Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival launched

The eleventh annual Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, which will be held for the first time this year in Tullamore, was launched last night (Thursday). Guest musicians including Offaly's own Mundy and Christy Dunne with his band Uncle Arthur were just some of the musicians who gave those gathered for the launch in the Bridge House Hotel a taste of what's to come during the festival that's scheduled for September 20-23. Festival organiser Chris Keenan, wife of the late banjo master Johnny Keenan whom the festival is named after, told the Offaly Independent prior to the launch the event was to let the local community know exactly what's to come. "This is our eleventh year, but it's our first year in Tullamore," she said, adding that the launch was mostly to spread the word about the festival and give locals information. Musicians who entertained last night included Mundy, Christy Dunne and Uncle Arthur, Bending the Strings and members of Offaly Comhaltas. Both Mundy and Bending the Strings are also due to appear as part of the festival in September that will include concerts, workshops, a busking competition and local exhibits. Chris was also keen to point out that the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival is not exclusively about banjos. "It covers all instruments, not just banjo," she said. "The festival was created in memory of my husband. He was mostly known as a banjo player, but he could play everything." Chris said that since news of the festival's move from its birthplace in Longford to Tullamore was announced in January, organisers have encountered nothing but positivity from Offalians. "The reception so far has been extremely positive," she said. "We're delighted by that." Tullamore was chosen as the growing festival's new home thanks to its accommodation options, its central location and it past success at hosting festivals including Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Should the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival grow even more in coming years, Chris said she's happy that Tullamore can contain it. "We know Tullamore could handle it," she said. "We're looking at the longterm plan here." The internationally renowned banjo festival injected upwards of €1m into Longford's economy annually. With the festival now growing it's hoped that at least that sum will be injected into Tullamore's economy going forward. For more on the festival see www.johnnykeenan.com