'Hoolie in the Hills' time as festival living returns to Upperchurch!

Where else would one rather be on a sunny August Bank Holiday weekend only soaking up the music, atmosphere and craic in the heart of Ned of the Hill country, Upperchurch. Surrounded by the rolling Slieve Felim Mountains, the village of Upperchurch (just west of Thurles) has a long history of musical tradition spanning the centuries from the plentiful courdeek houses, Upperchurch Polkas and The Upperchurch Ceili Band to the wonderfully unmodern, modern day Jim of The Mills.

Upperchurch was always on the musical map. No less so in the late ’80s and ‘90s, even into the 00s when Upperchurch ran a most successful festival, called the Ned of The Hill Festival. That had music, craic and culture at its core and lit up many summers in mid Tipperary. The festival lended its support behind many local bands of the time, The Paddies, Louise Morrissey and even had Shane McGowan and the Popes in 2001!

In the heart of Upperchurch village itself is Kinnanes Pub, a place tied to the musical soul of the community. Kinnanes is well known for its hospitality, food, friendship, craic, music and rousing sing-songs.

Hoolie in the Hills is a venture led by Fergal Butler, spurned on by his family, friends and the patrons of Kinnanes Pub Upperchurch. The aim is to bring the spirit and atmosphere of the music festival back to the hills. The Ned of the Hills festival was a legendary weekend held each summer that brought people from the four corners of Ireland and beyond.

Holidays were booked around it. Songs were written about it. The Ned of the Hills festival was a legendary weekend held each summer bringing people from the four corners of Ireland and beyond.
The stories from those days bring back many fond memories for all who had the joy of experiencing them. Today, Fergal and his team of friends and patrons aim to bring that spirit back and make more lasting memories with the introduction of Hoolie In The Hills!

This August bank holiday weekend, on the 5th and 6th, bands from all over will head for the hills to entertain all music lovers with many young Irish based Trad pop folk groups. It will be a weekend not to be missed with the popular Ruaile Buaile, Rebel Hearts, George Murphy and the Rising Sons, Tradstone, Seskin Lane, Gary Og, Fieldsy, DJ Gerry Lydon and more!

Tickets go on sale very soon. Details will be released in the Tipperary Star as well as on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook ‘Hoolie In The Hills’ (link here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091747403136) and Instagram @hoolieinthehills ((link here:  https://www.instagram.com/hoolieinthehills/ ) for more info.

Speaking about the new festival, organiser Fergal Butler said people are really looking forward to it:
“This is a modern take on the old idea of bringing people together through music. The bands and performers are all superb artists and the vibe will be brilliant that weekend in Upperchurch village. We really hope to bring the spirit of the old festival alive and hope that people will enjoy the experience.

“The quality of the artists on show will ensure there is great energy and everyone is always welcome to Upperchurch. Tickets will be available soon.”