Top musical talent for Bofin concerts

Date Published: 12-Jul-2012

Duke Special, Damien Dempsey, Mary Coughlan, Declan O’Rourke and Eleanor Shanley are among the acts taking part in the annual summer concert series on Inishbofin Island, which kicks off next Tuesday, July 17.

First up in the concert series is singer-songwriter Cathy Davey, who will be followed on July 24 by Leitrim-born singer Eleanor Shanley, a frequent visitor to the island, who regularly performs in the Bofin concerts. On July 31, it’s the turn of Galway’s own jazz and blues legend Mary Coughlan, while August 7 sees the award-winning Declan O’Rourke take to the stage. Recognised internationally as an exceptional singer/songwriter, O’Rourke is a performer who shines in intimate performance venues, and this concert is likely to be a special performance.

August 14 will see another fine singer/songwriter – Damien Dempsey – take to the stage. Dempsey is also a frequent visitor to Inishbofin, since he first played there a couple of years ago.

Playing his first show on the island, on August 21, is the great Duke Special. A piano-based songwriter with a romantic style and a warm, distinct voice, his live performances have a theatrical style inspired by vaudeville and music hall traditions.

Local talent is to the fore for the final concert, on August 28. It will feature Inishbofin’s own superstar Dessie O’Halloran of Say You Love Me fame, who will head a line-up which will include local musicians Sean and Kevin Abeyta on fiddle as well as singer and guitarist Geraldine King. Joining them from Miltown Malbay in Co Clare are Sean and Cian Talty, who play pipes, flutes and whistles.

The concerts, which take place every Tuesday from next week until August 28, will be held in the Dolphin Hotel and start at 9.30 sharp.

Admission to all shows is €20, for adults, except for Eleanor Shanley and Dessie O’Halloran, where admission is €15. Admission for children at all concerts is €8. For more information contact the Dolphin Hotel at 095-45991, or email: info@dolphinhotel.ie