Arts & Culture

CLARE County Council this week signed a contract with Lambert Smith Hampton to undertake an in-depth review of the Clare-based assets of Shannon Heritage. The property condition survey of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle and Gardens, and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience will guide all future investment in maintenance, remedial and conservation works at the sites. The results of the technical audit will be presented to the local authority before the end of the year. “In order to commence our programme of investment in the assets, it is of critical importance that a detailed technical audit be carried out to determine the scale and nature of appropriate repairs and retrofitting measures that may be required,” said Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council. “Clare County Council is committed to investing in the future development of these sites for the benefit of the tourism sector and the wider economy, as …

CELEBRATIONS are taking place in Tulla, after the Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre was honoured nationally as a model for excellence in town and village renewal.  “It’s like achieving a Michelin Star,” said Breda McNamara, Chairperson of the Cnoc na Gaoithe Development Committee. “We are so delighted that what has been done here has been recognised. The buildings were donated by the Sisters of Mercy over a decade ago and they have been the gift that keeps on giving. We’re so grateful to the order and thrilled that the centre has been able to revitalise the heart of Tulla. To have that recognised on the national stage is very satisfying. It’s recognition for a job well done.” Last week at Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) All Ireland Community and Council Awards, Cnoc na Gaoithe picked received the national award for ‘Best Town and Village Regeneration’ project. It was chosen from a shortlist that also included the Ballinamore Area in Leitrim, #WeAreAthleague in Roscommon and the enhancement …

A MUSICAL tribute to Ireland’s cultural revolutionaries has been released by Ennis born singer-songwriter Mike Hanrahan. Following the critical acclaim for his short film ‘The Ballad of the Crimson Warrior’, Mike has renewed his collaboration with songwriter and musician, Sive, to release the title song. Like the film, the song is a homage to the leading figures of the cultural revolution between 1890 and 1922. It pays tribute to rebels, innovators, writers and fighters who worked to reawaken Ireland’s spirit in the crucial period leading to the securing of Irish Independence.  “I had the song written for the film, but I felt it needed another voice,” Mike explained. “In this song The Crimson Warrior is reawakened from 100 years of sleep to reconnect with a new Ireland. He is the voice of the Irish Cultural Revolution. I called my friend Sive and we spoke about the song. We share a mutual respect for this era of Irish history. Her reply …

ONE of Ireland’s most talented traditional singers will perform at Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla on Sunday night next (April 16).  For Elle Marie O’Dwyer, the concert, where she will be joined by Alan Finn and Conor O’Sullivan, offers a welcome opportunity to reconnect with Clare. The Cork woman was formerly Traditional Singer in Residence. That year-long role brought together Elle Marie’s ‘day job’ as a national school teacher and her talent for traditional song. The experience also coincided with the hosting in Ennis of two legendary All-Ireland Fleadhanna, making the Banner particularly close to Elle Marie’s heart. “Clare is divine altogether,” she said, “and there’s something so special about Ennis.” Elle Marie also believes that Clare’s audiences here are particularly receptive. “Clare children just have such a deep appreciation of traditional singing,” she said. “I learned so many songs myself in Clare and have connections with The Chapel Gate Singers in Cooraclare. John Condon of the Spancilhill singing sessions …

Glór is set to host a not-to-be-missed concert on April 24 with three of Ireland’s most talented and acclaimed traditional musicians. Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd have been building a formidable musical relationship under the guise of The Máirtín O’Connor Band since 2001. Individually recognised figureheads of the tradition, they have built solid reputations as master musicians with astounding skill, diversity and virtuosity. Together they produce a vibrant and musically charged experience that redefines one’s concept of brilliance, verging on perfection. If this musical powerhouse does not get you to your feet, nothing will. The concert is part of a weekend masterclass programme in association with Music Generation Clare. Over three days these acclaimed artists will work with a group of young musicians, taking them on an adventure of musical discovery that will culminate in a public performance (Day 3). This masterclass offers a unique opportunity for young musicians to work closely with three of the country’s most …

LEGENDARY Irish singer-songwriter Andy Irvine is coming to perform at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee on Easter Saturday, April 8. Having travelled the world with bands such as Sweeney’s Men, Patrick Street, Planxty and, more recently, Mozaik, Andy continues to pursue new combinations and styles of music. He has broadened his musical horizons over the course of his 40-year career to encompass the musical styles of countries he visits, such as the Balkan folk style of playing. After his introduction to the world of touring with Sweeney’s Men in 1965, he continued to travel the world, leaving the band in 1968 to pursue his wanderlust. He travelled through Bulgaria, Romania and Yugoslavia, studying the music traditions and styles of these nations. It was these journeys, which led him to adopt the bouzouki in his performance. This new instrument allowed him to develop his own style while learning that of the Balkan countries he visited. On his return to Ireland, Andy formed Planxty …

IDEAS are being sought ahead of an intergenerational festival to take place in Ennistymon in May. Rekindle is a festival of lost skills celebrating and showcasing the knowledge of older people in our communities that can help us all to live a truly sustainable life. Building upon the success of the first Rekindle festival of 2022, this year’s event will btake place on Sunday, May 14 at the Courthouse Gallery Ennistymon. Coordinator Katie Cogan has launched a search for older people who might like to exhibit in the festival. “So many of the skills we need now to live in a truly sustainable way were once practiced by generations past,” she said. “We’re now looking for older people with skills involving making useful things, repair, creating beautiful crafts, growing materials or foods, mending belongings or building habitats. Anyone with a skill diminishing in popularity and in danger of being forgotten. Is this you or do you know someone who matches …

QUIN Heritage Group is holding a showing and talk on Guns In The Heather a 1969 Walt Disney adventure film directed by Robert Butler and produced by Ron Miller. The film stars Kurt Russell , Glenn Corbett and Alfred Burke. Interestingly, the film was primarily shot on location in Quin, St Flannan’s College, Corkscrew Hill, Corofin and Kilfenora. Whether you are a classic movie buff or just want to get a taste of film history please come along to see the movie and meet with some of the locals who were involved in the making of the film. The event will take place on March 31 at 8pm, Abbey Room Quin Hall.