FEILE PATRICK BYRNE – Irish Traditional Arts Festival
Dates: 11 – 14 April
Venue: Carrickmacross Town
The Mairtín O’Connor Band, Gerry ‘fiddle’ O’Connor and the Salamanca Céilí Band are among the confirmed artists for this year’s Féile Patrick Byrne in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. Organised since 2007 by the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the féile honours the local 19th century harper Patrick Byrne who was the first Irish traditional musician ever photographed. The Mairtín O’Connor Band – Mairtín with Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd – top the bill. All master musicians, together they produce music of astounding virtuosity. Their vibrant sound has been described as verging on perfection and redefining one’s concept of brilliance. Genuinely, their concert on 13 April can be rated as one not to be missed. Returning to the féile this year is legendary fiddle player Gerry O’Connor. Gerry will both teach and perform at the féile, giving audiences a perfect opportunity to sample the rich Oriel music tradition showcased on his latest album, Last Night’s Joy, and book, The Rose in the Gap. A must for all fiddle fans. Dancers will be well catered for with champion dancer Aoife McCabe giving a sean nós dance workshop, followed by the sets céilí with The Salamanca. For those who want to take it easier, there will be music sessions, a singing session plus heritage events. Carrickmacross Comhaltas / Féile Patrick Byrne would like to thank our funders, the Arts Council, Monaghan County Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and the Comhaltas Meitheal Programme for their support. Further details on Facebook and www.carrickmacross.ie/feilepatrickbyrne
