Stars come out for Cnoc na Gaoithe

TULLA will be host a star-studded Christmas concert in aid of Cnoc na Gaoithe later this month following the successful launch of the Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre Project, Cnoc na Gaoithe.
The concert is one of the many fundraising activities in the area for the proposed cultural centre and it will take place in Ss Peter and Paul’s Church, Tulla on Tuesday, December 27 at 7.30pm.
Headline acts on the night will include traditional singer Seán Keane and the Ennis Gospel Choir with special guest appearances from Martin Hayes, Emma Ó Sullivan and local Tulla Comhaltas musicians.
Seán Keane is a member of the renowned Caherlistrane singing family, whose repertoire is a blend of the traditional songs learned from his aunts, Rita and Sarah Keane and songs by his favourite contemporary writers, including Richard Thompson, Tommy Sands, Mick Hanly and Sting, all sung in his calm, carefully weighted manner.
Formed in 2005, the Ennis Gospel Choir has inspired the people of Clare with its uplifting melodies and brought its unique style of music to people throughout the county and beyond. This hard-working choir, made up of approximately 40 members, has brought an additional dimension to many places of worship and is regularly involved in assisting with fundraising and community events.
Martin Hayes, patron of the Cnoc na Gaoithe project, needs no introduction to the people of Clare. He is an outstanding ambassador for Tulla and East Clare music worldwide. Regarded as one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music, his unique sound, mastery of his chosen instrument, acknowledgement of the past and shaping of the future of the music combine to create an astonishing and formidable artistic intelligence.
Meanwhile, sean-nós dancer Emma Ó Sullivan, who hails from Connemara, won the All-Ireland Sean-Nós dancing title at Oireachtas na Samhna in Letterkenny in 2009 and is best known for her successful appearances on The All-Ireland Talent Show, which made her a household name in Ireland and abroad.
There will be also be a prize of an original painting donated by renowned Limerick artist Henry Morgan up for grabs on the night.
Tickets for the gala Christmas concert are available from Tulla Post Office, Tulla Pharmacy, Custy’s Music Shop, Ennis and online at www.custysmusic.com, with a special Christmas offer available to those who book before December 20.