Stars line out for Lavey Summer Carnival

The Lavey Summer Carnival is set to return, bigger than ever before, and bringing with it a sensational weekend of country music and high-energy entertainment to the Virginia Show Centre from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15.

Hosted by Lavey GAA and now entering its third year, 2025’s carnival once again promises a vibrant celebration of summer, music, and community spirit.

After drawing large crowds in previous years, the Lavey Summer Carnival is fast becoming a staple in the Irish summer entertainment calendar.

With a curated line-up of top-tier performers, this three-night festival offers something for every music fan - from nostalgic tributes to modern country legends.

Music and Memories

Friday night, June 13, sponsored by Oliver Tierney Construction, kicks off the festivities with a stand out performance by Cash Returns, a renowned tribute act honouring the legendary Johnny Cash.

Known for their electrifying live shows and uncanny resemblance to the Man in Black’s iconic sound, Cash Returns set the tone for a weekend full of music and memories.

Following the concert, the night continues with a lively 80s/90s disco hosted by DJ Stevie Dee - promising a fun-filled dance party that’ll take attendees back in time with classic hits and high-energy tunes.

Saturday night, June 14, sees the return of festival favourites Rhythm & Sticks.

Back by popular demand, the band is known for their dynamic stage presence and foot-tapping set-lists, making them one of the most exciting acts on the current Irish live music scene.

Supporting them is the much-loved One for the Road, whose crowd-pleasing mix of country hits and sing-along favourites will warm up the evening in style.

Closing out the weekend on Sunday, June 15, are two of Ireland’s top country stars: Jimmy Buckley and Johnny Brady.

That night’s entertainment is sponsored by Smith’s Vehicle Solutions Limited.

Buckley, a long-time favourite of country fans, brings his distinctive voice and wide-ranging repertoire, while Brady is back by popular demand for his second year at the carnival. Together, they’ll wrap up the weekend with a celebration of contemporary and classic Irish country music.

Carnival reborn

Chair of Lavey GAA, Cecilia Smith says the club is “looking forward to great crowds once again” at this year’s event.

Cecilia, who took over the reins of the club last December from the industrious Ciaran Tierney, recalls carnivals past, and the stories of success going back to the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

The event started in 1953, which from the outset had an objective of improving and providing facilities in the community such as a new GAA playing pitch.

Bands like the Eber Clarke Showband from Newry, Ray Lynam and the Hillbillies, the Mighty Avons among many others graced the stage over the years, much to the delight of revellers.

The weekend also helped select ‘Miss Cavan’ who would go on to compete for a chance at representing the county in the Rose of Tralee competition.

The carnival though was “reborn” after Covid restrictions lifted with the club recognising that people needed an outlet to meet each other again, and spotting the growing appetite there was attending live music events especially.

Carnival love stories

The carnival was credited in reports from the time for having played a major role in helping to revive the trend of social dancing in the district.

Many a couple met at the Lavey Summer Carnival, who’d go on to tie the knot in years to come. Some of those people have returned to the revamped version of the festival, and Lavey GAA club would love to hear from them and share their story on social media.

“The Lavey Summer Carnival was always a big event on the calendar. Many love stories began there on the dance floor, you can be sure of that, and wouldn’t it be lovely to hear from some of those people now, years after, or even their families. Maybe we’ll even throw in a ‘slow set’.”

Development

Lavey GAA has in recent years invested significant sums in developing both their club and playing facilities.

They’ve received various grants including Sports Capital and Clár funding to assist that journey, among others, and Cecilia explains that “every cent is accounted for”.

New purpose built and modern clubrooms and in-house gym have been delivered, along with accessible car parking outside.

The club has also added an astro-turf, children’s playground, a walking and running track, and have funding for a handball alley. The money raised from this year’s carnival, will continue that “important work”.

Cecilia says the club is about providing for the “whole community”.

Proud tradition

“We call it Lavey GAA community, because it is a welcoming place for everybody.”

Lavey GAA has a long and proud tradition of community involvement.

“It’s all about VOLUNTEERISM, without our volunteers nothing is possible. They are the lifeline of the club.

“Every generation improves the club and facilities a little bit more. We are building on that. It’s open to everyone to get involved, volunteers are needed for bingo, lotto, coaching and, of course, the carnival.”

Community effort

The Summer Carnival may be organised by Lavey GAA, but Cecilia says the staging of the event goes beyond that.

A lot of effort goes into staging an event of this size. It takes a lot of work from a lot of people who often go about their business behind the scenes.

“We have a very active committee who are all involved in organising various aspects of the carnival. Their work is hugely appreciated.”

Lavey GAA are very grateful too to their main sponsors, The Lavey Inn; and associate sponsors Bansal’s Centra; Trave; and The Whistlestop in Virginia.

It’s recognised that the proceeds from the carnival weekend will help support local initiatives, sports programmes, and club development.

“A huge thanks to our carnival sponsors Oliver Tierney Construction and Smith’s Vehicle Solutions,” says Cecilia, also crediting Virginia Show Centre as a “fantastic venue”.

Cecilia says whether you’re a “die-hard country fan” or simply looking for a “great night out”, the Lavey Summer Carnival promises to deliver an “unforgettable weekend” of music, fun, and community spirit.

Get Your Tickets Now

Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get your tickets!

Tickets are available now and selling fast. Attendees can choose to attend on individual nights for €25 plus booking fee, or grab a weekend pass for just €60, giving full access to all performances across the three days.

Tickets can be purchased via Lavey GAA’s official social media channels, the newly launched Lavey GAA Club App, and through the Clubspot App. A limited number will also be available at the door each night.

All shows take place at the spacious Virginia Show Centre (Eircode: A82 A9X2), providing an ideal venue with ample facilities for music lovers to gather and celebrate the start of summer. Doors open at 8:30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 7:30pm on Sunday.

Please note: This is a strictly over 18s event, with ID required at the door.

A club on the rise

Lavey GFC is one of the most progressive clubs in the county, fielding male and female teams at all levels.

The flagship men’s team were unfortunate to be relegated from the Senior Football Championship in 2024, having competed strongly in the top grade since winning the Intermediate Championship in 2009. Lavey made the Ulster Club final that year and hope to get their hands on the Gilroy Cup again in 2025.

The club, who celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Junior championship win in 1975, has embarked on ambitious infrastructural development, bringing its home at New Inns up to an excellent standard. Aligned to that is a strong emphasis on nurturing talent, offering a clear and inclusive development pathway for both boys and girls.

Early years are crucial for building coordination, confidence, and a love for the game, explains Lavey GAA Chair Cecilia Smith, who praises the influence of County Senior player Gerard Smith among others. “It's the lifeblood,” she says, while also praising the dedication of the army of volunteers who keep the club ticking on a daily basis.

“Without them, it'd be impossible,” she credits. As local players develop, they progress through the various age groups, including Lavey Lakers and upwards, each offering more structured training and competitive match opportunities. The minor (U17) and U20 grades serve as “stepping stones” to senior football, says Noel Brady, chair of the juvenile committee, with some even progressing to county-level representation.

Jay Graham and Cathal Smith are two of the newest footballing stars to emerge from the parish.

“They've been going well, both of them. It's great to see young talent like that coming through,” he states. “We're happy with our competitive level and its all about improving on that.”

Lavey ladies have also made great strides, with growing participation and competitive teams at several underage levels. Once again Mick Kavanagh, Chair of Lavey Ladies, says a strong community ethos, dedicated volunteers, and a clear focus on youth development are pillars of development.

At senior level Lavey ladies compete in Division 3 of the ladies All-County League and in the last two years four Lavey players have made the county minor panel, picking up medals in the process.

They are All Ireland winners Katie Tierney and Áine Rose Smith in 2024, and Kate Kavanagh and Aoibhin Smith, part of 2025’s Ulster winning team.

“It is great to have players of that calibre in and around the club. It shows a pathway forward for others. We’re going the right direction.

“When our underage players see other girls making county minor and winning Ulsters and All Ireland its a huge motivation to keep going.”

What’s in store...

FRIDAY

Cashing In

'Cash Returns' has been hailed hands down the greatest and most exciting Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute acts in the UK, Ireland and beyond.

The show is fronted by the award winning JP Mac as Johnny Cash, whose baritone voice and tone is scarily uncanny to the Man in Black's himself, with even an official accolade of support coming from Johnny Cash's very own Drummer of near 40 years W.S 'Fluke' Holland, who was blown away and regarded their tracks as “quite amazing” on his radio show in Tennessee.

SATURDAY

Third times a charm

A dynamic five-piece hailing from Cavan and Longford, in recent years Rhythm & Sticks have taken the Irish folk and country music scene by storm with their high-energy performances.

Delivering unique twists on contemporary hits, Rhythm & Sticks features Emmet on vocals and acoustic guitar, Shane Walsh on banjo, Tiernan Flood on vocals and bass guitar, Dwight Kelly on electric guitar, and Cal Flood on drums. Together, they create an electrifying musical experience and have sold out shows nationwide.

This is the third year the band have been invited to play the Lavey Summer Carnival.

Another One for the Road

Playing a fine blend of foot tappin', dance steppin', finger clickin' country rock, One for the Road are known countrywide for their lively performances and engaging music.

Their popularity and high demand for this four-piece highlights their growing influence in the current Irish music scene.

SUNDAY

Buckle up

Irish country music superstar Jimmy Buckley is highly regarded as one of Ireland's most successful entertainers.

The Galway based singer began his career in the 1990s and quickly gained a loyal following with hits like Your Wedding Day and The Grand Tour, touring sold out shows across Ireland, the UK and further afield.

Brady is back

Johnny Brady has one of the most distinctive voices in modern country music.

Bringing classic country with a modern twist, Brady began his solo career in the early 2010s and quickly gained attention for his dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.

He has built a strong fan base, releasing several successful albums and singles, including original songs and popular covers.