Almost 600 people gathered along the banks in Galway’s Westend to watch as our paddlers, accompanied by Niall on guitar, sang water-themed songs and shanties from their kayaks, their voices carrying across the canal. They were joined by a group of freestyle kayakers, whose perfectly timed rolls and choreography brought huge cheers from the crowd — especially during the never-ending outro of Proud Mary. No doubt about it – the west was awake with laughter, music, and joy.
It was a celebration not only of Galway’s beautiful waterways but also of the spirit of collaboration — artists, paddlers, neighbours, and festival-goers coming together to create a moment that felt truly special and unforgettable. To be part of the very first Westend Theatre and Arts Festival in this way was a privilege, and we are deeply grateful to them for having us. The memory of that sunny evening in late July will definitely stay with us for a long time.
We’d also like to thank everyone who supported the event — every ticket purchased made a difference, with 100% of sales, amounting to €1410, going directly to @omcsu.ie 💙