Galway Bay FM News Archives
Carna prepares for 25th annual celebration of Joe Heaney
Date Published: 21-Apr-2011
The Joe Heaney Commemorative Festival of Traditional Singing and Music will take place in Carna from April 29–May 1. This annual event, celebrates the life and musical achievements of the legendary singer who died in Seattle, USA, and is buried in his native parish.
This year is a special celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the festival, which has grown from strength to strength over the years.
Pride of place at the festival is given to sean-nós, and traditional singing in any other language, but instrumental music and dancing are also catered for.
Some of the main events in this year’s programme include two book launches. They are Bright Star of the West: Joe Heaney, Irish Song-Man by Dr Lillis Ó Laoire and Dr Sean Williams; and An Chearc Fhraoigh, which is comprised of musical compositions by Carna flute player and maker Marcus Hernon. There is also the launch of the long awaited solo album from North Kerry box player Danny O’Mahony.
Throughout the weekend there will be sean-nós dancing and singing workshops and instrumental workshops (all free of charge).
Events also include a visit to Joe Heaney’s grave, a presentation of Norway’s musical traditions with Hardanger fiddle player Torgeir Straand and traditional singer Arnfinn Staurheim.
There will be a children’s singing competition, where the Joe Heaney Perpetual Cup will be presented; as well as a piping and lilting recital with artists from Ireland and Scotland such as Mick O’Brien, Seán McKiernan, Fiachra O’Regan and Allan McDonald, and of course a céilí and set dancing.
An exhibition of photographs and material celebrating 25 years of the festival will also be held at Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim throughout the weekend.
A highlight of the festival every year is the traditional concert and this event will take place in Carna Bay Hotel on Saturday, April 30 at 7.30pm. A host of artists will take part including Mairí Smith, Allan McDonald and Griogair Labhruidh (from Scotland), Danny O’Mahony, Patsy Broderick, Mick Mulkerrins, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Róisín Nic Dhonncha, Bairbre De Búrca, Ciarán Somers, David Power, Pádraic Ó Flatharta, Rosie Stewart, Nell Ní Chróinín, Cormac Begley, Emma O’Sullivan and hardanger fiddle player Torgeir Straand. Tickets are €20 and are available in advance from Carna Bay Hotel (095) 32255.
Marcus and PJ Hernon and family will provide music for dancing throughout the weekend, accompanied by superb singer, Don Stiffe and there will be plenty of informal singing and music sessions in Carna village during the festival.
The festival’s official opening will take place at Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim on Friday, April 29 at 7.30pm.
For more information check www.joeheaney.org
Tickets and information on accommodation are available from Micheál Ó Cuaig at (095) 33599 / (087) 2569651, or michealocuaig@hotmail.com, and from Áine Ní Chuaig: (086) 3778055, ainenichuaig@yahoo.ie.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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