September 12th–14th, 2014
www.gerrywhelanweekend.com

Cootehill, County Cavan is this year celebrating 10 years of the Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend on September 12th–14th. It will be an action packed weekend of traditional music, song and dance with lots of old and new faces coming together to celebrate the success of the event over the last 10 years.

The popular annual festival, 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 welcomes some great artists such as Christopher Maguire (All–Ireland Button accordion Champion 2013), MacDara Ó Raghallaigh, one of Ireland’s outstanding fiddle players, renowned Leitrim musicians Dave Sheridan (Flute) and Padraig McGovern (Uilleann Pipes), Donal McCague from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, TG4 Young Musician of the Year for 2013, the very accomplished musicians from County Down Claire Byrne (Flute & Uilleann Pipes) and Ursula Byrne (Fiddle), and Maggie Carty (Banjo) from Boyle, Co Roscommon. These musicians 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. Fíor Céili. Workshops on Fiddle, Button Accordian, Flute, Tin Whistle, Banjo, and Bodhran. Caint agus Comhrá.  Singing / Storytelling and CD launch.

A special Riverdance Masterclass performance by James Greenan (Lead dancer in Riverdance), Oiche Cois Tine night of music, song and dance, weekend festival Folk Club and Gig Rig/ Street music. Pub music sessions will be taking place throughout the weekend.

It is a great weekend, one not to be missed, and the organisers welcome all music lovers to come and enjoy the Ceol Agus Craic in Cootehill this September.

Full details of events at the Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend may be found on www.gerrywhelanweekend.com  or follow the event on Facebook.