Marty Morrissey to open Black Bull Threshing 2026

Marty Morrissey (2021)

Marty Morrissey will officially open this year’s Black Bull Threshing Festival in Sharavogue, Co. Offaly.

The RTÉ broadcaster will get proceedings underway from 1pm on Sunday, August 23, as the community vintage festival returns for 2026.

Established in 2003, the Black Bull Threshing has become a long-running fixture in the local calendar, bringing the community together while raising funds for local projects.

This year’s beneficiary is the Coolderry Playground Committee, with funds raised through the festival set to support the local project.

Morrissey is no stranger to the area, with organisers describing him as an “honorary parishioner” as they announced his involvement in this year’s event.

The Black Bull Threshing takes place at The Black Bull in Sharavogue, near Birr, on Sunday, August 23, with proceedings getting underway from 1pm.