The Feile Ceoil in Tournafulla has always been a tremendous success. If one was to ask a native of the parish about the Feile Ceoil there is no doubt they would mention Mary Murphy O'Connor, known locally as Mary Dear. Mary ran the Feile for over twenty years. She would buy medals every week so that by the time the Feile Ceoil came around there would be enough. Mary's Feile was a special one in that every child would get a medal thus encouraging them to keep up the music. This is a tradition that has been adopted by the new committee also.
The venue's for competitions were and are still today the garages of very obliging villagers including O'Callaghan's, O' Driscoll's, O'Gorman's, Colbert's and Jackson's. After the competitions were finished anyone who wanted a cup of tea and a biscuit were invited up to the hall where Mary always had the kettle on. The hall was also the venue for the ceili which was always a huge success. Bank holiday Monday was the day for the Feis which was organised by Sgt. Casey and his wife Mairead whose children Maria, Mairead & Neil were world champion dancers. This Feis was well known and seemed to attract visitors from all over the country. Overall the Feile was always enjoyed by musicians & dancers alike
Unfortunately the Feile lapsed for some years but in 2001 a new committee decided to revive it under the name "Ceol Cois Allachain". Each year the Feile seems to be taking a giant leap towards its former greatness. In 2002 a great weekend was had by all and the parish was spoilt for choice with all the fantastic music available. The teach Siamsa held two music recitals with Providence members John Wynne, Michael O'Rathaille & Clodagh Boylan performing on Saturday night and the legendary Jackie Daly, Seamus Creagh & Paul de Grae on Sunday night.
With a dedicated committee and the support of the locals Tournafulla has once again been put on the map for it's Feile Ceoil. Unfortunately Mary Dear is no longer with us but her memory lives on in the parish.
