Cootehill gearing up for the 9th Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend
September 13th–15th, 2013
Cootehill, County Cavan is again looking forward to an event– packed weekend of traditional music, song and dance as the 9th Annual Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend September 13th–15th, 2013 fast approaches.
The popular annual festival, which will see local musicians and some of the top names in the music and singing tradition taking part in events to pay tribute to the late Gerry Whelan, who was actively involved with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann since the organisation was founded in 1951.
This year, the festival will welcome some new artists such as Donal McCague from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, TG4 Young Musician of the Year for 2013 and a rising star of the fiddle, Maurice Egan from Kerry, former All Ireland Senior button accordion champion; Síoda – a very talented group of young musicians who hail from various parts of Ulster. Nóirín Uí Shúilleabháin, from Connemara, one of the finest exponents of whistle playing in the world of traditional Irish music. These new names will join a host of other well–known artists who have made the annual trip to the festival for the last number of years.
Events over the weekend include a Memorial Concert and official opening. Workshops on Fiddle, Button Accordian, Tin Whistle, Flute, Banjo, Guitar and Bodhran. Caint agus Comhrá. Singing / Storytelling and CD launch. Oiche Cois Tine night of music, song and dance. Folk Club. Gig Rig / Street music and Marching Band Parade. Pub music sessions will be taking place throughout the weekend.
In this year of the Gathering, the organisers welcome all visitors to come and enjoy the Ceol Agus Craic at this great weekend.
Full details of events at the Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend may be found on www.gerrywhelanweekend.com
or follow the event on Facebook. For further information on the events, workshop bookings and concert tickets, contact: Geraldine Whelan–O’Meara Tel: 085 776 6217.
