'The Songs of Percy French' to be launched in Ballinasloe

On Thursday (July 30), Ballinasloe Library will host the official launch of 'Sweep Down to the Sea - The Songs of Percy French', which will feature well-known musicians Eleanor Shanley, Ultan Conlon and Jimmy Higgins.

The launch will begin at 3pm in the library and be a preview for the upcoming concert on August 15 at St John's Church, Ballinasloe (8pm).

HMJ Productions, the event organisers, said it is 'inviting people to step back in time and experience the charm of 1920s Ireland through the music and world of Percy French'.

Percy French,a songwriter, author, poet, entertainer and painter, was born at Clooneyquinn House, near Tulsk in Roscommon, in 1854, and became a hugely successful hit as a renowned composer and singer of comic songs such songs as 'Phil the Fluther's Ball, 'Slattery's Mounted Foot' and 'The Mountains of Mourne'.

For the launch, Ballinasloe library will be 'transformed into a 1920s Irish parlour, where guests can enjoy complimentary tea, traditional barmbrack and buns, while soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a musical preview of the forthcoming gala performance', its organisers said.

The launch event is free and open to everyone, and its organisers said they are 'particularly keen to encourage members of the local community to come along to enjoy the unique afternoon, and discover the timeless music and stories of Percy French'.

Tickets for the event at St John's Church, Ballinasloe on Saturday, August 15 are priced at €30 and available at https://willwego.com/tickets/ultan-conlon/24