Trad supremo Sharon Shannon.

Shannon and Foster added to Mearescourt festival

Excitement is mounting as the Music at Mearescourt gig goes up a gear with news just in that Sharon Shannon, the darling of traditional music, and local legend, Mick Foster, will appear at the Sunday afternoon Mullingar Fleadh showcase on September 12.

The Clare native is one of the country’s leading musicians and is best known for her work on the button accordion and fiddle, but she also plays tin whistle and melodeon. For Mick, it will be a case of coming home, as he grew up at Mearescourt, where his father was chauffeur to Lady Lister Kaye. They and their friends will feature along with a host of all-Ireland champion musicians, singers and dancers.

Meanwhile, the Blizzards were in town last week to rehearse for their show on Friday night, September 10.

More special guests are to be announced next week.

However, the organisers are anxious to stress that Music at Mearescourt is not just about music. “We will be transforming the beautiful grounds into an outdoor art gallery, showcasing works from some of our county’s visual artists”, explained the producer of the four show extravaganza, Marty Mulligan.He invited anyone who would like to be involved in the artistic side of things to contact the artist in residence, Patsy Preston, by email on art@mearescourt.ie.

Due to public demand the organisers are now offering a “very limited” number of tickets for groups of two and three people. , four at mearescourt.ie and mullingarartscentre.ie.