Knocklane music fest goes from strength to strength
BENBULBEN CCE goes from strength to strength as another year of success for the Knocklane Traditional Music Festival.
Benbulben CCE set up the newest branch in September 2015 in an attempt to continue the excellent work Comhaltas has done to date - to encourage and support a love of our “Irish Culture & Heritage”.
Knocklane Festival began on Friday 22nd of June, and was officially opened by Sligo’s recently elected Mayor Rosaleen O’Grady in an opening concert held in the local St. Patrick’s National School.
The Audience were treated to a variety of very talented musicians including the very young members of Benbulben CCE.
They were followed by the tutors for the workshop which included Junior Davey, John Dwyer, Hannah Kelly, Theresa O Grady & Jason McGuinness. There was dancing on the night from The Gallagher School of Dance & Sean Nós dancing from Diarmiud & Aveen Dunleavy. MC on the night was Benbulbens own Chairperson Kerrie Herrity.
Kerrie & Friends concluded the night with a session of tunes including 2 tunes composed last year for the Knocklane Festival, a reel named “Humours of Knocklane” & “Cringalls Wind” which was inspired by a Shipwreck off Knocklane in 1839 in which all sailors perished.
The tune was magically transformed to a song written & performed on the night by Sligo based Singer/Songwriter, Mairin Mannion. The session followed on to Ellens Bar where Hannah Kelly and friends entertained with their fantastic sounds of concertina, harp & fiddle.
Workshops were held in Maugherow National School on Saturday and were attended by children & adults with an interest in Flute and Whistle- by John Dwyer, Bodhran & Bones – Junior Davey & Ceili drumming/ fiddle –Jason McGuinness, banjo & mandolin – Theresa O Grady and concertina with Hannah Kelly and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Leonard Barry came to a ‘come and try’ on Uileann Pipes giving people a chance to try one of Ireland’s oldest traditional instruments. The fun followed on with sessions in Ellens Bar where the music was played from 7pm til late.
Sunday finished the weekend festival with a Farewell “Seisiun”. Irish Music has certainly been revived and weekends like this certainly awaken the spirit of Irish Culture in our hearts.
Benbulben CCE wish to acknowledge the support of all who contributed to the success of the weekend and look forward to further support for next year.
Benbulben CCE has set the date for 2019 as June 21-23rd for the 3rd Knocklane Festival and look forward to welcoming you all to Maugherow.