Trad-fest set for Kilnaleck this weekend

Damian McCarney

Published: Sat 13 Apr 2013, 10:11 AM

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Cill na Leice will this weekend host a festival of traditional Irish music and culture in memory of the legendary Comhaltas Stalwart, the late Dr. Brian Galligan, on April 13 and 14.

The Kilnaleck festival weekend is renowned as a place to see the county’s finest trad’ musicians compete for county titles and sought-after places in the All-Ireland finals.

As part of that the late Dr. Brian Galligan is remembered for not only promoting Irish traditional music nationally, but also particularly throughout his native Cavan. As an instigator of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Cumann Rinceoirí na hÉireann, a musician of distinction, a collector of traditional Irish music and an outstanding promoter of cultural events, his name is now famous in Irish folklore.

The weekend’s events kick off on Saturday, April 13 with a various music workshops, taking place from 4.30-6 30pm, while traditional singing and comhrá Gaeilge will take place at the Realtóg Centre and Kilnaleck NS. Booking for places can be confirmed by contacting Betty Leddy 087 - 926 7280, Philip Clarke 087 - 297 7183 or email plmclarke@gmail.com.

The official launch concert featuring Brenda McCann and Annette Owens, The Breslin Family, Mick Foster, Noel Battle, Moyra Fraser, Antóin Mac Gabhann, Gary Lynch and Friends, Sean McGuire Fiddler Ensemble, Dr Galligan Houseband, Kilnaleck CCE, Drumkilly Set Dancers, Martin Donohoe, Martin Murphy, Singers Aoife Murray, Nora Butler, Ruth Sullivan, Catherine Nugent and Tom Rehill and many more well-known names will take place at the Realtóg Centre, MC’d by Paddy Ryan from 7.30pm. Proceeds from the show will go to Darren Breslin Recovery Fund.

Sunday, April 14 will open with a Commemorative Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilnaleck, while there will be a lecture at Dr Brian Galligan memorial stone by Peter Brady.

Throughout the weekend there will be music and singing seisiúns in all pubs throughout the weekend and all musicians, singers and dancers are welcome to attend.