Official Opening with Eamon O Cuiv

Éamon Ó Cuív has been a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for Irish culture, language and rural communities for over four decades. A former Cabinet Minister, he played a central role in the development of key initiatives such as the CLÁR Programme, the Rural Social Scheme, and the Official Languages Act, and was deeply involved in the peace process on this island.

Having served in Dáil Éireann from 1992 until his retirement in 2024, Éamon continues to contribute to public life through voluntary and cultural work. In 2025, he serves as President of Oireachtas na Gaeilge. We are honoured to welcome him to officially open this year’s festival.

Music and dance with Maire Walsh’s Grúpa Ceoil