Morrison fest celebrates a history of trad music
The 25 th Annual James Morrison Traditional Music Festival took place from Friday, August 4 th, to Monday, August 7 th in Riverstown Co. Sligo.
The Festival truly commemorated the musical genius of Sligo’s James Morrison and his contemporaries.
On Friday evening the festival was officially opened by Labhrás Ó’Murchú, Ard Stiúrthóir CCE , in The Morrison Teach Ceoil at 7.30 p.m.
During his address An t-Uasal Ó Murchú praised the achievements of the Riverstown Branch of Comhaltas and to the delight of all present welcomed the Government announcement, only that day, of a further Capital Grant towards improvements at The Teach Ceoil.
As part of the official opening, tribute was paid by branch members to Sean & Kathleen Lyons for their 15 years of unstinting service to Comhaltas in Riverstown.
The James Morrison Commemorative Concert in the Community Hall was another star studded evening.
This celebrity concert, a night of champions, was recorded for broadcast on Radio na Gaeltachta and Shannonside Radio. Concert goers were struck with the prowess and athleticism of World Dancing u-17 Champion, James McDonagh.
James, a grandson of Hon President Paddy Mc Donagh travelled especially from Dublin to perform at The Morrison Concert.
A fitting tribute to the memory of James Morrison, the 70 th anniversary of whose death takes place on Nov 11 th 2017.
On Saturday morning the storytelling workshop, through drama and puppetry with Tori Lee and Paul Gibson from the Brouhaha Drama Club, brought another innovative dimension to the Festival.
On Saturday afternoon over 30 young sean-nós dancers took part in The John Callaghan Memorial Sean-nós Dancing Competition in Riverstown Community Hall.
The John Callaghan Memorial Trophy was won by Darragh Morley (Mayo).
Following the evening musical tribute at the James Morrison Memorial in Drumfin the commemorative address was given by Marie Walsh at 8 p.m. in the Teach Ceoil.
Marie, from Clifden, took a ‘ look back’ at the Festival over its span of twenty five years.
A hearty Singing Session led by Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin (Cárna) took place in John Mac’s Pub.
A lovely balmy evening favoured a lively evening Céili on the Diamond with music by the popular Marshy Ridge Céilí Band.
During his homily at Aifreann na Féile, with its compliment of traditional music, song and dance, Fr. A.B. O’Shea complimented Riverstown CCE on honouring Padraig Scanlon, one of the area’s best known community workers.
On Sunday afternoon the continuing fine weather added to a very pleasant afternoon Céilí on the Diamond with the Collis Family Group.
Children enjoyed a temporary tattoos session with John and Lucy.
On Sunday evening the Symposium in the Morrison Teach Ceoil honoured the life and times of Pádraig Scanlon. Pádraig (Paraic), a native of Doo,Ballymote, was described as ‘ The Rolls Royce of Community Workers’.
Since the first Morrison Festival in 1993, Paraic has tended The Morrison Memorial, decorated the village with bunting and helped to ensure that all venues were duly prepared for the various festival events.
This honour to Paraic was particularly relevant in this year of Sligo’s celebration as European Capital of Volunteering.
During a packed event at The Morrison Teach Ceoil tributes were paid to Paraic from Pádraig Kerins, Martin Baker, John Mc Dermott, Arrow Harps, The Show & Heritage Committee, Tidy Towns & Community Games Committees and Cancer Care West.
Although Paraic’s wife Liz is a native of nearby Carrickbanagher it was in the renowned Galtymore Ballroom in Cricklewood(London) that they first met. CCE’s Paddy Ryan, himself a one time emigrant to England, selected dance music and traditional tunes which complimented an evening of both nostalgia and celebration for Paraic and his family.
Congrats and good wishes were extended to Paraic and his family from the whole Community.
On Monday a final closing session began at midday in the Cornerhouse and lasted through the evening.
The fabulous pub sessions in the village throughout the weekend were a hallmark for the discerning punter of traditional music and locals alike. Many thanks to Margaret Kilfeather and her catering staff for extending such a genuine ‘Céad míle Fáilte’ to the visiting musicians and followers.
Further details of the next Rambling House from www. jamesmorrisonfestival.com