Joe Mooney Summer School of Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance. Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.
Every July Drumshanbo plays host to the award winning Joe Mooney Summer School, a week long festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance named after the man who did so much to promote the cause of Leitrim and his beloved town. The committee continue to emulate his high ideals, endeavouring to promote Leitrim's heritage of traditional music while handing on the best traditions of the past to future generations.
Drumshanbo is a small picturesque town situated in the very heart of County Leitrim, Ireland. The town takes its name from the Irish, Druim-Sean-Bhoth or "Ridge of the old huts". The legends of the Tuatha de Danann recall the arrival of these magical people in a swirling mist on the nearby Sliabh an Iarainn mountain. They brought with them three musicians, Ceol, Binn and Téidbhinn - music, melody and harmony, whose legacy still remains.
In addition to the classes and workshops there are recitals, ceilithe, lectures, and open air music events. The impromptu music sessions, the natural beauty of the Drumshanbo area and the traditional 'ceád míle fáilte' hospitality of County Leitrim provide an unforgettable week for all those who participate in the classes and also for those who just visit the town to be part of the experience.
Classes & Tutors for 2018
Dancing & Singing Classes Set Dancing Pat Murphy, Catherine Curran. Sean Nós Dancing / Sets (Juniors 7-12yrs) Patrick Devane, Lillie Crossley. Traditional Singing Rosie Stewart, Fionnuala Reilly, Siobhan O Donnell. Sean Nós Singing Roisín Elsafty. Instrument Classes Button Accordian Anne Conroy-Burke, Nuala Hehir, Daithí Gormley, Brian Mostyn, Damien Mc Guinness. Concertina Jack Talty, Seamus O Mongáin, Gearóid Ó Catháin, Tim Doyle, Breda Shannon, Jacinta Ní Chonghaile. Fiddle John Daly, Fiona Doherty, Gerry Harrington, Donal Mc Cague, Jacqui Martin, Lisa Ward, Ronan Regan, Conor Ward, Clare Bohan, Caoimhe Kearins, Shane Meehan, Bríd O Keeffe, Grace Doolan, Devon Mc Gillavray. Flute John Wynne, Dave Sheridan, Michael Hurley, Bernie Flaherty, Aidan Shannon.
Tin Whistle Tommy Fitzharris, Sarah Jane Woods, Ferdia O Mongáin, Cein Sweeney, Lorraine Sweeney, Padraig Sweeney, Orla Ward, Niamh Ward, Sarah Ward. Uilleann Pipes Neilidh Mulligan, Padraig Mc Govern, Brian Hughes. Harp Aoife Ní Argain, Eadaoin Ní Mhaicín, Fiachra Guihen. Accompaniment Mick Blake (Piano), Michael Mc Cague (Guitar), Michael Dietz (Guitar). Banjo Seán Mc Cague, George Mc Adam, Kerrie Herrity. Mandolin Micheál Healy. Bouzouki Sven Paetz. Bodhrán Junior Davy, Seán O Neill, Darragh Healy.
Photo Credits:
(1) Joe Mooney Summer School of Traditional Irish Music, Song & Dance,
(2) Dónal McCague,
(3) Dave Sheridan (unknown/website).
