Culture Night ‘20 goes down a storm in Cullen

CULLEN ensured that Culture Night remained true to its legacy in a highly entertaining outdoor event in the village last Friday night.

Running for the 15th year, Culture Night is an all-Ireland event with towns and cities all across the country hosting free cultural events yet Culture Night 2020 proved radically different due to the Covid-19 pandemic as indoor gatherings of more than 50 people or outdoor gatherings with more than 200 people were banned.

That ensured digital and virtual events for the first time in many parts, yet the Cullen staging offered live entertainment at the familiar Luibhin Rince landmark within the village. As September darkness fell over the location to replace the sinking sunshine, the weather favoured the occasion, music, song and story emerged from a wealth of cultural entertainment performed by the Award winning Cullen Pipe Band, Munster and All Ireland winners in both Scór and Comhalthas Ceolteiorí Eireann Fleadh Cheoileanna.

Organiser Elizabeth O’Sullivan thanked the talent from Cullen Pipe Band, Glór na nGael and Feis Laitiarain on supporting the event and celebrating the values that traditional culture brings to culturally-strong communities such as Cullen.

Picture John Tarrant Musicians playing outdoors at Luibhín A Rince for Cullen’s Culture Night and, above, a wonderful chorus going down a treat.

Picture John Tarrant ABOVE: Caitlín Houlihan from Cullen Pipe Band delivered a recital in Cullen on Culture Night. LEFT: Members of the Cullen Pipe Band performing on Culture Night.

Photos John Tarrant RIGHT: Roger Casey reciting a poem as part of Cullen’s vibrant programme of events for Culture night.

ABOVE: Ava Thornton, from Millstreet, playing mighty tunes on the fidldle at the Cullen Culture Night.