The name of the blind poet and musician, Raftery, is one that is familiar to every Irish person who attended school; but while most people can recite his best-known poems, far less is known of the man himself and of his contribution to Irish culture.
However, there will be an opportunity to discover more about the man behind the work when Raftery is among those commemorated at a summer school, Fonn, in Galway city from Sunday, August 15th, until Saturday, August 21st. Fonn, which is a celebration of the music and culture of the west of Ireland, will offer participants classes, lectures and trips around the city and county.
There will also be a special award to mark the contribution of Galway sisters Rita and Sarah Keane to Irish traditional singing, said Mr Mick Crehan, of the Galway School of Irish Traditional Music, which is featuring Fonn on its summer schedule.
Rita and Sarah, from Caherlistrane, east Galway, are known among music experts as the finest exponents of that area's singing tradition. They have passed on a wealth of songs to other singers, with well-known family members, Dolores and Sean Keane, among the recipients. The presentation will be followed by a concert in the Great Southern Hotel, with many special guests, including Sean and Dolores.
Fonn will offer classes in fiddle, tin-whistle, flute, uilleann pipes, button accordion, concertina, piano accordion, mandolin and guitar.
Those giving master classes include accordion player Jackie Daly, tin-whistle player Sean Ryan, flute-players Marcus Hernon and Harry Bradley, and fiddle-players Paddy Glacken and Sean Smyth.
Irish and English sean nos, singing and set dancing will also be taught while each afternoon there will be a lectures and cultural trails focusing on Irish music and culture. Guided tours will include one exploring the legacy of Raftery. Further details about Fonn are available from the Galway School of Irish Traditional Music at (091)562099.