O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School puts Keadue on world stage

The O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School has brought the name of Keadue to the world stage and much of that is due to the volunteerism of local people. These were the words of Attracta Brady, President of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who officially launched the 44th festival on Monday night in Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa which was followed by a special concert in memory of former committee member Arthur Boyle.

Ms Brady is just the third female in the history of the CCE to hold the position of president and she praised the huge work of the committee in bringing together the wonderful programme of events which are set to run until August 5th.

The annual festival honours the legacy of the legendary harper Turlough O'Carolan and brings together musicians, artists, and enthusiasts from around the globe.

She further stated “These events are run on volunteerism, the long hours, the meetings, the travelling, the winter roads, the drafting halls, it all has to happen behind the scenes before an event of this prestigious nature can take place and the volunteers have brought the name of Keadue to the world. I heard today that you had people here from Japan and Italy from Great Britain, from all over Ireland and from America.” She emphasised the history and culture which O’Carolan has left in his wake adding “It's important to us and if we don't pass it on, then we will have lost it. So it is our responsibility to pass this on,” stating the many music classes are doing that and ensuring the next generation carry on this tradition and culture.

She concluded stating “I wish you all the very, very best of luck for the week. Enjoy every tune, every song, every dance and every chat. And go home with a new friend.” Chairman of the festival Declan Noone thanked the members of his committee, sponsors and all local business who have supported the festival this year and in previous years. He went onto to give a rundown of the events organised for the week which can be found on www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie Two highlight concerts during the week will see local harpers Fiachra Guihen, Emma Benson and Sophie Daly performing with well know musicians Mossie Martin, Micheál Fitzgibbon and Clodagh Daly today, Wednesday, July 31st at the Harp Recital in Kilronan Castle and of course the summer school’s special Tutors concert on Thursday, August 1st will showcase the very best of Irish Traditional Music, Harp playing song and dance. Compere on the night will be Senator Eugene Murphy.

The Friday night’s céilí will feature All-Ireland Champions the Piper Cross Céilí band.

Keadue Tidy Towns are running a 5km Fun Run/Walk on Friday evening August 2nd, and the local sports field committee are running a family fun day on Saturday, August 3rd commencing at 2pm.

The festival continues to have competitors travel from all over the globe to compete in the Arigna Fuels sponsored O’Carolan International Harp competitions commencing from 10:30am on Saturday, 3rd August. This continues to be one of the key signature events of the Harp Festival & Summer School and the committee are indebted to local sponsors Arigna Fuels Ltd who have sponsored this prestigious event since the festival started in 1978.

Saturday night, August 3rd features “GomBean” a play performed by Niamh McGrath, which is set in a small town in Sligo, home of Grace O’Malley, a reluctant coffee slinger, still living off the highs of a tragically cut-short wrestling career.

The Festival Parade on Sunday, August 4th will be followed with a live open-air concert at the GigRig by the fantastic traditional Irish music group Seoid featuring well known musicians Kenny Donagher, Kerrie Herrity, John Dwyer and Keadue’s very own Fiachra Guihen.

Cherish the Ladies are back again this year for the festival’s big concert on Sunday, August 4th in the newly refurbished St. Ronan’s Hall from 9pm. This is always a packed-out event and early booking is advised.

Tickets are available from the festival website at www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie or by ringing 087 7745878.

A wreath laying ceremony at O’Carolan’s grave, followed by a lecture in the fabulous Kilronan Castle nearby gets the concluding Bank Holiday Monday underway. This year’s lecture will be given by Professor Lilis Ó Laoire, on “Place, Prayer and Power at the holy wells of Ireland”.

More live open-air entertainment will take place at the GigRig on the Bank Holiday Monday with the local CCE group playing at 3pm followed by the hugely popular David James and his band.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to end, and the festival will conclude with the hugely memorable international Door Dancing competition which will see all styles of traditional Irish dance compete for the title of 2024 Junior and Senior Door Dancing Champion. Compere on the night will be Senator Eugene Murphy.

See www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie or follow on Facebook.