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Arts & Culture

Burren Girl in focus following Rita’s Clare ancestors quest

A North Clare family from both sides of the Atlantic will be reunited next week in Doolin for the Ireland premiere of an award-winning documentary about their family history. This film, showing on May 4 at Hotel Doolin, highlights the story of a traditional Gaelic clan of the Burren, the O’Dubhdaboreinn. The film, called ‘Burren Girl,’ (www.burrengirldoc.com) follows the quest of Irish American Rita Davern as she searches ancient records and wanders the Burren interviewing friends and distant relations to learn more about the land and people her grandmother left behind in 1887. Ms. Davern, who produced and directed the film, said, “I am excited to bring this film back home to the Burren, where the my family’s story began more than 1200 years ago. “Twelve people from the extended Davern branch, and a few filmmakers will also come over from Minnesota for the premiere. They are excited to finally meet the Davorens they encountered in the film. “Our ancestors …

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Extraordinary tale of WWI Clare brothers to be told in Corofin

THE extraordinary story of the O’Higgins brothers will be told this Friday night at the Festival of Finn in Corofin. Cumann Staire is Dúchais Chora Finne will present the story of the four brothers of North Clare, all of whom participated as soldiers in the First World War. The story will be presented by Dermot Hayes, who conducted the research interviews connected with this historical narrative for a Radio Corca Baiscinn documentary, which subsequently won a national gold community achievement award for the station. Dermot worked closely on the project with retired army captain Fionnán Ó hUigínn and his sister Máiréad both of whom will join Dermot in Corofin on Friday night. The story tells how Liscannor natives Richard and Thomas O’Higgins emigrated to Argentina to set up a new life there . However both were subsequently to return to Ireland in order to enlist in the army when World War 1 broke out in Europe in 1914. Both joined …

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Republican author holds Clare launch for latest work

ACCLAIMED author and playwright Danny Morrison will be in Ennis for the Clare launch of his latest work this Friday evening. “Free Statism and the Good Old IRA” is the Belfast man’s eighth book and his fourth work of non-fiction. He is a regular media political commentator and a former editor of An Phoblacht. In his new book Mr Morrison asserts that from its inception and through its many incarnations from Free State to Éire to the Republic of Ireland, the establishment and mainstream media in the South have promoted a partitionist mindset – Free Statism.  The book examines the nature of the Tan War, bomb and gun attacks, the killings of RIC men, on- and off-duty, the execution of informers, the IRA campaign in England, and other multiple-parallels between two struggles separated only by time. The launch will include a question and answer session with the audience, and will be chaired by Clare Sinn Féin councillor Donna McGettigan. Councillor McGettigan …

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Musical start to the month of May

THE month of May will get off to a sweet start in Ennis next Monday (May 2), as Mike Hanrahan and five choirs take to the steps of the Courthouse. At 3pm, the Stockton’s Wing legend will sing alongside Cantare, The Really Truly Joyful Gospel Choir, Ballyea choir, Front Line Choir and a new choir, Inis Soul. The event, entitled Bealtaine Voices with Mike Hanrahan is part of a month-long celebration of creativity in older age, and is supported by Clare County Council and Creative Ireland. Songs will include ‘Dreams’, ‘On Days Like These’, ‘May the Road Rise to Meet You’, ‘Clare My Heart My Home’, ‘Celebrate’ and Stocktons Wing classic ‘Beautiful Affair’. More details are available on Bealtaine.ie. Meanwhile, Mike has teamed up with Gavin Glass for to release ‘Spindrift’ – the second song from a series of works created during the past two years called Songs from The Box Room, which will be released in the autumn. With …

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Spillane the headline act at Mountshannon Arts Festival

SINGER-SONGWRITER John Spillane has just been unveiled as headline act for the Mountshannon Arts Festival this summer. With the welcome return of in-person events, the hugely talented Corkonian, is set to captivate audiences from well beyond East Clare, when he performs at St Caimin’s Church. Rooted in people, place and story, John’s music transports the listener, and his live performances have thrilled audiences around the world. The award-winning musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer will perform within the hallowed historical walls of 18th Century Church of Ireland on Saturday, June 4. Mountshannon Arts Festival Chairperson, Mel White, said the committee is delighted to have secured such a talented and popular performer to headline this year’s event. “John’s music is a reflection of Ireland today, and we are honoured to have him performing in Mounshannon,” she said. “And not only that, John is also hosting a song writing workshop where he will help participants lose whatever inhibitions and …

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Damien Dempsey – ‘It’s an almighty thing, love is’

“I’M really enjoying the shows, the people seem happier than ever, just to be out. I’ve never seen crowds react better.” So says Damien Dempsey of his current tour, which will seem him play at Glór on April 29. Like all musicians he was left idle throughout the pandemic, but says he coped quite well, focusing on nature and reminding himself that many had it harder than himself. “I just got back to nature, you know? I’m not far from Howth Head, there’s a native wood up there, cliffs, you can see up to the Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Mountains, Cú Chulainn country, you can see down to Wexford and you can see the Hill of Tara. “I climbed that a lot of days and looked at the east coast of our beautiful island. I got into the sea when I came back down and that was keeping me together. “I sort of put it in perspective, I said some …

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CD launch kicks off Ennistymon CBS arts week

CBS Ennistymon held a CD launch in the town this week to kick off the school’s annual arts week which is packed as ever with workshops, performances and outings. The CD, launched in the Cheese Press on Monday, features three original songs written by the students, namely “The Burning of Ennistymon”, “Summer in Lahinch” and “Inis Oirr”. English teacher Eimear Griffey explained that the songs were written about places and feelings close to the students’ hearts, having learned about the local stories from their history teacher, John Galvin. She said, “We kept the songs about simple things, things the students could draw inspiration from through their own experience. “We were lucky enough to get the funding to take part in the Creative Engagement programme, and this was what this particular group decided to do with it with the help of our artist in residence John O’Connell.” Both the lyrics and the music were composed by the students, and Eimear attributed …

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Meade’s eclectic stylings set for glór stage

A STRIKINGLY original artist working in the field of jazz, folk, and contemporary music, Edel Meade will be in Glór on Thursday, April 28. Described as the “most courageous Irish album of the year” in The Irish Times, Brigids and Patricias Edel’s stunning new solo album was released on International Women’s Day 2021. Her new collection of original songs and spoken word reflects on what it means to be a woman living in 21st century Ireland. Shaped by Irish history, folklore and contemporary society, the album draws on the stories and experiences of Irish women including Tipperary woman, Bridget Cleary, Limerick aviatrix Lady Mary Heath and contemporary trailblazing women including Catherine Corless and Vicky Phelan. Standout songs include Song For Bridget Cleary, (Bridget Cleary was burnt alive by her husband in 1895, not far from where Meade grew up in Co. Tipperary, although he insisted she had been taken away by the fairies!). Long Way To Go is a provocative …

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