August 5th – 11th, 2009
www.feaklefestival.ie

From Wednesday 5th to Tuesday 11th of August, the Feakle Traditional Music Festival will celebrate its 22nd year with a vibrant programme of Traditional music, song, and dance. The Festival commences the programme of events with the celebration of dance playing particular emphasis on the contribution of dance teacher Kathleen Moloney from East Clare. There will be lively music provided by Andrew Mc Namara, Mark Donnellan, and Jim Corry. As usual there will be a wine and food reception and all are welcome.

The youth concert will be repeated again on the Thursday night. Also on Thursday night we will be hosting a double performance in the beautiful setting of Caher House on the shores of Lough Graney. The evening will begin with a musical adaptation by Sean Tyrell of the famous poem the Midnight Court composed by Brian Merriman. This performance will be followed by a second concert which features renowned musicians Tony Mac Mahon and Steve Cooney. This promises to be a memorable night in beautiful surroundings and early booking is advised for both concerts. A bus service will be provided from the village.

The Friday night recital will showcase some of the best musicians that traditional music has to offer, with two outstanding acts performing on the night. Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill; considered to be the most dynamic and talented duo of traditional music, their annual performance at the Festival Recital is anticipated with great joy and they never fail to deliver, leaving the audience spellbound and uplifted year on year.
Shaun Davey is arguably Ireland’s most gifted composer and combined with many of the best singers and musicians he brings us the magic of Beal Tuinne. Melodic and traditional in style, the songs of Beal Tuinne feature the sweet singing of Seamus Begley, Rita Connolly & Eilis Ni Chinnede, aided by the gritty voice of Lawrence Courtney, with choral harmonies by the full band. The band features accoustic instruments played in West Kerry traditional style unusually combined with Shaun Davey on the pedal harmonium and supported by Gerry O’Beirne on guitar. The music includes trademark instrumenal forays on accordian by Seamus Begley and son Eoin who also features on concertina.
The concert will be presented: Paula Carroll

The Saturday night concert will focus on “Clare Connections” celebrating the array of talented musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers from Co. Clare and from performers with deep connections with Feakle and Co. Clare. This promises to be a night filled with both talent and fun featuring all aspects of culture. The line up includes Tommy Keane & the Mc Carty family; Jackie Daly & Donal O’Connor;Tim Collins & Anthony Quigney; Kate Purcell, Mick Kinsella & Joan Culloo; Vincent Griffin & Mary Corry; Helen Hayes, Mark Donnellan, John Canny & Dennis Cahill; Paddy Commane;
Set Dancers and Seanos Dancers.

Over the past number of years the festival has placed an emphasis on providing open air entertainment and this year we welcome back the ever popular Colm O’Donnell and the Border Collies for the open air concert on Sunday afternoon. For the children there will be many activities including a puppet show by Dog and String Puppets.

The workshops are an integral part of the festival and we continue include all the workshops from the previous years with some new tutors added to the team. They include Sean Ryan for whistle, Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola for Seanos Singing, Phil Callery(Voice Squad) for Traditional Singing, Conor Keane for accordian.

There will be plenty of high qualtiy music sessions as well as two singing sessions including Phil Callery, Seamus Begley, Tim Dennehy, Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola, Donie Nolan and many more. There will be three ceilis from Friday to Sunday, so there is something for everyone!

The festival committee are proud of the quality music, song, dance, poetry, folklore and family entertainment on offer and believe that there is an opportunity for everyone to participate.