Scoil Cheoil na Botha
Various venues, An Bhoth, Scotstown, Co Monaghan Friday October 6th-Sunday October 8th anbhoth.ie
Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Caitlín Nic Gabhann are a mighty fine fiddle and concertina duo who will kick off proceedings in this year’s festival at the Cornagilta concert, followed by a session in McCague’s bar with Johnny Óg Connolly and Clíodhna Costello on accordion and banjo. From there it’s a jostling mix of workshops and sessions throughout the weekend, with a highlight promised in the shape of piper Pádraig McGovern and flute player Tim McHugh’s closing afternoon session, again in McCague’s bar. A gathering for musicians, singers and dancers who have a taste for the small intimacies of the tradition.
Féile na Sollán
Various venues, Sallins, Co Kildare Friday October 6th-Sunday October 8th sallinstradfest.com
Drumming workshops, dance expos, guitar, fiddle and accordion masterclasses and barge trips are all part of this year’s Sallins Tradfest, with FullSet headlining on Saturday night. This weekend festival celebrates local musicians, singers and dancers, with the central focus on trad sessions throughout the town.
Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Nollaig Casey and Mairéad Ní Chathasaigh
Ionad Cultúrtha, Ballyvourney, Co Cork Friday October 6th 8.30pm €15/€10 ionadculturtha.ie
The sublime melding of harp and fiddles defines the intuitive and intimate sound that these three sisters from west Cork make. Their recent album, Sibling Revelry, captured the magic in the mix with remarkable ease. Nollaig has travelled the world over, guesting with Planxty and as a member of Donal Lunny's Coolfin. Máire regularly tours with her husband, Chris Newman; and Mairéad, as well as being a fine singer, has a particular penchant for the riches of Sliabh Luachra's musical tradition, which she threads through her fiddle playing with a finesse that characterises all three sisters' approach to their music.
Remembering Delia Murphy
Bellbridge House Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare Friday October 6th 8pm €10 oac.ie
Three Lovely Lassies, The Spinning Wheel and If I Were A Blackbird: three of the songs that immediately spring to mind when Delia Murphy's name is mentioned. Her charisma and vitality as a singer is unmatched, and her capacity to marry a life of music with a career in international diplomacy from the 1920s to the 1960s is worthy of a movie in itself. On Friday night, her niece Carmel Cullen will remember Delia's songs and her vast musical legacy.
