The Irish Féile drew full-house crowds who enjoyed a weekend packed with music, dancing, and cultural traditions, despite weather that disrupted travel and forced multiple schedule changes. Friday’s boat cancellation, along with periods of rain and gusty winds, created ongoing challenges — but organizers adapted with aplomb, keeping the celebration lively.
Music filled the island throughout the weekend with performances by bands including CrossBow, the Byrne Brothers, and the Tartan Terrors, along with local musicians who brought traditional Irish tunes and modern takes on Celtic sound. Audiences responded with energy, filling the Parish Hall and the Parish Green for concerts, céilí dancing, and song.
A highlight came with the reveal of two new Irish currachs, handcrafted by island boatbuilder Dan Burton and a team of volunteers. The sleek black boats, named Robert Jewell and Amy Langford, were planned to be used for races on the bay, but the weather was too rough, so they were admired on shore instead.
This year’s Féile also marked the induction of the 2025 Beaver Island Irish American Hall of Fame class: Robert “Rob” Cole – historian, oral‐history collector, musician and poet; Patrick “Paid Een Og” Boyle – celebrated for his deep roots in the early island community and cultural heritage; Beverly O’Donnell Cantwell – honored for her lifelong service, artistry, and community outreach; and Lois Sowa Stipp – noted artist, educator, and leader in the island’s arts and nonprofit scenes. Their contributions were celebrated in a heartfelt ceremony that drew strong applause from festivalgoers and underscored Beaver Island’s commitment to honoring its Irish heritage.
Despite the weather, the spirit of the Féile shone through, showcasing Beaver Island’s enduring ties to Irish music, culture, and tradition.
A prior version of this story first appeared on wvbi.net
