft" width="360"] Chris Kavanagh is to play his tribute to the late Luke Kelly at the Festival on the Lough[/caption]

In October 2001, ‘A Tribute to Luke Kelly‘ was launched in Dublin’s Hotpress HQ before an audience which included Luke’s family and friends.

Audiences have been excited by the strong performances. The band has toured extensively in England, Switzerland and even as far away as Australia. RTE’s Open House said: “Lead singer Chris Kavanagh bears a remarkable resemblance to Luke, while his singing talents capture the depth and passion of the great man. He is joined on stage by accomplished musicians who all consider it an honour to bring Luke’s memory to the stage in the ultimate tribute to the King of Balladeers. In November 2011 Chris stood in with folk legends The Dubliners on their German tour and made a guest appearance at their Christmas concerts in Vicar Street. You might find that you have to pinch yourself‘”. [caption id="attachment_38868" align="alignright" width="300"] Enjoy a Christ Moore tribute at the Festival on the Lough at Killcoo.[/caption]

Liam Byrne performs a tribute act to Christy Moore that will leave you wondering if it really is the man himself. In 2001 Liam took on the persona of one of Irelands greatest ever solo performers, and began to tour a show entitled “Ordinary Man – A Tribute To Christy Moore”.  Liam’s uncanny resemblance to the Kildare troubadour and his love for Christy’s vast repertoire of songs made the show an instant success nationwide.

The following year, he brought his show across the Atlantic Ocean to the USA playing in venues in New York, Boston and Chicago.  The tour was a great success and on the foot of this Liam has returned twice since. Over the years Liam has become a consummate performer and every time he takes to the stage he practically invites the audience up with him ensuring that everyone leaves with a beaming grin on their face.

Saturday 25 May will see the story of Irish history and culture told through song by The Druids, a four piece band from Co.Kildare.  The Druids burst on to the music scene early in 2009. They now play to packed houses all over Ireland and the rest of The World.  The band makes regular visits to Scotland and the UK. They were in Belgium for St.Patrick’s day 2010 and with the success of that The Druids were asked to bring their show “A Night of Irish History Through Song” to America.

[caption id="attachment_38869" align="alignleft" width="250"] The Druids.[/caption] The Druids were amazed with their response in America with radio, TV and all the local Irish papers interviewing the band.  New York FM said: “this band are totally amazing, this experience will make you relive your inner Irish culture.”

They have now become a force to be reckoned with on the Irish Music scene over the past year. They sing songs of Ireland which detail the history of the country and provide you with a night not to be forgotten.

Supporting the Druids on the Saturday night is the ever popular local band Parcel of Rouges, a great four piece band who are no strangers to the local scene have recently announced a tour to the big Apple, where they wil be playing a number of New York venues in October.

[caption id="attachment_38870" align="alignright" width="350"] The Chevys ready to rock at the Festival on the Lough in KIlcoo,[/caption] A band that are no strangers to county Down and have continued to pack venues for decades, The Chevys, will be rocking the socks of festival goers on Sunday 26 May.The Chevys are Irelands premier rock’n’roll revival band and promise to get even the worst of dancers moving.

The event organisers have said that if you’re planning your Bank Holiday weekend, plan for Féile Cois Locha, your one stop shop for great music, great craic and an almighty session!

Festival goers can eithier pay on entry or purchase your tickets in advance from the following outlets:

Thierafurth Inn – Kilcoo Walkers Newsagents – Castlewellan Dublin Rd Mini Market – Kilcoo AJC Electrical – Newcastle Downshire Arms Hotel – Hilltown Bus transport to the festival will be available over the weekend. For more information contact :

Mourne/Newcastle Area – Veronica Baldwin – 07927889975

Ballynahinch/Downpatrick Area – Peter Davidson – 07701097844

Warrenpoint/Rostrevor/Hilltown Area – Mickey Fegan – 07528000874