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Féile na Sean Bheairice: A Celebration of Arts and Culture in An Fál Carrach, Co. Dhún na nGall
Get ready to immerse yourself in a captivating celebration of arts and culture as Féile na Sean Bheairice takes centre stage from the 22nd to the 25th of June. This exciting festival, held in An tSean Bheairic, An Fál Carrach, promises a diverse lineup of events that will delight attendees of all ages.
An tSean Bheairic, Falcarragh
Kicking off the festival at 8pm on the 22nd of June is a special screening of the award-winning film “Bean Feasa,” directed by Daniel Butler. Winner of the esteemed ‘Best Irish Short’ award at the Foyle Film Festival in Derry, the film has been praised by the jury as a “mesmerising and frightening work of ambiguity with a pitch-perfect tone of superstition meeting reality.” Director Daniel Butler will be present to introduce and discuss the film, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into its creation.
On the 23rd of June, the festival will have its official opening with Seosamh Ó Dubhchóin, Cathaoirleach na Sean Bheairice, who has played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of An tSean Bheairic for the past 25 years. Following the opening ceremony, prepare to be enthralled by a captivating concert featuring the talents of Martin Crosssin and Ian Smith. Martin, a Milford-based musician, has garnered acclaim for his workshops and mentorship, as well as his handcrafted uilleann pipes. Ian Smith, renowned for his diverse musical background and collaborations with notable artists such as Paul Brady, Mary Black, Christy Moore, Altan and Dolores Keane, is sure to mesmerize the audience with his captivating performances.
Ian Smith
Saturday morning, the 24th of June, will commence with a Sean Nós singing workshop at 11:30 am, followed by the “Corn Éamoinn Ghráinne do dhaoine óga,” a singing competition for children. At 2 pm, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Sean Nós dancing workshop led by Róisín Ní Mhainnín, a distinguished figure in the realm of sean-nós dance. This will be followed by an exhilarating dancing exhibition featuring Róisín Ní Mhainnín, along with Frank and Eileen Sweeney, showcasing the best of Sean Nós dancing.
Roisin Ni Mhainnin
A highlight of the festival will be the sean-nós singing competition held on the 24th, organized in memory of the late Eamonn Ghráinne Mac Ruairí of Tory Island and Falcarragh. Eamonn, revered for his contributions as a singer, musician, and folklorist, is celebrated as one of the masters of the Donegal sean-nós singing tradition.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition, open to sean-nós singers of all ages. Clíona Ní Ghallachóir, a three-time winner of the competition, will judge the competition, and Fr. Seán O Gallachoir will emcee the evening. Patricia Nic Ruairí, daughter of Eamonn Ghráinne Mac Ruairí, expressed her excitement, stating, “My father’s legacy lives on through this competition, which celebrates the rich musical heritage he dedicated his life to. It is a truly special event.”
The Family of Éamonn Ghráinne Mac Ruairí with Diane Ní Chanainn Photo Clive Wasson
Patricia Nic Ruairí, daughter of the late Éamonn Ghráinne Mac Ruairí
Following the competition, get ready to kick up your heels at the Céilí Mór, a lively céilí featuring music and dancing, led by the immensely popular Martin Duggan on button accordion.
The festival will come to a grand finale on Sunday night, the 25th of June, with Paddy Cullivan’s enthralling performance, recounting the incredible story of the mysterious death of Theobald Wolfe Tone, the founding father of Irish Republicanism. Through an audio-visual spectacle comprising stunning imagery, groundbreaking research, and extraordinary songs, Paddy dares to unravel the secrets and lies surrounding Tone’s demise after his capture at the Battle of Tory Island, where alongside 3,000 soldiers, he “fought with the “utmost coolness and bravery”, before being brought to Dublin in chains.
Séamus Mac Aoidh, Rúnaí na Sean Bheairic, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival lineup, stating, “We are thrilled to present Féile na Sean Bheairice, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ealain na Gaeltacht for their generous support in making this festival a reality.”
Tickets for the festival events are available on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/feile-na-sean-bheairice-2023-2305249
Additional information can be found at www.antseanbheairic.com or by contacting 089 4219346.