Riches of Clare returns

THIS year’s Riches of Clare free lunchtime concert series begins this Sunday, with its official launch at the Kilfenora Music Festival. The concert series features traditional musicians from or based in Clare with an occasional visitor.

This is the eighth year of the Clare Arts Office initiative, which will see 64 musicians in 16 concerts over three months in Ennis and at festivals around the county.

The season begins with the second Kilfenora Music Festival and ends with the regular performance at the Feakle Music Festival in August.

The residency in the County Museum begins during the Fleadh Nua and continues each Wednesday afternoon during June and July.

Musicians performing in this year’s series will include Siobhán Peoples, John Joe Tuttle, Tony Linnane and Josephine Marsh.

Admission to all concerts in the series is free, as the concerts are supported by the Arts Office of Clare County Council and the Arts Council.

“As always, local musicians have been enthusiastic and obliging with their participation in each and every concert. The series really belongs to the musicians and the audiences,” says Liam Ryan, who is co-ordinating the series with his sister, Finola.

More information on the series is available online at www.riches ofclare.com and this year the co-ordinators are offering a free text reminder service. To sign up for it, text RICHES to 087 4199293. There will also be updates on the Riches of Clare Facebook page.