Record Crowds and Trad Spirit: Joe Mooney Summer School 2025 Deemed a Rousing Success

DRUMSHANBO, CO. LEITRIM – July 27, 2025 – The 35th annual Joe Mooney Summer School of Traditional Irish Music, Song, and Dance concluded on Saturday, July 26th, after a week-long celebration that drew record-breaking numbers of students and visitors to the picturesque town of Drumshanbo.

The week cemented Drumshanbo’s reputation as a vital hub for Irish culture, with classes, concerts, and spontaneous sessions filling every corner of the community from morning until late evening.

Unprecedented Attendance

The 2025 event experienced one of its busiest festivals to date, attracting nearly 1,300 students and featuring a faculty of 65 world-class tutors from across Ireland and abroad.

"The enthusiasm this year was palpable. We had students from as far away as Japan, America, and continental Europe—the global reach of Irish traditional music is stronger than ever," commented Dessy Doyle, Chairperson of the Joe Mooney Summer School Committee. "We were truly packed to the rafters, utilizing virtually every available venue in the town to accommodate the demand for lessons in fiddle, flute, concertina, pipes, and dancing."

Highlights of the Week

The program was a testament to the school’s dedication to teaching and preserving traditional arts:

• Diverse Instruction: Classes catered to all skill levels, from complete beginners on the tin whistle to advanced workshops in set dancing and sean nós singing.

• Star-Studded Concerts: The official program included a spectacular opening concert with the West Kerry collective CUAS, and the Grand Traditional Concert on Thursday night, showcasing the exceptional talent of the tutors.

• Cultural Immersion: The town experienced an electric atmosphere with constant impromptu music sessions spilling from the local pubs onto the High Street. The fine, mostly dry weather greatly contributed to the success of the outdoor music and dancing.

• Legacy Honoured: A special talk, A Life in Traditional Music with Charlie Piggott, and a moving wreath-laying ceremony at the graveside of the late Joe Mooney reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to the man who championed the local heritage.

Pádraig Mac Samhráin, a music instructor at the Summer School, noted the fantastic energy. "The mild weather allowed for multiple street sessions, and the students were incredibly diverse and keen to learn. It’s wonderful to see generations of musicians, from under-10s to late 60s, learning together."

Economic Boost for Leitrim

The week provided a significant boost to the local economy. Hotels, B&Bs, and local businesses reported peak trade, highlighting the Summer School's importance as a flagship event for County Leitrim tourism.

The Joe Mooney Summer School Committee extends its deepest gratitude to the tutors, the hundreds of volunteers, the local community, and the participants who made the 35th festival an overwhelming cultural and commercial triumph.

Contact: Clare Mc Cabe Hon. Secretary Joe Mooney Summer School [email protected]

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