Ernie Sweeney and Eanya Egan pictured at 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' at the Wild Atlantic Words Festival in Castlebar.

A truly invigorating finale to Mayo's Wild Atlantic Words Festival

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The Wild Atlantic Words Festival’s 'Sunday Morning Coming Down' event was both invigorating and witty, a brilliant finale to a week-long event.

Hosted by John Healy, it featured writer Ken Armstrong, comparing his adopted Castlebar with his native Sligo, Ursula Kilkelly, who gave an insight of her work in the sphere of children's rights, Sean Lyons, who spoke about the old Bacon Factory and the Town Leagues involving the Pearses, the Emmets, the Davitts and the MacHales, while Mark Mellett, retired Vice Admiral of the Irish Naval Services and former head of the Irish Defence Forces, recalled his times with Castlebar Ramblers Club and the local FCA.

Roll on October 2023.

A special presentation was made to John Healy in recognition of his work in developing and nurturing the festival over the past six years.

Sheila and John Kilkelly at Sunday Morning Coming Down in the Wild Atlantic Words Festival Dome at Bridge Lane, Castlebar Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
Host John Healy (centre) introducing his panel of Mark Mellett, Ursula Kilkelly, Sean Lyons and Ken Armstrong at the Sunday Morning Coming Down event Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
The large crowd at the Sunday Morning Coming Down event in the Festival Dome at the Wild Atlantic Words in Castlebar Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
Special guest Ken Armstrong speaking at the Sunday Morning Coming Down event at the Wild Atlantic Words Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
Special guest Professor Ursula Kilkelly speaking at the Sunday Morning Coming Down event at the Wild Atlantic Words in Castlebar Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
Special guest Sean Lyons storytelling at the Sunday Morning Coming Down event at the Wild Atlantic Words Festival. Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
Vice-Admiral (retd.) Mark Mellett DSM addressing the Sunday Morning Coming Down audience at the Wild Atlantic Words Festival. Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
A special presentation was made to Sunday Morning Coming Down host John Healy in the Festival Dome, in recognition of his contribution to cultural life in Mayo. Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
A special tribute and presentation was made to Sunday Morning Coming Down host John Healy (centre) in the Festival Dome, in recognition of his contribution to cultural life in Mayo, at the Wild Atlantic Words in Castlebar. John received a standing ovation from the full house, including his special guests (from left) Mark Mellett, Ursula Kilkelly, Sean Lyons and Ken Armstrong. Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
John and Ursula Kilkelly in the Festival Dome Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
John Healy with his granddaughter Clarisse in the Festival Dome. Photo by johnnymee@gmail.com
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