The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Peadar’s special composition to mark Killarney Oireachtas
A SPECIALLY commissioned piece of music composed by Peadar Ó Riada will be one of the main highlights of this year’s Oireachtas Festival which returns once again to Killarney, Co. Kerry, running from November 2 until 6. Events will take place in the INEC, Killarney, and many other local venues.
The newly composed piece by Peadar Ó Riada, entitled I gCuimhne Laochra (Remembering Heroes), was commissioned by Oireachtas na Gaeilge as part of their 1916 commemorations and has been funded by the Community Foundation for Ireland.
The Oireachtas Festival is a Mecca for lovers and performers of the traditional arts and this year’s competitions have again received a large number of entrants aged from 6 years to 68. The range of competitions include storytelling, sean-nós dancing and singing, and the famous Lúibíní competition in which two people tell a rhyming story through song.
“We’re delighted to be bringing the Oireachtas Festival back to Killarney,” said Liam Ó Maolaodha, Director of Oireachtas na Gaeilge. “Killarney has hosted us on a number of occasions and we always get a great welcome from the people of Kerry who both participate and attend the festival in great numbers” he said.
The Festival Programme also includes a series of events for children, including An Seomra Teaghlaigh, for families hosted by Glór na nGael, which will run from 10am to 6pm on Thursday and Friday of the festival. Events include sean-nós dancing, music and art workshops, storytelling, puppet-making, face-painting and a special show from the infamous Fanzini Brothers.
An Cabaret Craiceáilte will feature an array of new Irishmedium artists and on Saturday Na Píobairí Uilleann will present a ‘Show and Tell’ of the history of the Uilleann Pipes. The awarding of Corn Uí Riada, as ever, marks the culmination of the event.