Tangy treat for Kilfenora Céilí Band fans

THE Lime Tree Theatre’s first traditional concert will be with the Kilfenora Céilí Band on Sunday, November 18.

 

Following sell-out performances at both the Cork Opera House and the National Concert Hall, this will be the Kilfenora’s first full Limerick concert for many years.

They will be joined on stage by dancer Michael Donnellan, the West Clare set dancers and singer/songwriter Don Stiffe.

The Kilfenora features fiddles, bass, cello, flutes, banjo, concertina and accordion, with what Folk Roots magazine called “one of the tightest rhythm sections in the world”.

The Kilfenora celebrated its centenary three years ago. As well as its regular members other musicians sometimes augment the group and their latest CD, Chapter 8, they were joined by Sharon Howley, Brian O’Grady and Don Stiffe.

Most of the current line up have been together since 1993 under the leadership of John Lynch. At that stage, he succeeded Kitty Linnane and he re-entered the band in All-Ireland competitions, winning three years in a row, from 1994 to 1996.

After this, they were being invited to Britain, France and cruised tours of the Mediterranean, having resumed their position as the country’s premier céilí band.

While they have always played at céilithe, in recent years they have frequently played concerts featuring additional instrumentalists, singers and dancers. Some shows have included audio-visual material too.

In 2010, Clare County Council hosted a civic reception for the Kilfenora and then Mayor of Clare, Tony Mulcahy, paid tribute to them.

“In hosting a civic reception in honour of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, the Council is also recognising the contribution of traditional Irish music artists and groups throughout Clare over the years in preserving a unique part of Irish culture and heritage.

“A civic reception is the highest accolade at the disposal of Clare County Council for any individual, group or organisation and one that is, for those in receipt of it this evening, thoroughly deserved.”