Get set for set dancing and more

Classes in set dancing, tin whistle, flute and sean nos singing are all part of the Douglas Hyde Summer School of traditional…

Classes in set dancing, tin whistle, flute and sean nos singing are all part of the Douglas Hyde Summer School of traditional music and dance in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, from July 2nd to 8th.

Classes will also be provided in the button accordion, the piano accordion, bodhran playing, traditional singing, harp and banjo.

Ceilis will be nightly, with set dancing ceilis on alternate nights, and nightly singing sessions.

Further details from 086 8508605, or 0907-60013/60136. Fax 0907-60765, or e-mail ocall@iol.ie

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Meanwhile, the 13th annual Dr Douglas Hyde Conference takes place at various venues in Co Roscommon from July 21st to 23rd. It will continue the assessment of Irish leaders of the 20th century begun last year.

The broadcaster and academic, Dr Brian Farrell, will speak on Eamon de Valera and Sean Lemass while Tim Pat Coogan will give a talk on Michael Collins. Other speakers will include the historian Dr T. Ryle Dwyer, who will speak on Charles Haughey.

Dr Brian Murphy will give an address on Padraig Pearse, while Dr Dermot Keogh of NUI Cork will speak about labour leaders in the last century. Dr Gill McIntosh will give a talk on the unionist leader, James Craig.

The conference will open at St Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, July 21st. Further details from Roscommon County Council at 0903-37100.

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Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times