Conamara Bog Week 2011 - The Line Up
Music, Cycling, Walking & a hint of Madness at Conamara Bog Week ‘11. Letterfrack, May 27th – June 6th.
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Conamara Bog Week ‘11 opens Friday 27th May with a schools programme for national schools; a visit by Letterfrack NS to the Ballinakill Active Age Club where the younger generation of musicians and dancers will entertain their older friends.
Later that evening the official opening of ‘Take Three’ art exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Dorothy Cross takes place at 8.00pm in the Connemara National Park, featuring the work of three emerging artists Debbie Watkins, Mary Hession and Leah Beggs – theme of this exhibition is a Response to Bog Land and it will also feature some young talented musicians, singers and dancers in what promises to be a most memorable night. Exhibition open throughout the festival. The fun continues with ‘Oiche Chonamara’ in Molly’s Bar, Letterfrack with an exciting line up which will include Johnny Connolly - melodeon, Liz Kane – fiddle, Yvonne Kane – fiddle and Emma O’Sullivan sean nós dancer. In the Renvyle Inn, Tully Josephine Marsh – box will be joined by Mick Kinsella - harmonica, Tommy Carew –Guitar/vocals and Emma O’Sullivan – sean nós dancer. Both events start at 9.45pm. Saturday morning kicks off with a set of music workshops featuring all instruments in Letterfrack NS at 11.00a.m. – 3.30p.m. followed by an afternoon session in The Bards Den in which all the players will strut their stuff – The workshops are with Liz & Yvonne Kane – fiddle; Johnny Og Connolly – box; Daire O’Neill – whistle/flute and Edel Fox – concertina. To book contact Leo 085 1154629. Later that evening at 9.45pm in the Bards Den, there will be a session of music and dance with Padraic Keane - pipes, Siobhan Keane – fiddle and Emma O’Sullivan – sean nós dancer and lots of friends. Sunday is a very sporting day which will challenge everybody from 4 to 84 to get out there and do their thing. |
The Conamara Bog Week Fun Run - a 5km sponsored race from Tullycross to Letterfrack - begins at 2.30pm. You can run, jump, skip or hop but please take part as all monies raised go to FORUM for youth projects in the region, so please grab a sponsorship card from either FORUM of Letterfrack NS. The day continues with a ‘fun sports’ 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. Music in Molly’s Bar at 5.00pm with Geraldine McNamara – flute, Siobhan Peoples – fiddle and lots of friends. A great day for all the family.
| Throughout the week there will be a vibrant school’s programme with a great team including Gordon Darcy – ecologist/artist; Michael Jacob – ecologist with a special interest in bogs and Mags Faherty from the Connemara National Park – ecologist with an intimate knowledge of the Connemara landscape. Children will be enthused, excited and put in touch with the magic of Conamara
The Bank Holiday weekend has some great music starting on Friday night in Molly’s Bar at 9.45pm with Tommy Keane – pipes/flute, Jackie McCarthy – concertina, Mirella Murray – accordion and Yvonne Kane - fiddle, a great blast of music. And, in The Renvyle Inn a mighty session with Andres – button accordion and Greg Cotter – guitar/vocals. On Saturday evening at 7.30pm we will have the annual Monastery Hostel Gig featuring this year the amazing Voices of Sean Tyrell, Micheal O’Cuaig and Deirdre Herbert. Candlelit dinner and a warm and welcoming atmosphere make this a special evening. Fee €20 – contact Stephen on 41132. |
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The Bards Den – 9.45pm with Conor Keane - box, Maire Keane - flute, Marcus Hernon – flute and direct from his recent TV appearance Don Stiffe – guitar/vocals.
On Friday and Saturday June 3rd & 4th walks with the wonderful Michael Gibbons – local archaeologist who has made such a huge contribution to archaeology in Conamara.
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Sunday starts with the Conamara Walkabout at 11.00am. A unique walk in the company of poets, painters, scientists and musicians, a slow meander through this magical landscape. Meeting at Letterfrack NS. Trad Session – the bards Den – 5.00pm with the wonderful Hernon Family. An afternoon of great music and dancing. Mol an Oige Concert – with over 100 young people, from all over Conamara, performing in Letterfrack Church at 8.30pm. Tickets €10. Admission Free but all donations greatly received for the Hospice Homecare For Children. The final trad session - The Bards Den 9.45pm with Marie Walsh – box, Daire O’Neill – flute and Liz Kane – fiddle with some of Conamara’s finest young players, a night to remember. A special event on this night will be the launch of a book – ‘The Grouse and The Heather’ containing original compositions by Marcus Hernon and illustrations by his son Breandan. |
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Bank Holiday Monday will see Brendan Ridge and his team organising the annual Conamara Bog Week Soccer Tournament for primary schools. Visiting players are welcome. Letterfrack NS 11.00am. Contact Brendan 41181.
And don’t forget the Conamara Bog Week 2 Day Cycle Races on May 21st& 22nd. For details contact John James on 087 9120910 or log onto www.westernlakescc.com
