Making a match despite festival move

IT’S a long, long way from Clare to here. Lisdoonvarna Music Festival may be taking place in Dublin this afternoon but the traditional Matchmaking Festival let down its hair last night for the first of five fun weekends until October 5.

Objections by locals in the spa town to the music gig's return after a 20-year absence forced the organisers to take the road to Ballsbridge.

Synonymous with the event, the legendary Christy Moore will be performing today in Dublin in front of 30,000 fans.

Clare Co Council's decision to ban the 40-act event the first festival since 1983 is estimated to have cost the local economy 6 million in lost revenue. Objections by local people centred on parking facilities, road access and suitability of the festival field.

"Ninety per cent of the people around here are for the festival," said local businessman Marcus White, who expressed disappointment at the switch to Dublin. "It really draws a peaceful type of crowd."

Folk singer Moore, who immortalised the festival in his song of the same name said: "It is a pity the festival isn't going ahead in the original town. But we are all planning to make this one of the most memorable yet." Mr White suggested the "sensible thing to do" would be for the festival organisers to get round a table with the objectors to ensure the festival returned to its roots next year.

He said the Matchmaking Festival would attract 10,000 to the village every weekend until October 5 without any problem.

The festival was traditionally for achelor farmers flocking to the north Clare town in search of wives when the harvest was secured.

Horse racing music, dance and craic will get this weekend up and running.

Celebrated matchmaker Willie Daly's skills will come to the fore later in the festival.