The World Fiddle Day Scartaglin crew and event got a great shot in the arm a couple of weeks ago when founder member, PJ Teahan got a phone call from America.
The brilliant fiddle playing cowboy, Skip Gorman is on his way to Scart for that special weekend.
He was here for the first one in 2013 and, after the formalities, a memorable and late session in Sheila Prendiville’s Bar and Grocery at 22 Main Street really put the hat on that weekend and made it simply unforgettable.
Thankfully I had the old fón póca and I captured part of the session and you’ll see the link below.
Skip’s 2015 Birthday
Two years later, Skip celebrated his birthday during World Fiddle Day 2015 and Scartaglin joined in and a cake was brought on stage to mark the occasion during a break in his joint performance with his ‘musical pard’ Ron Kane.
Solely in Scart
The 2018 event will be held solely in Scartaglin this year and the coming weekend of Friday, May 18th and Saturday 19th are the dates to put in diary or keep in mind.
A huge amount of work has gone into the event since its maiden voyage in 2013 and it’s getting progressively popular with each passing year.
Catering for Crowds
To cater for the expected crowds in the village over the weekend and, on Saturday in particular, the local heritage centre kitchen will be fully staffed with the ingredients and the skill which delighted visitors .
And what would Scart and a music event be without the ubiquitous ‘Chip Wagon’ – they’re called mobile kitchens now – if you don’t mind – and there’s at least one on its way for the night trade.
A look through the programme of events and you’ll see that there is, indeed, something for everyone. Take a look.
Friday May 18th. at 8pm at Scartaglin Heritage Centre the history of the fondly recalled Scartaglin Feile Cheoil will unfold through an exhibition of media coverage over the years.
Locally born and reared poet, Eileen Sheehan will launch her collection in a new book, The Narrow Way of Souls.
Special guests on the occasion will include: Matt Cranitch, Jackie Daly, Dave Buckley and all surviving members of Scartaglin Féile Cheoil Commitee
There will be a special unveiling of Feile Cheoil Memorabilia by Paddy and Mike Casey and the event will be hosted by WFD founder member, Tomás MacUilleagòid.
There will be food and refreshments thanks to Catriona O’Connor.
On for the Village After It’s a case of up the village then for a breakout of music and there’s some line-up in the three pubs.
In Fleming’s Bar at 10pm there will be a sing-song with Dave Buckley and friends.
Síos an bóthar at Lyons Bar 10 pm. You’ll see and hear Matt Cranitch, Jackie Daly, Eimhear Flannery and friends in session.
Agus síos arís at O’Connor’s Bar also at 10pm you’ll find John Brosnan, Mary Conroy, Denis O’ Connor and Con Moynihan.
On Saturday, May 19th on World Fiddle Day itself there will be a celebration of the fiddle in the guise of an opening session at noon at Lyons’ Bar with Gerry Harrington, Aidan Connolly, Diarmuid O’Brien, Paddy Tutty, John Daly, Caoimhe Flannery, Cathy Cook, Aidan Coffey.
At Fleming’s Bar at 1.30pm. There will be a discussion under the heading: A Meeting of Minds – What was in the Air.
This will be a collaboration amongst some of our finest musicians, poets, historians, singers, storytellers and artists. Invited to take part are: Peter Browne, Paddy Jones, Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch, Skip Gorman, Eileen Sheehan, Breda Joy, Èamonn Ó Braoin, John Reidy, Joe Creedon and Lisa O’Neill. The event compere is Maggie Prendiville Keane.
Centre Cafe Open from 2pm to 6pm
The Scartaglin Heritage Centre Cafe will open from 2pm until 6pm with a dinner menu for the duration.
At O’Connor’s Bar at 2pm you’ll come across: Sean Abeyta, Noeleen O’Donnell, Fanny Cohalan, Eoin Stan O’Sullivan, Tomás MacUilleagòid, Mike Rice and Eoghan O’Sullivan, Mick Culloty and Cormac Mahony.
At the Heritage Centre at 2pm An Open Session for young musicians with Sliabh Mish CCE.
At the Patrick O’Keeffe Monument at 15.45pm
The annual photo session and tunes to honour past musicians led by Eoin Stan O’Sullivan.
At Lyons’ Bar at 3:30pm. A line out of Sliabh Luachra’s finest with: Bryan O Leary, Jimmy Doyle, Joe and Ciarán O’Sullivan and Eibhlin De Paor.
At Lyons’ Bar at 4pm. The sixth World Fiddle Day Recital: Come Down for a Tune will be hosted by All-Ireland winning fiddle and whistle champion and Scart native, Emma O’Leary. Special guests include: Gerry Harrington and Joe Thoma.
Singers at the Centre at 4pm. A singers’ gathering hosted by Micheál Ó Sé an All Ireland winner. Open to all visiting and local singers with special guests: Alan Woods, Lisa O’ Neill, Paidi Colahan, Mary Lawless, Nora Rice and Joe Creedon.
At Fleming’s Bar at 5:30pm. A session with All Ireland Concertina Champion, Maura O’Connor with: Kiril Healy, Mary Donegan,Thomas Bartlett, Emer Twomey and Conor O’Mahony.
Heritage Centre Scartaglin 2018 World Fiddle Day Celebration Concert
Headlined by Aidan Connolly and featuring: Darragh Curtin, Caoimhe Flannery, Diarmuid O’Brien, Paddy Tutty, Emma O’Leary, Gerry Harrington, Eoin Stan O’Sullivan, Lisa O’Sullivan, Noreen O’ Shea, Rhona O’Driscoll, Áine Kelliher, Skip Gorman, Tomàs MacUilleagòid, Emer Twomey, Michelle, Sinead and Marie O Neill, Hannah O Regan, Anna Buckley, Orlaith Twomey, Aoife and Meadhbh McCarthy, Paddy Jones, Donal Cullinane, Leah Murphy, Meabh Ní Chonaill, Con Moyniha, John Daly, Sean Abeyta, Kate Mulcahy, Matt Cranitch, Joe Thoma and Connie O’Connell.
The Maine Valley Post has, is and always will be a free resource for the people of the locality and its wider diaspora.
When we started in 2013, the intention was to be a weekly, online newsletter. Over time, the site has evolved into a much different beast with multiple updates on a daily basis.
Because of its nature as a digital publication, it brings with it certain expenses: computers and cameras that require updating and maintenance; internet hosting and access; to say nothing of the time and hard work that goes into the site. It all adds up…
Our online community has always been our greatest asset and a vocal supporter of the Maine Valley Post since day one.
Please take a moment to click on the link below to see how you can directly contribute to our continued growth and success. Thank you for taking the time……..John Reidy
