The old tradition and historic custom of open air cross roads dancing will resume at Laharn Cross, Lombardstown, Mallow this month.
Situated on the foot of Baelic Mountain in the heart of North Cork, Laharn Cross is the location where people gather each and every Sunday night throughout the summer months from 8 – 10pm. Large crowds will step it out on the raised timber platform to dance the night away to live music to bands such as Peter Lane & Blackwater Sound, John O’ Sullivan & Alpine Sound, Liam O’ Sullivan, Southern Pride plus many many more.
Waltzes, quicksteps, foxtrots, not to mention polkas, shoe the donkey and the Siege of Ennis, are the order of the evening for the hundreds of enthusiastic dancers who gather for two hours to dance the night at this historic crossroads whose name is rapidly becoming a household word throughout Munster.
John Paul O’ Shea, Chairman of Laharn Community Action LTD said “the tradition of dancing at the crossroads is alive and well here at Laharn Cross and it is marvelous to see both young and old taking part. We are celebrating 16 years in existence this year and we look forward to a great summer of entertainment. Everyone is invited; the fun is free, though we do ask people to contribute a few euros in the donation boxes which go towards the cost of the live bands added Mr. O’ Shea”.
Don’t be feared about wet summer evenings – it’s only a stones throw to Laharn Heritage Centre where the dancing can continue if the weather isn’t favourable. The centre is located about one kilometre away from Laharn Cross.
Joe Desmond kicks off proceedings on Sunday 26th May. Bands appearing at Laharn Cross for the month of June are as follows:
Sun 2nd June Country Roads
Sun 9th June John O’ Sullivan & Alpine Sound
Sun 16th June Ted & Cathal Barry
Sun 23rd June Liam O’ Sullivan
Sun 30th June Jerry McCarthy & Autumn Gold
Local farmer Tomás Crowley assesses the tradition of dancing at the crossroads at Laharn Cross.
