Sliabh Luachra Music Trail Gathering at River Island on Monday Night at 7pm

At the 2019 Sliabh Luachra Music Trail meeting at the River Island Hotel in Castleisland were from left: Ian McDonough, Cork County Council Arts Officer; Eoin Stan O’Sullivan, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence; Susan Motherway, Institute of Technology, Tralee; Margaret O’Connor, Maurice O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Kiskeam; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer; Conor and Cormac O’Mahony, Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Castleisland. ©Photograph: John Reidy 12-4-2019

At the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail meeting at the River Island Hotel in Castleisland in April 2019 were: Ian McDonagh, Cork County Council Arts Officer (left) pictured with: Eoin Stan O’Sullivan, Sliabh Luachra Musician in Residence; PJ Teahan, Handed Down and World Fiddle Day Scartaglen; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer and Pat Quille, Fleadh by the Feale, Abbeyfeale. ©Photograph: John Reidy 12-4-2019

“The unique music style of Sliabh Luachra is an integral part of our cultural heritage. Musicians and festival organisers are central to ensuring this musical tradition flourishes today.”

That opening statement is both the raising of a flag for an upcoming event and an affirmation of the importance of the music and culture of the area we live in.

Kerry County Council Arts Service, in collaboration with Cork County Council and Limerick County Council Arts Services work to support and foster this distinctive aspect of our living culture.

People interested in Sliabh Luachra Music are invited to attend a networking session on the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail, Monday, January 29^th in the River Island Hotel, Castleisland at 7pm sharp.

The Project Aims

The aims of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail project, which sees the relevant Local Authorities working with the Sliabh Luachra communities, are to: Celebrate and promote the region’s unique musical heritage; Through documentation and the creation of an archive, contribute to the preservation of this unique style and repertoire; Develop increased opportunities for cultural and creative tourism; Establish a local promoter’s network to encourage a joined-up approach to event promotion and to develop an education programme to stimulate an interest in the performance of Sliabh Luachra music and an engagement with cultural heritage.

Musicians for School Workshops

The tremendous work by local organisations ensures Sliabh Luachra Music is promoted and accessible to musicians and the wider public alike. This year will see the local authorities issue a call-out for a panel of Sliabh Luachra Musicians to deliver music workshops and masterclasses in schools across the three local authorities in Sliabh Luachra.

Festivals Integral to the Trail

A number of Kerry festivals and events are integral to the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail, these include: The Con Curtin Music Festival in Brosna. June 28th-June 30^th; the Handed Down Series in Scartaglin from September to April and World Fiddle Day Scartaglin in May and the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, Castleisland over the October bank holiday weekend.

These events are supported by the local communities, the local authority and many other sponsors and supporters.

Open Invitation

Anyone interested in contributing to the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail Network meeting, is welcome at 7pm at the River island Hotel on Monday night, January 29^th to discuss the overall work and needs of the trail, and potential to grow awareness of this unique musical heritage, please RSVP your attendance to arts@kerrycoco.ie. Teas and coffees will be served on arrival.

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