Sliabh Luachra Lecture and Concert Series launched
THE Scartaglin Heritage Centre-based Handed Down Series of Lectures and Concerts has just turned the corner and into its fifth season.
The series of events from here to next May was launched in Scart to coincide with Culture Night.
“We’re proud to announce our programme for Series Five of Handed Down, and we’d like to thank our presenters for once again agreeing to rise to the challenge and taking on the title and idea they were given,” said spokesman PJ Teahan.
“We look forward to showcasing the young musicians of the area and welcoming old friends as well as newcomers. All events start at 8pm sharp with the exception of the World Fiddle Day.
“We’re launching the series with the aim, once more, of raising enough money to hold the World Fiddle Day Celebrations in Scartaglin on May 18, 2019,” said PJ.
Matt Cranitch was the special guest for the launch of the 2018/19 season of monthly events which writes local, visiting and up-andcoming musicians into its programme script. Teas and snacks and the odd trip up the village are all part of the cultural experience.
The programme lines up as follows: Saturday, October 6 Peter Browne – A Thank You from Sliabh Luachra presented by Paudie O’ Connor.
This is a special Handed Down inclusion where presenter Paudie O’Connor will look back on recently retired RTÉ broadcaster Peter Browne’s life as a musician, and his deep connection and the wonderful service he gave to the music of Sliabh Luachra.
Saturday, November 17 ‘Dan Murphy and the Fáilte Bar Abbeyfeale’ presented by Donal Murphy.
Presenter Donal Murphy
will look back at the life and music of his late father, Dan.
A native of Knocknagoshel, Dan Murphy returned from England and opened a bar which became a vital music venue and influenced so many and strengthened the traditional music scene in west Limerick.
Saturday, December 8
‘Did you hear that before? The Musical Legacy of Maurice O’Keeffe will be presented by Máire O’ Keeffe.
Máire O Keeffe will take us back to the times she spent with fiddler Maurice O’Keeffe in Kiskeam and the tunes and stories he handed down so generously.
Saturday, January 26
‘From the Master’s Hand – Padraig’s Legacy’ will be presented by Matt Cranitch.
What was a lesson with the the famous fiddle master like ?
Matt will do his utmost with guests to answer from years of interviews and studies of Padraig O’Keeffe’s students and manuscripts.
Saturday, March 9
‘Matt Cranitch – Take a Bow’ will be presented by Bryan O’Leary.
Bryan will pay tribute to Sliabh Luachra fiddle player Matt Cranitch, who has long been a visitor and contributor to the area and one of the leading custodians of the fiddle style of O’Keeffe. Saturday, April 13 ‘From Sliabh Luachra to the USA: Kerry music recordings in America’, presented by Pádraig Mac Mathúna.
Piper Pádraig Mac Mathéna will present a very special Handed Down featuring archive recordings made by his late father, broadcaster Ciarán, who visited and recorded Denis Murphy, Paddy Cronin and others in New York in the ‘60s.
Saturday, May 18
World Fiddle Day Celebrations in Scartaglin.
World Fiddle Day 2019 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘ The Star Above the Garter’ with talks, recitals, sessions and a very special all-fiddle concert featuring young and old.