Full Programme

Dé Céadaoin - 6th April - Official opening and the annual Patrick Byrne Lecture

The Shirley Arms, 8pm – adm. free.

Local historian John Scully will deliver this year’s lecture on the life and music of Patrick Byrne.  John will draw from his forthcoming biography of Patrick Byrne to offer a fresh insight on the career of the harper.  He will be joined by Eilis Lavelle, one of Ireland’s leading harpers.  A multiple award winner, Eilis will play music associated with Patrick Byrne and the local music tradition.

Déardaoin - 7th April - Ceolchoirm le Gerry O’Connor agus Gilles le Bigot

8pm – The Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Inniskeen – adm. €10

"....Two brilliant musicians from two very different disciplines, come together in concert to swop and share their enormous talents. Wonderful music, full of passion, fire and energy....., " David Kidman

In 2006 Gerry and Gilles recorded an album before a live audience in Brittany.  Critics hailed it as “one of the great records of fiddle music” and “flawless in a way that is rarely found with live albums”.  Now sixteen years on the duo have chosen Carrickmacross to record their second live album.  Those attending will get to experience two superb musicians close-up while also being part of the recording process.

Dé hAoine - 8th April

Ceolchoirm leis An Oriel Traditional Orchestra agus Dave Flynn

8pm – Íontas Theatre, Castleblayney – adm. €10

The World premiere of a new work by internationally renowned composer Dave Flynn will be performed by the Oriel Traditional Orchestra. The Orchestra is a cross-border community orchestra and the Arts Council have commissioned Dave Flynn to compose a suite of music especially for them, inspired by the Oriel region and the harper Patrick Byrne. 

Seisiún ceoil 10:30pm ‘till late – Markey's, Carrickmacross.

Dé Sathairn - 9th April

Music Workshops - 10.30am to 1pm - The Workhouse, Carrickmacross       

Fun Trad with Seán Walsh and Sinéad Finnegan - a class aimed at younger students who would not be ready for regular workshops.  The emphasis is on having fun with music. Places are limited to 15 and fee is €5.         

Arranging and Recording for groups with Garadice - suitable for musicians and singers aged 12 to 18.  This workshop will include learning rare tunes from the Carrickmacross area, arranging sets of tunes in a group, recording of final arrangements, and performing as support to Garadice that evening.  Places are limited to 15 and the fee is €10.

Registration will be from 9.45am but places can be reserved by sending an email to patrickbyrnefestival@gmail.com with student’s name, age and contact telephone.

Guided Walking Tour - 11 am – meet at the Carrickmacross Court House.  Free event.

Historian Mary Kerley will guide walkers around Carrickmacross and bring alive the vibrant history of the town. The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and walkers should wear comfortable shoes and perhaps bring an umbrella!

Seisiún ceoil – Afterburners - 5.30pm to 7.30pm – McNally’s - adm. free.

Open youth traditional session organised by the Carrickmacross CCÉ Youth Officers with all teen musicians welcome.  No speed limits!

Ceolchoirm le Garadice - 8pm – St. Louis Secondary School Hall – adm. €10 adults / under 18s €5.

“A classic Irish folk album, in the footsteps of De Danann or Stockton's Wing, mixing solid traditional tunes with songs old and new” . . . .Alex Monaghan

Garadice feature the pure, lyrical voice of Eleanor Shanley plus three fantastic musicians; Dave Sheridan (Flute, Accordion and Piano), Padraig McGovern (Uilleann Pipes and Whistles) and John McCartin (Guitar).  The resulting super group play beautiful arrangements of songs and tunes, some original and some of which have not been played for over 200 years.  All master musicians, they have gelled together to create a fantastic sound.  Not to be missed!

Support will be provided by the students who attended the workshop on group arrangements under the direction of Pádraig McGovern and Dave Sheridan.

Seisiún ceoil - 10:30pm ‘till late – Markey's, Carrickmacross.

Dé Domhnaigh - 10th April

Sean Nós Dance Workshop - Noon to 2pm - St. Louis Secondary School Hall, Carrickmacross

Gerard Butler will lead this class which is suitable for both beginners and improvers.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Workshop fee €10.

Singing Workshop - Noon to 2pm – Deery’s lounge, Carrickmacross

Coleen Savage, from the ‘Lost Songs of the Border’ project, will teach songs in both Irish and English from the locality in a class which is suitable for both beginners and improvers.  Workshop fee free.

Seisiún amhránaíochta - Irish traditional singing session - 3pm to 5pm – Deery’s lounge, Carrickmacross – adm. free and all welcome.

A dedicated singing session with specially invited guest singers from Counties Monaghan and Armagh to lead.  All singers are welcome with

the rule being that while no standard is set for the singing, a very high standard is set for the listening!

Seisiún ceoil - Reel Slow - 6pm to 8pm – Deery’s Lounge - adm. free.

A dedicated slow session suitable for novice and improver musicians hosted by the local adult slow session group and led by fiddle player Noreen McManus.  Speed limits apply but all are welcome.

Seisiún ceoil - 8pm ‘till late – McNally’s - adm. free.

Final open music session of the féile with all musicians, singers and dancers welcome. Hup!