Cavan Day brings global Cavan family together
The second annual Cavan Day, which took place last Saturday, September 25, saw Cavan people at home and abroad come together on social media in a hugely successful global celebration of the county and its people.
The campaign, organised by Cavan County Council, fosters links between the county and its diaspora, attracting a worldwide reach of more than eight million people.
Joining in the online celebration were golf superstar Leona Maguire, Cavan men’s football captain Raymond Galligan, celebrity chef Neven Maguire, comedian Kevin McGahern, ‘Fair City’ and ‘The Snapper’ star Tina Kelleher, paralympic hero Britney Arendse, and US tennis star and ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe.
A special ‘Cavan Day Live’ cultural showcase, filmed at Town Hall Cavan and directed by Virginia filmmaker Alan Bradley, featured some of the best Cavan has to offer in the world of the arts, with performances from Lisa O’Neill, The Zen Arcade, Martin Donohoe and friends, Ady Saj, Mel Doherty, the Galligan family, Shane McCloskey, Rebeca Sanchez, Ellen O’Brien and a Latvian traditional dance troupe.
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Tommy Ryan, said the initative shone a positive light on Cavan to an international audience: “Cavan Day is first and foremost about bringing Cavan people, those with Cavan ancestry, and those with an affinity for the county together, and with people joining in from every corner of the globe as well as all across the island of Ireland, we certainly achieved that goal.”
Mr Ryan commended all involved in the day: “I wish to thank the team in Cavan County Council who laid the foundations of this successful initiative, director Alan Bradley and presenter Louise O’Reilly and the rest of the Cavan Day Live crew and, of course, the Cavan people and friends of Cavan around the world who brought Cavan Day to life with their photos, videos, and messages of positivity and hope.”
Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Clifford Kelly said the initiative showcased the spectacular scenery, abundant artistic talent, and incredible sporting achievements of the Breffni county: “The positivity and goodwill engendered by the Cavan Day initiative will no doubt create a favourable impression of the county among people who may not have been aware of all that Cavan has to offer. I have no doubt that this worthwhile event will help to drive investment in the county in the future.”
The Cavan Day Live special remains available to view online at Facebook.com/cavancalling or YouTube.com/cavancoco