Ballynacargy all set for tradfest
Ballynacargy’s new Comhaltas centre has been all jazzed up, having received a complete exterior make-over in time for the village’s now-annual ‘Tradfest’.
Taking place at the end of this month, it is going to feature a mix of entertainment, classes and competitions, says Comhaltas chairman, Deputy Willie Penrose.
Last year was the first of Ballynacargy’s Tradfests, which built on the experience and success of the previous year’s Westmeath fleadh, which was hosted in Ballynacargy.
Events kick off on Friday June 26 at 7pm, when accordionist Martin Donoghue performs the official opening, and music by We Banjo Three.
Over the course of the rest of the evening, there will be pub seisiúns around the village.
On Saturday the music gets under way at 11am at Ballynacargy NS.
There, a schedule of advanced workshops will take place, but participants will need to have booked in advance, which they can do by contacting Lorraine Keary, on 087 7785003.
The accordion masterclass will be given by Daithi Gormley, from Sligo; the fiddle masterclass by Attracta Brady from Offaly; the concertina masterclass by Aisling Hill.
Karen Treacy is giving the flute/tin whistle masterclass, and giving the banjo masterclass is Jamie McKeogh. Jamie, who is from Tullamore, is the grandson of Dan McCarthy, former county councillor, from Crookedwood.
The workshops cost €20 per person.
At 6.30pm, the Irish dancing competitions take place, with competitions in both sean nós and set dancing.
These are at The Square, and the junior competitors will be bidding to win the Melia Perpetual Trophy, while the seniors will be aiming at capturing the Kilmurray Perpetual Trophy.
Sunday sees a traditional music Mass at Ballynacargy, thanks to Fr John Nally, PP.
Cemetery devotions are due to take place at Sonna Cemetery at 4pm, and so there is no music until 5.30pm, from which time there will be musicians taking to the stage of the gig rig.
Providing the music will be Jig Jam and Ruaile Buaile.
“It’s going to be a great weekend of music,” promises Willie, adding that bar the masterclasses, most of the weekend’s events are free.