The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Ballyduff traditional music concert will honour Nora Mai
‘LIVE in the Marquee’ at Your Man’s Bar, Ballyduff, is the place to be on Sunday, August 6 as the hotly anticipated concert in memory of the late Nora Mai Rochford is all set and raring togo.
Originally from Ballybunion, Nora Mai died in 2014. She was a gifted singer and tin-whistle player who regularly performed in Browne’s kitchen in Ballyduff and instilled a love of Traditional Irish Music among the younger generation. She was well known for her sense of fun and is greatly missed by the wider musical community of which she played a vital part.
It’s fitting then that a high quality line-up should gather for a concert that promises to be a night to remember. Tin-whistle virtuoso, Mary Bergin will take centre stage, accompanied by guitar/bouzouki player Seán Earnest from the USA. Don Stiffe from Galway is one of the most recent singer/ songwriters to emerge on the Irish Folk Scene. Stiffe hails from Galway and has a strong following in the Kingdom. Don guarantees a most impressive performance in front of a live audience.
The multi-talented Séamus Ó Flatharta of Connemara also makes a welcome return to Kerry. Having astounded audiences last year at the Marquee in Ballyduff and at the Con Houlihan Memorial Concert in Castleisland (along with John Sheahan of The Dubliners and Danny O’Mahony), Ó Flatharta will once again delight the audience with his intricate steps, sean-nós songs and sensational harp playing.
Ballyduff native and accordion extraordinaire, Danny O’Mahony will also join this remarkable line-up. Denis is the event organiser and is delighted to have acquired such outstanding artists for this year’s event.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have gathered these supreme artists together for this event. It will be a special night in Ballyduff in honour of a great lady. Nora Mai Rochford was a huge influence when I was growing up and we owe her a lot. Bringing Mary Bergin, who is known the world over as ‘Queen of the Tin-Whistle’, to Ballyduff is like a dream come true. I think Nora Mai would have been very proud,” said Denis.
A bumper raffle will also be held with great prizes sponsored by local businesses. Tickets [€15] will be available on the door on the night. Doors open at 8pm and the concert starts at 8.30pm sharp.