Music
Féile John McGrath
By Oonagh Kelleher
20, May 2010 - 07:00

The Cathair na Mart branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is organising Féile John McGrath, which will be centred around the figure of John McGrath from Erris, the famous composer, fiddle player and teacher of Irish music. McGrath's contribution to Irish traditional music is largely forgotten by the general public and remembered mostly by the older generation of Irish musicians. The Féile will be held in Knockranny House Hotel on the weekend of May 21/22.

The programme for the weekend encompasses key aspects of traditional Mayo culture, topics to be explored include hedge schools and sean-nós singing, John McGrath, field-recordings and Mayo music and songs.

John McGrath

Cheese and wine reception at 7:30 on Friday, May 21 in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport followed by the Official Launch by Ben Lennon. The night's programme continues with Ceol na nÓgánach, followed by Jimmy Deenihan TD who will speak on Hedge Schools and their influences on modern day education. The formal talks conclude with well-known broadcaster and RTÉ archivist, Harry Bradshaw who will discuss field recordings made in America of Mayo music.

Saturday, May 22 at 11am, Ceol na nÓgánach, this group of musicians will play some of McGrath's better known tunes to give a lively start to the second part of the conference. Úna Quinn discusses the importance of the Lynch collection of Mayo songs and throws new light on her findings. Máirtín Mac Donnchadha from RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta will examine the Mayo Sean-Nós songs.

Vincent McGrath nephew of John McGrath recalls music and stories about his uncle. Fintan Vallely, broadcaster and musician explains the origins of the flute and its influence on Irish music, this interactive session to be chaired by Ben Lennon.

Ceolchoirm na Féile at 9pm, Saturday, will feature some of Ireland's best known musicians, who together with local Mayo entertainers will bring to a conclusion what promises to be an enlightening and entertaining weekend.