Dundalk musician Nuala Kennedy presents Dúchas agus Dóchas in the Oriel Centre

The acclaimed Dundalk musician Nuala Kennedy who is now living near Ennis, Co Clare is among the line-up for the latest free event in the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol as part of the series marking the launch of the new Comhaltas Prospectus- Aistear 2030.

Dúchas agus Dóchas – a Clare songline takes place on Friday May 10 at 8pm with a line-up of some of the Banner County’s best-known musicians.

Billed as “a beautifully arranged, bilingual songline celebrating a 350 year journey through the hidden Irish language song tradition of North Munster, from the last of the great bards to present day composers”, it began with Diarmuid de Faoite’s efforts to rediscover the hidden song tradition in Clare.

150 songs later it has been embraced and nurtured by some of Clare’s finest musicians and singers into an aural feast of song, music and story, a testament to the rich well of culture that exists in Ireland and an inspirational invitation to communities nationwide to rediscover, revive and reimagine their own musical heritage. With one eye to the past and a pair to the future, Dúchas agus Dóchas lights a bright path forward, steeped in tradition.

Dúchas agus Dóchas will feature performances by Nuala Kennedy (presenter and vocals), Edel Vaughan (flute and vocals), Philip Fogarty (accordion, piano and vocals), Emer O Flaherty (piano and vocals) and Therese McInerney (fiddle and vocals). Including new airs composed by Diarmuid de Faoite and Philip Fogarty and new songs composed by Emer O’ Flaherty

Dundalk native, Nuala Kennedy is a flute player and singer of renown, Nuala has multiple albums under her belt both as a solo artist and with the groundbreaking trio, The Alt. Shorelines, a collection of music and song from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is her wonderful latest album.

Edel Vaughan is known throughout Ireland and further afield as the lead singer with the the mould breaking Kilfenora Céilí Band. She is a superb flute player and teaches song to the next generation. Edel has released two solo albums to date, Spreagtha and her latest, Chapter 22.

Philip is not only an accordionist, composer and sound artist, he is also a doctoral expert in the field of Clare music, song, language and identity. Philip has composed new airs to rediscovered songs.

Emer O’Flaherty is not only a soulful singer but also a jazz and traditional pianist who composes fantastic , award-winning new work in Irish and English.

Therese McInerney is an excellent fiddler, singer and music teacher and one who is passing on the Clare Irish language song tradition to her students. Her latest album is The Youth That Belonged to Miltown , with flute player Marian Curtin.

To book your seat at this unique event e-mail us on events@orielcentre.ie and quote “Aistear 2030” Doors open 7.30pm.