Talented musicians play at annual Paddy Killoran Traditional Music Festival
The annual Paddy Killoran Traditional Music Festival will take place in Ballymote from June 15 th to 17 th and is hosted by the local Comhaltas branch - C.C.E. Paddy Killoran. The festival is held in memory of Paddy Killoran, a famous fiddle player, who was born in 1904 just outside Ballymote on the Gurteen road. He emigrated to New York in 1925 where he made dozens of 78 rpm discs both as a soloist and with his ‘Pride of Erin’ Orchestra.
The weekend will open on Friday evening in the Pastoral Centre at 7.30pm with a Junior session featuring the young musicians of the branch followed by music in Doddy’s Pub at 10pm.
The main concert will be held on Saturday night in the Art Deco theatre and will feature the band ‘Men Of The West‘. This exceptional traditional music trio consists of multi-instrumentalists Stephen Doherty and David Doocey both from Foxford, Co. Mayo and singer/guitarist Pat Coyne from Maam valley in Connemara. Stephen plays Accordion, Flute and Whistle and David plays Fiddle and Concertina and both have won numerous All Ireland titles. All three are full time members of singer Sean Keane’s band. Men Of The West delivers outstanding music in a traditional style along with a vibrant mix of songs.
Local musicians, singers and dancers will also perform at the concert including the branch junior Grúpaí Cheoil and Ceili Bands who are the current Co Sligo U12 and U15 Co. Sligo champions. The concert starts at 8.30pm sharp and admission is €10 at the door. Mary Doddy, a very active and long-standing member of our branch will be presented with honorary Comhaltas membership at the concert
Other events during the weekend include music sessions in Gormley’s, Doddy’s and the Coach House hotel and the very popular ‘Singing and Storytelling Session’ in Hayden’s Pub on Sunday starting at 5pm. Music from CCE Paddy Killoran members can be heard on Sunday at the Paddy Killoran monument at 1pm with a farewell session in Hayden’s at 10pm. These are free events and all are welcome. Further information on the weekend events can be obtained from the branch secretary on 087 968 0674 or contact the branch by email ballymote@comhaltas.net or facebook.