The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
IN SEARCH OF PADRAIG
PETER Browne, broadcaster and piper will return to the source of arguably his finest piece of collecting and radio broadcasting work in the course of his ongoing career.
He will present a his talk: In Search of Padraig - The Making of the RTÉ Radio Documentary.
That he managed to make a documentary of three hours duration, every minute of it revealing and unveiling facts on his subject, is testament to his both himself and his the man he came to throw light on.
Mr Browne is the special guest of the rolling wave of the Handed Down series of lectures and concerts on this Saturday night, February 18 at Scartaglin Heritage Centre from 8pm sharp.
“It is our great pleasure to welcome radio presenter and uilleann piper Peter Browne back to the Heritage Centre Scartaglin for our Handed Down night,” said series co-founder, PJ Teahan.
“Following his appearance at World Fiddle Day last May in Scartaglin there were several requests to see if we could get him back to present a Handed Down talk.
“It’s a indication of the respect in which he is held in this area for the contribution he has made and exposure he has given to Sliabh Luachra music and its exponents.
“So, it being February, the time of year that Padraig O’Keeffe died and it being 130 years after his birth, Peter decided to revisit the early nineties and the research and interviews which became the RTÉ Radio One programmes The Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Master Padraig O’Keeffe.
“Many leading musicians of the day were interviewed as well as friends, pupils, neighbours and some of these conversations were never used and it is this material which Peter will bring to Scartaglin.
“Those interviewed in the making of documentary included: Dermot Hanifin, Timmy Browne , Tim Kerrisk, Tom and Mary McCarthy, Charlie Horan, Peg Lyons and many more.
“Also on Saturday night, local historian and co founder of the Castleisland Historical Society Maggie Prendiville will present a unique look at Glountane, Scartaglin and Castleisland in the years that Padraig O’Keeffe was to be found there.
“This will include rare photos and other surprise items. Our guest musicians are two famous names from the musical tradition of the area, Billy Clifford and Bryan O’Leary.
“Our young musicians are Meabh O’Connell from Kilnamartyra and Kirill Healy from Kilcummin and our singer is All-Ireland champion, Joe Creedon from Macroom,” said PJ.
The event will start at 8pm sharp. Admission: Adults €7 and Children €3.