Weather-wise the outlook isn’t too bright but that won’t dampen the spirits on day four of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Each day throughout the week there is a Fidil Beo Series at 1pm in Glór which showcases the finest fiddle players in Co Clare. Wednesday’s hour-long lunchtime concert features Tony Linnane and James Cullinan. Carol Callinan will accompany the duo on piano.
All week the Frank Custy session runs from 11am-1pm at the Holy Family National School in Ennis. Tour guide Jane O’Brien will lead a walking tour of Ennis departing Ennis Tourist Office at 11am, 2 and 5pm. The Singers Club continues at 9:30pm at The Auburn Lodge Hotel with Sligo’s Vince Hearns the MC.
At 2pm a special session takes place outside Pat Foudy’s garage on the Mill Road where there will be sean-nós dancing, set dancers plus music from Frank Custy, John Horgan, Ian Keane, Roisin and Rose Clancy.
Ennis Courthouse is the venue for Seachtain na hÉigse which is a series of lectures on history, music and culture. Three lectures are on each day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Today Martin Breen and Dick Cronin give an insight into the Castles and Townhouses of Co Clare. Dr Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh focuses on the 1925/26 Coimisiún na Gaeltachta while Dr Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin revisits Clare’s soundscape in the 1950s.
Over the week an emphasis will be put on the Irish language. Several events will celebrate our native language on Wednesday from 10:30am – 6pm at venues such as Glór, Food Heaven, Siopa Leabhar na hInse, Teach na Cúirte, Gaelscoil Mh. Cíosóg agus Sr. na Maínistreach.
Cuaird is a series of one hour intimate acoustic concerts with some of the great names associated with the traditional music festival. Today sees Des Mulkere and Charlie Harris take centre-stage at St Columba’s Church from 3:30pm.
The Droney family are music royalty in the County and a new CD from Ann Droney Kirrane is launched at Dánlann an Chláir from 7pm. A concert takes place to celebrate the launch with Garry O’Brien, Ronan Greene, Dermot Byrne, Seamie O’Dowd and Eamonn Cotter performing. For the release of Ann’s second solo CD special guests include Chris Droney, Francis Droney and Áine McGrath.
‘Far from Home – A Global Celebration of Clare’s Musical Diaspora’ features the Clare Tracin Ensemble and guests as they map the story of the County’s music performers abroad over several centuries. 8pm at Glór is the start-time of the event which was produced and directed by Dr Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin and Dr Tim Collins.
Garrett Barry the blind paper from Inagh will be celebrated in McCarthy’s bar at the launch of the first ever written account of his life. More details here.
Competitions are now in full swing for the Fleadh while there are performers at every corner of the town. The Gig Rig provides musical entertainment in the evening while there’s plenty of entertainment in the pubs of Ennis.
‘If it’s music you want, You should go to Clare’, but if it’s top quality coverage that you want then come to www.clareherald.com.