The Breffni Bash is Back!
The Breffni Bash is back this weekend with a bang with two unmissable days of top country music.
The Tumbling Paddies are on the Saturday night bill, with The Highstool Prophets amongst Sunday’s thrilling line-up, and their genuine crowd-pulling capacity has seen tickets fly out the turnstiles.
Set up as a fundraiser to support Cavan GAA County Board’s ambitious plans to develop footballing facilities as part of the Cavan Regional Sports Hub, the Breffni Bash has rapidly established itself as a premier music festival in Cavan. This year will see them build on that reputation with huge numbers of revellers and music lovers from across the region and beyond expected to descend on the home of Cavan GAA.
The Tumbling Paddies have taken the Irish music scene by storm. Blending contemporary folk, traditional Irish, and pop-rock, this dynamic band is known for their infectious energy, powerhouse vocals, and incredible live performances that turn every gig into a party. With hits like ‘Pretty Girl’, ‘The Way I Am,’ and crowd favourite ‘Night on the Town’ they are lighting up stages from Donegal to Dublin.
From their home county of Fermanagh, the six-piece have won the hearts of the entire country, but nowhere moreso than Cavan. The geroup love playing at the Breffni Bash, where they always rise to the occasion. Dance the night away to their chart-topping hits and energetic tunes.
Saturday’s entertainment gets underway from 7pm with Una Healy and her Uncle, the legendary Declan Nerney’s fabulous show, ‘Two Irish Music Legends, One Unforgettable Night’.
From her chart-topping days with The Saturdays to her acclaimed solo career, Una Healy has become a shining light in Irish music. With a voice that blends pop, folk, and country influences, Una brings pure stage magic to every performance. Expect hits like ‘Stay My Love’, ‘Never See Me Cry,’ and maybe even a few surprises.
The King of Irish Country, Declan Nerney, has been filling dancehalls and festival fields for decades. Known for high-energy shows, sing-along anthems like ‘Stop the World and Let Me Off’, ‘Three Way Love Affair’, and an authentic stage presence, Declan’s shows are Irish country gold.
Whether it’s a duet, a shared stage moment, or just the electric energy of these two icons back-to-back, it’s the kind of experience you’ll be talking about for years.
Sunday’s bill
Sunday’s line-up is equally exciting with home favourites The Highstool Prophets joined by Rhythm & Sticks promising another fantastic night.
Have your dancing shoes on and your pints raised because The Highstool Prophets return to the Breffni Bash by popular demand. Known for their lively mix of trad-inspired tunes, country flair, and rock’n’roll spirit, The Highstool Prophets have quickly become crowd favourites across Ireland’s live music scene. Whether it’s a packed pub or a festival field, this band knows how to get the party started and keep it going.
From foot-stomping covers like ‘Whisky in The Jar’ and ‘The Irish Rover’, their setlist is a mix of traditional Irish hits, classic rock favourites, and high-energy country tunes — with a twist that only the Prophets can deliver. The Cavan outfit bring their unmistakable energy and sound to the Breffni Bash from 6-8pm
The brilliant Rhythm & Sticks will have the honour of closing the bash on a high note. Correctly billed as one of Ireland’s most electrifying live acts, Rhythm & Sticks take the stage from 8-10pm for a performance that will have the whole marquee bouncing!
Renowned for their high-energy fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, Rhythm and Sticks ignite a fire in the crowd. With thunderous percussion, dazzling stage presence, and an unmistakable tribal vibe, this is more than music – it’s a heartbeat you can feel in your chest.
Perfect for fans of dance, trad, and everything in between, their set - including the classic ‘Back to the Crack’ and thrilling new hit ‘Where I Come From’ - is a non-stop journey of rhythm, passion, and power.
After the inaugural Bash was staged in Cavan Town and the GAA hosted it in Kingspan Breffni last year to great success.
Cavan County Chairperson Mark O’Rourke is confident that 2025 will provide another weekend to remember.
“Last year there were great crowds, and people were in good form, enjoying themselves and enjoying the music and entertainment. We expect the very same, and better this year!” stated Mr O’Rourke.
“The excitement is really building. We have great acts who will draw the crowds, it will be fantastic fun and entertainment.”
“All proceeds from the Breffni Bash will go towards the development of ‘The Polo Grounds’ across the bridge from where the concerts are taking place. The funds will go towards developing four state of the art pitches which will provide facilities and training venues for all of our county teams across all codes going forward.”
Tickets
“Ticket sales are going really well,” reports Mark, “and we do expect a rush in the next few days”.
Tickets for each day cost €25 plus a booking fee, and are still available through Ticketstop.ie. Weekend tickets are available for just €45 plus booking fee.
They are also available from the following outlets: in Cavan Town from the Imperial Bar, Kiernan’s Service Station, Farnham Hotel, Rudden’s Service Station; in Ballyhaise they are available at Gala and the post office; in Ballinagh Moore’s Spar; Kennedy’s Spar in Ballyconnell; Foynes in Butlersbridge; and also the office in Kingspan Breffni.