The 60th anniversary of the vinyl pressing of Daniel J. Hannon’s My Native Brosna Town was celebrated at the recent festival in his honour.
The weekend event took in everything from an U-10 Gaelic Football blitz to a poetry corner and music sessions.
Here, organiser and Hannon family connected, Conor Doolan reports on the festival which has made a claim for annual status in the village calendar of events.
Brosna V Rock – Another Day
Despite the scheduled game between the footballers of Brosna and Rockchapel being postponed for another day, the Daniel J. Hannon Festival 2017 got off to a musical start in Brosna Town.
Guitar player Paraic Coleman and friends kept the show on the road in the Sportsfield Bar on Friday night.
Members of the Hannon family, Paddy Curtin, the Lane brothers and many more locals provided songs and music throughout the night.
Saturday morning kicked off with a well-attended Fun Run. Special thanks goes to Brosna Couch to 5K group and all those who helped on the day and also to Lee Strand our official sponsor.
Special Guest Jack
One very special guest was young Jack O’Grady, a grandson of Daniel Hannon visiting from New Jersey. Jack also took part in the race and presented the winners with their medals.
Former Knockaclarig National School principal and local historian, Tom Roche regaled a large crowd who turned up for his historical walk on Saturday afternoon at The Square.
Tom told his gathering tales of architecture, landlords and rebellion.
Sliabh Luachra stalwart Jack Roche took charge of the Rambling House in the Parish Hall Saturday night. Young and old all performed a variety of songs, stories and recitations. Thanks to all of our sponsors of spot prizes.Three
Duhallow Vintage Club under the stewardship of Jim O’Doherty gathered in The Square for a classic car run and made a contribution to the Brosna Playground Development Fund.
Pairc na Féile was a sea of colour as the neighbouring GAA clubs of Brosna, Knocknagoshel, Mountcollins and Cordal took part in an U-10 Football Blitz.
The ever dependable Michael Brosnan of Brosna GAA Club deserves a special mention for his assistance.
Sunday Evening Poets’ Corner
John McGrath and the Listowel Writers’ Group brought their literary flair to Flanagan’s Bar on Sunday evening’s Poets’ Corner.
Several locals also contributed poetry while compositions of Daniel Hannon were also recited.
The Hannon’s of Kilflynn played a selection of traditional music prior to the final event of the weekend.
To bring the festival to its natural conclusion a singing session was held in the Three Counties Bar. Then Brosna native Tim Murphy was presented with Galway Crystal to acknowledge his position as County Board Chairman of Kerry GAA.
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