www.cashel.ie

The Cashel Heritage forum officially launched To Crown A King the Town’s contribution to the all Island Brian Ború Millennium celebrations at 10:14 on Friday, February 14th.

The Cashel festival was launched in the Teach Cheoil of Bru Ború, the Comhaltas venue which will host the key concerts in the weekend programme which runs from April 25th–27th.

Joanne Hughes of the Cashel Heritage Forum thanked festival sponsors: the Town and County Councils, Tipperary Historical Society, South Tipperary Tourism Company and the Heritage Council, for their funding; which is in excess of €15,000. “This will ensure that Cashel marks the Brian Ború millennium in style”, said Joanne.

Dr. Patrick Gleeson from UCC, said that Cashel was immensely important to Brian Ború and also to his people the Dal gCais and their descendents the Kennedy’s and O’Briens. “We used to think that Tara was the important centre of kingship in Ireland, but we realize now, that Brian Ború saw Cashel as the Christian epi–centre of political power in the island. Cashel is hugely significant in the story of 11th century Ireland.”

The festival will feature three world class concerts at Bru Ború, with the Voice Squad on April 25th. Ex Stockton’s Wing fiddler, Maurice Lennon’s suite “Brian Ború High King of Tara” will be performed with a cast of top class professional traditional musicians including Blackie O’Connell on pipes on Saturday, April 26th.

The final concert is a mix of Country and Irish with The Willis Clan from Nashville. They have played at the O2 in Dublin, Milwaukee Irish Fest, Dollywood and Disney World and are bringing 40 of their fans with them to see the Rock of Cashel.

Tickets for concerts, priced at €25 each are available from the Cashel Tourist office. Phone 062 62511 to book a ticket or for more details visit www.cashel.ie