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A Word of Welcome
A Cháirde,
On behalf of the
organising committee I would like to welcome
you all here to Castleisland for the 15th
annual Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music
Festival.
We would like to extend a
special Céad Míle Fáilte to visiting and
local musicians alike who will be taking
part in the many sessions planned for here
over the weekend.
To the throngs of music
loving visitors from all corners of the
world we also say welcome and thanks for
making the effort to be with us on this
great occasion.
It is a constant source
of amazement to us to find that, on each
October, people from all corners of the
world have made their way here to
Castleisland to enjoy the unique musical
experience we strive to provide. Many
visitors leave after the weekend vowing to
return the following year – and a high
number do just that.
We have a line up of
music, song and dance that we hope will make
your stay here a enjoyable and pleasant one.
You will see from the
contents of this booklet that we have both
the backing and blessings of the local
business community in our efforts. This has
been the fortunate position we’ve found
ourselves in since the festival was founded
back in 1993 – for that we’re very grateful.
The international brewing
company, Heineken has also provided a sound
base of support for the festival over the
past number of years. On that account we
would like to urge you to sample their wares
here over the weekend.
For the benefit of
visitors: there will be many fine exponents
of the famed Sliabh Luachra style of playing
to be seen and heard in various locations
over the few days of the festival.
This style was preserved
and passed on – at a great cost to his
health and wellbeing - by the man in whose
honour we’re all gathered here this weekend.
Over the years there has
been a increasing emphasis on the
educational aspect of the local style of the
music of Sliabh Luachra. Extensive music
classes are held annually in conjunction
with the festival. These are conducted by
players steeped in the tradition of the
area.
Patrick O’Keeffe spent
the greater part of his life on the roads of
the Sliabh Luachra area harbouring the
tradition and spreading his unique talent
and style. Several of his pupils and those
influenced by his life and music will take
part in this festival and therefore ensure
that his legacy and legend live on.
Finally I hope that both
players and patrons have an enjoyable
weekend and that you’ll spread the word for
the years ahead.
Cormac O’Mahony –
Chairman.
muiris@patrickokeeffe.com
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