The tenth Dan Paddy Andy festival celebrated the traditions of bogland living, storytelling, dancing and drama, as well as the life of Ireland's last great matchmaker throughout the bank holiday weekend.
Among the dancers and storytellers in the sprawling Kerry townland of Lyreacrompane, deep in the foothills of the Stack's mountains, are undoubtedly those who might be termed the matchmaker's "progeny by proxy".
Ten years ago the late Listowel writer John B Keane, whose people came from the Stack's, estimated the matches of Dan Paddy Andy O'Sullivan numbered about 300.
At a conservative estimate, this would result in 5,000 births at that time. Today, with grandchildren and so on the numbers have increased again, said festival chairman Joe Harrington.
A plaque at the end of the boreen some distance from Dan Paddy Andy's dance hall, which drew the ire of local clergy, marks the matchmaker's house and there is a bust alongside the Roches Four Elms pub.
Kay O'Leary, who has researched the life of Dan Paddy Andy (1899-1966) said the last of his matches, a woman in Tralee passed away two years ago.
However, this festival celebrating the last of the great Irish matchmakers, does not include a matchmaking slot.
"There is no need for matchmaking today. Everyone has their own transport," O'Leary said.
This is also the day of Lyreacrompane.com. an important asset in an area that is 10 miles from everywhere; 10 miles from Tralee, Listowel, Castleisland and Abbeyfeale.
The main events were open air and marquee dancing with hundreds crowding on to the floor for each session.
One of Ireland's great emerging storytellers, Frances Kennedy, held forth on Saturday.
The bog walk was full to capacity yesterday, with up to 100 people being shown how turf is formed, how to work a sleán and how to drink "tay" in the bog.
Bogs were central to the economy of "Lyre", as it is affectionately known.
Stretching all the way from Knocknagoshel to the east to Listowel in the north, the area today is hardly recognisable as a once-thriving centre for Bord na Móna.
Forestry has replaced the russet bogs and, in time, new culture will have to be found to tell the stories of living among trees rather than the open bogs, Joe Harrington said.
"Lyre missed the building boom. The road frontages were already taken over by forestry," he observed.
Nothing has replaced the turf industry, but music, storytelling and the open camaraderie and fun of the bog are still very much alive in the heart of the people.
Broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh officially opened the festival on Friday night as he did 10 years ago for the very first festival.
At a time before the advent of cars and television, when people were isolated, rural festivals were very important for local areas for bringing people together, Ó Muircheartaigh said.
