The Marquee in Drumlish Festival, celebrated in song and story, takes place in the Co Longford village this coming weekend. Its origins date back to the 1960s and 1970s, a time when the famous pole marquees sprung up in many small towns and villages during the summer months.

The festival got a whole new lease of life after local singer Declan Nerney recorded a song called The Marquee in Drumlish, a number penned by Henry McMahon, bandleader with the famous Mainliners. The song tells the story of Declan’s rise to fame in the business, starting off with his interest in seeing the showbands playing in Drumlish when he was just a wee chap.

“The four-day festival has earned its reputation in recent years by attracting big name acts, including The Saw Doctors, Big Tom, Mike Denver, Kodaline, Bressie, Ryan Sheridan and Nathan Carter. It is a mixture of country, folk and rock music, which means there is something for everyone over the weekend,” says Eimear Kelleher, one of the organisers.

This year, country followers have two big nights to look forward to. On Saturday night, 16 August, Johnny Brady from Antrim and his band get the show on the road in the Big Red Barn.

This will be followed by the man of the moment, Nathan Carter, whose entourage will roll into Drumlish like the showbands of former years.

The limelight falls on hometown champion Declan Nerney on Monday night, 18 August. The Declan Nerney and Friends night is sure to attract a large gathering from all over.

Joining Declan and his band for his 25th anniversary celebration night will be a host of guest artists, including Margo O’Donnell, Michael English, Mick Flavin, Gerry Guthrie, Lisa McHugh and others.

The Drumlish Festival also reaches out to other styles of music. On Friday, the opening night, the featured acts are Rugged Wood from Tullamore, Hermitage Green and Fergal D’Arcy. On stage on Sunday, 17 August, are Damien Dempsey, Poroma, Mundy and The Aftermath.

“The Festival brings great life and excitement to our area,” says Declan Nerney. “It is a wonderful tradition going back over the years and I am delighted to have played a role in its revival through the song. Fair dues to all the voluntary workers and committee who go to such bother to ensure that Drumlish is the place to be in the middle of August.

“We had a massive night here in 2011 when Big Tom and The Mainliners came to the village. It was unbelievable. People came to Drumlish from as far away as Waterford, Wexford and Tyrone. It was a very emotional night for me to see my heroes back in Drumlish after many decades.

“I am delighted that so many long-time friends from the country music scene will join me for the celebrations next Monday night and do a few songs on stage with my band. It has the makings of another very special night.”

More details about the festival, held in association with Fr Manning Gaels GFC, can be found on

www.themarqueeindrumlish.ie