‘From the Master’s Hand’ will be the first ‘Handed Down’ of 2019

JANUARY in Scartaglin has become synonymous with the visit of County Cork fiddler and historian Matt Cranitch to present a Handed Down talk.

“Always great value, his research and delivery has always kept our audiences enthralled to the end of the evening,” said series co-founder PJ Teahan.

“This first talk of 2019, ‘From the Master’s Hand’, will be held at Scartaglin Heritage Centre on Satrurday night, January 26, at 8pm sharp. The title and guest might sound familiar as it was due to be held last season. However, unfortunately, illness caused its cancellation.

“We’re delighted to bring the topic of Pádraig O’Keeffe’s fiddle lessons. a description of what that consisted of and what he looked for, in particular from his student in the ways of bowing and timing”, said PJ.

“We have as a special guest one of his final pupils from 1962, Martin O’Connor, originally from Castlehill, Cordal, who has shared his memories with Matt.

“This is new and unheard testimony and is not to be missed. Our special musical guest is All-Ireland accordion winner Conor Moriarty from Kilcummin, who is making his first appearance at Handed Down.

“Returning to sing for us is Coolnageagh great Dave Buckley. and author Breda Joy will read one of her short stories. and we are delighted to have young musicians with Scartaglin connections.

“From north Kerry, [we have] Katie and Ava Joyce and their friends from Ballybunion CCE: Aoibheann Buckley, Sine Fogarty, Calvin Healy and Aishling Cooke.”

Katie and Ava are daughters of Betty Boyle from Mullen whose father Jimmy is a great supporter of Handed Down.

“Cormac Wals,h son of John and Nora Walsh, is playing, and Seán Butler, also on accordion, is son of Mossie and Margaret Butler,” PJ added.

“They become the two first Scartaglin young musicians from the Philip Shine music classes at the Heritage Centre to grace the stage.

“This will be a night not to be missed, and please be seated by 7.55pm,” PJ concluded.

Reidy Photo by John Handed Down founder member PJ Teahan (left) with his guest, Matt Cranitch, who will deliver a lecture ‘From the Master’s Hand’on the teaching methods and music of Patrick O’Keeffe.