Arts & Culture

A COMMEMORATIVE plaque to the late Pat Liddy, acknowledging a lifetime of work for Cois na hAbhna and Comhaltas will be unveiled in Cois na hAbhna this Friday by Dr Labhrás Ó Murchú Ard Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Pat Passed away on Monday, December 21 2020 in the middle of the Covid pandemic and, although his funeral mass at Clooney Church could only be attended by close family members, many made the journey from all over the country to line the roadside in a fitting Guard of Honour to a man whose parting gift to all of us was the legacy of a living tradition that is Cois na hAbhna. From the time he became a member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in the 1960s Pat was very active. He set up a number of branches throughout County Clare, but it was in set dancing that his true passion could be found. Along with his wife Nora, he ran the hugely …

FROM the stunning scenery of the Flaggy Shore to the unspoilt splendour of Mullaghmore, these are just some of the locations that are featured in a brand new book showcasing some of the very best walks to be enjoyed in the Burren. Written by Patrick McGinley, Tim O’Connell and Eddie Joyce, the ‘Our Burren Walks’ Guidebook is being sold in support of Clarecare Family Support Service which provides a range of supports to children and parents in County Clare. Keen and extensive outdoor walkers and adventurers, Patrick, Tim and Eddie regard many of the walks in the Burren as spectacular as those anywhere in the world and they are pleased to have the opportunity to share some of their interesting Burren experiences with readers of ‘Our Burren Walks’. Patrick tells us they are hopeful the book will inspire others to get out and explore all the Burren has to offer. He says there are “dozens of reasons” to go out …

THE very first creative writing award in honour of legendary Tuamgraney author Edna O’Brien was presented at Scariff Community College.  The inaugural winner of the Edna O’Brien Creative Writing Award, which was initiated by teacher Shulagh Colleran in collaboration with Ms O’Brien’s family, was Sixth Year student Emily Chen. Emily’s poem ‘They Say’, is a highly creative reflection on the importance of trees and forests in sustaining human life. Described by judge and fellow poet Luke Morgan as outstanding among all of the entries, ‘They Say’ emerged as the clear winner. “It’s creative, it’s daring and ambitious, and it’s topical,” Mr Morgan said. “Congratulations to the poet who wrote it, I am very jealous!” Ms Colleran said that all kinds of writing are encouraged and the aim is to develop the competition year-on-year. “We want all students at Scariff Community College to look at the trophy and to think, ‘I’d like to win that before I leave the school’,” Ms …

CUAR, the Irish chamber music ensemble founded by Neil Ó Loclainn from Ballyvaughan, will play in Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee this Thursday. Neil’s talents have been recognised by some of the greatest traditional musicians from Clare in terms of his groundbreaking work. Cuar explores composition and improvisation within the framework of Irish traditional music, playing new music written especially for them. Citing influences as varied as Tommie Potts, Tony MacMahon, sean-nós singing and uilleann pipe music, on the one hand, and the Karnatak (South Indian) music tradition, composers Morton Feldman, Béla Bartók and downtown jazz on the other, the music creates a boundary-less style rich in melodic detail. Together they forge a unique sound. The group has been featured at festivals and events throughout Ireland and Europe including Paris Jazz Festival, Jazzy Nights Brussels, Galway Jazz Festival, Féile na Bealtaine, Dingle, Masters of Tradition, Bantry, Kaleidoscope Night Dublin, and NUI Galway Arts in Action concert series. They are currently touring Ireland …

IF you’re looking for something fun to do during the cold winter months, you certainly won’t be barking up the wrong tree by getting involved with the Ennis Musical Society. Auditions for the society’s newest show Legally Blonde are set to take part this Sunday from 3pm at the Holy Family Hall with would-be singers and actors aged 16 and over encouraged to get involved. However, it isn’t just stars of the two legged variety who will be taking part in the show, with society chairperson Rachael Culligan revealing they will shortly be looking for performers of the four-legged kind. “Once we have cast the human parts we will be seeking dogs to audition for two roles in the show. We want to make sure that the dogs work well with who they are on stage with. “We are going to be looking for one small and one big dog, in the movie there is a Chihuahua, but what it …

A NEW film featuring Clare award winning writer and poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa has been released this week, and people in the Banner county will have the opportunity to see it on the big screen in Ennis. Described as an intimate exploration of Doireann’s world and creative process, Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries is a film about memories, motherhood and the mysterious nature of creativity. The acclaimed poet and essayist, raised in Kilnamona, was catapulted into the international literary spotlight in 2020 with the publication of her debut novel A Ghost in the Throat. Lauded by critics from the New York Times to the Guardian, it went on to win the Irish Book of the Year. Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries is an exploration of Ní Ghríofa’s world and creative process. Captured through intimate performances of her own work and in-depth interviews, the film reveals Ní Ghríofa’s creative impulses and journeys with her to the heart of her inspiration, her home place …

FRIENDS, family and fans of the late Dennis Cahill, will gather on Saturday night in Feakle to honour the renowned musician. A long-time musical collaborator with fiddle player Martin Hayes, the two men have played at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and toured extensively. Together, they breathed fresh life into a diverse traditional music repertoire and founded the acclaimed five piece, The Gloaming. For more than two decades, Dennis joined Martin as he returned home to his native Maghera and the Chicago native became part of the Hayes family and a valued member of East Clare’s musical community.  “Saturday evening in Pepper’s will be a moment for people to come together and to remember Dennis,” Martin said. “It will be informal, in the same way that Dennis was. Music brought him to Feakle and the festival. East Clare made a big impression on him and the event will give people here the chance to talk and chat and …

GLÓR’S director Orla Flanagan will be stepping down from her role in the new year the venue’s chair and board have announced. After six years at the helm of the Ennis cultural venue, Ms Flanagan is set pursue her own artistic interests and to embark on new creative projects. She has been appointed as senior producer for Once Off Productions and said she intends to remain living in Clare. “I am very proud of what we have achieved in glór over the past six years,” Ms Flanagan commented. “I will really miss the great staff, supportive board and our fantastic partners and artists as well as the buzz of the events and the vibrancy of the building. “I am especially proud of our collaborations with a range of artists and projects as well as the many exceptional artists celebrated and featured as part of the MÓRglór Award.” She said she is looking forward to working with a wide range of …