Music, Magic and Mystery at Bog Week ‘08

Letterfrack - May 23^rd – June 2^nd

Conamara Bog Week 08 opens on Friday 23^rd May with an exciting art exhibition in Conamara National Park Letterfrack.  The exhibition entitled ‘A View from Outside’ features the work of the German artist, Hardy Langer, and American artist Pam Berry.  Both artists are familiar figures on the Conamara landscape and the exhibition is arousing great local interest.  The exhibition will open at 8.30 p.m. with not just the usual glass of wine but will also feature some young talented musicians, singers and dancers in what promises to be a most memorable night.  The fun continues with a gig in the Bards Den with an exciting line up.  Earlier in the day the Cinema Mobile will be coming to Letterfrack and will be showing special programmes for the Active Age Club and for young people.

Saturday morning kicks off with a set of music workshops featuring all instruments in Letterfrack NS at 11.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m., followed by an afternoon session in the Bards Den in which all the young players with strut their stuff.  Later that evening the ‘School House Gig’ takes place in Letterfrack NS, 8.45 p.m. and will feature students and tutors and later still the evening finishes with a mighty blast of the best of trad in the Renvyle Inn.

Conamara Bog week is a multi-layered event and as always has something for everybody.  Sunday starts with the annual ‘Bog Week Mass’ and will feature Cór na nÓg with special  guest, the well known Clare singer Gerry Lynch. The feature event of the first weekend  will be ‘the Fun Run’ a 5km sponsored ‘race’ that takes place between the village of Tullycross and Letterfrack.  All proceeds go to FORUM for youth projects. The race starts in Tullycross at 2 p.m.  The day continues with a ‘fun sports’ in Letterfrack – with lots of novelty events – jockey back races, three legged races, miniature golf, throwing horse shoes as well as penalty shoot out and a clatter of short races for everybody from 4 to 84!   A great day is ensured for all the family.  Everybody is asked to get a sponsorship card from FORUM or Letterfrack NS and take part in the ‘Fun Run’  - good for the figure and good for all the young people in our area which will benefit from the FORUM projects which will be run over the summer.

 School’s Programme: There will of course be a vibrant school’s programme with a great team featuring Gordon Darcy, the well-known ecologist and artist; archaeologist Michael Gibbons; artists Pam Berry and Hardy Langer;  actor / musician Nico Browne and script writer Fan Browne visiting the schools.  Children will be enthused, excited and put in touch with the magic of Conamara.

Sport: Brendan Ridge and his team will have a number of soccer tournaments for adults and primary schools. The primary school tournament will take place in Letterfrack NS on the bank holiday Monday at 12.0 clock.  For further information on the adult competition please contact Brendan 087 9865023.

Music is also a big feature of the second weekend and will have a number of gigs in the pubs, in the school and don’t forget the amazing Angklung Instant Orchestra, under the baton of Nico Browne, will be getting together in the Ellis Hall on Saturday at 2.30 p.m.  Remember, the orchestra features adults as well as children.  ‘Free the Letterfrack 10’ will also be the talking point of the weekend.

The Conamara Walkabout – May 31st , June 1st & 2nd will be one of the main events over the Bank Holiday weekend.  This unique event features artists, poets, painters and scientists exploring the landscape together.  “This stroll through the beautiful Conamara landscape with such a brilliant team is a unique chance for people to touch the magic and ancient history of this very special place that is Conamara” says Leo Hallissey Director of C.E.E.C.C, organiser of the walkabout.  The event starts at Letterfrack National School on Saturday June 2nd at 10.30 a.m. – Fee for the weekend is Є50.