AIB Art in Clifden

Home , Brendan Kelly (bishop), Claddaghduff, David McCullagh, Eamon Grennan, Galway Bay FM, John Sheahan

Réamhrá Anne Bill & Denise Tá an-ríméad orm fáilte a Mo bhuíochas mór Ueltschi Whelan chur romhaibh uile – idir freisin do mhuintir an cheoltóirí, aisteoirí, filí, Chlocháin agus Conamara ealaíontóirí, scríbhneoirí, a chuireann fáilte teolaí VISUAL rinceoirí agus cuairteoirí mór roimh na daoine john – chuig Féile Ealaíne an a thagann le páirt a ARTS3 Chlocháin a bunaíodh 42 ghlacadh sa bhFéile agus sweeney bliain fhada ó shin i 1977. a fhreastalaíonn air mar lucht éisteachta. Agus, ar Ba mhaith liom buíochas deireadh, focal speisialta agus ómós faoi leith a don lucht éisteachta: seol EJ helen & Vincent terry Ann thabhairt do na daoine scéala faoin bhFéile chuig kings foley sweeney Corcoran agus do na h-eagraíochtaí na daoine sa bhaile, chuig a thugann tacaíocht bhur cairde agus chuig SCHOOLS fhlaithiúil dúinn, bliain i an domhain mhór go PROGRAMME20 ndiaidh bliana. Ní féidir ró- ginearálta. Cabhraígí linn bhéim a chur ar thábhacht clú agus cáil na féile a na tacaíochta seo dúinn. scaipeadh go forleathan. Agus ar ndóigh, ní bhéadh muid in ann an fhéile a Go raibh míle maith reachtáil ar chorr ar bith agaibh agus bain sult as gan an cúnamh íontach an bhFéile. a bhíonn le fáil gach bliain ón ár mbuíon áitiúil Breandan O’Scannaill GENERAL dheonach. PROGRAMME22

Festival Box Office

Tickets can be bought online at clifdenartsfestival.ie or in the Festival Box Office.

Micheal The Festival Box Office is located in Unit 2 on Bridge Street. QUICKFIND Nee Bus & Please see front door for opening times. 81INDEX Coach Hire Providers of Internet access Providers of the Festival Telephone 087 331 5009 to the Festival Shuttle Bus Service Email [email protected]

ABBEYGLEN CASTLE HOTEL EDWARD AND MARY DOWNE ROSEANNE & PETER O’GRADY WALSH Full Programme online at clifdenartsfestival.ie ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL FOYLE’S HOTEL PADDY POWERS BOOKMAKERS CLIFDEN BOOKSHOP BOBBY AND TRULY GILMORE SUPERVALU CLIFDEN The Arts Festival Caravan is a hive of information and will be CLIFDEN GLEN GMT IRELAND PETER AND PAULA VINE open on Market Square from 7th September. CLIFDEN LOTTERY FUND ALAN AND MARY HOBART CATHAL AND JOAN WALSH MAP OF CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE HOTEL JOE AND JOAN MCBREEN (WALSH’S BAKERY AND COFFEE 84VENUES CONNEMARA CREDIT UNION TERRY AND TONI MCCOY SHOP) We ask patrons to be seated at least 5 minutes before MARGUERITE COURTADE KATE AND NOEL NOONAN PEGGY AND TOM MCMANUS schedules performance times. It may not be possible to admit late comers at some events.

Táimid buíoch de na daoine seo a leanas a thug cabhair dúinn agus an Fhéile Ealaíon á eagrú.

We would like to thank the Arts Council and other key funders, sponsors and friends for their continued and vital support. We would also like to thank you, the audience and look forward to seeing you in Clifden in September. clifden arts festival 2019 1 VISUAL ARTS

Margaret Irwin West, Coliemore Harbour, c 1970, private collection. 2 clifden arts festival 2019 installations to communicate her concepts John Coll and begin dialogues with a variety of audiences around the world. Metamaraphosis Eileen’s installations and collaborations have been presented at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Tel Aviv, Cultivamos Cultura and Montras in Portugal, the Kanna Arts Festival in Japan, Rossi and Rossi Gallery in London, Meulensteen Gallery in New York, The State House and The University of Massachusetts in Boston. Most recently, she presented her work at Lisbon Bernie Dignam University as part of “Raizes”; a group show curated by Manuela Maria Lopes and Marta de Menezes. She was artist in residence at John Coll is one of Ireland’s most prominent MÓIN Interface in September 2018. figurative sculptors. He has sculped many Margaret Irwin West This body of work is a response to the works of national importance including In ‘Everything is Connected’, Eileen explores tension created by the introduction of EU From Cubism to monuments to the poet Patrick Kavanagh, the connection between location and culture, environmental regulations to curb turf Brendan Behan, Luke Kelly and Countess and compares it to the nature vs. nurture cutting while local people assert a historic Claddaghduff: Markievicz amongst others. He was the conversation; stating that physical location right to cut turf on their land. Using a variety official sculptor of the bust of President and landscape begin as a pure form with self- A Retrospective of media, it documents marks and patterns Michael D Higgins. sustaining blueprints of its own. Nurture is what left in the landscape due to turf cutting. Curated by Dr Éimear O’Connor we do with it as a community. In her installation John has also been amazed and intrigued ‘A Conversation Piece’ , Eileen asks the viewers VENUE | FESTIVAL GALLERY, HRHA. by the natural world, its structures, textures directly about questions of ethics, personal STATION HOUSE HOTEL and relationships. Having studied Zoology experience and opinion in an effort to create Born in India 1926, visual artist Margaret at NUI Galway, this seemed like a natural connections between one another and also be Irwin West is well known to Irish audiences progression. the ones to continue to aid in the development in general, and to visitors to the Clifden Eileen Ryan / Interface of our own evolving belief systems.In her Arts Festival in particular. From Cubism to In Metamaraphosis, Coll continues his atlas installation ‘Geological Fingerprints’, she Claddaghduff: A Retrospective is a celebration exploration of the maritime world, where draws connections between material and of Margaret’s recent election to Aosdána. Everything is Connected he explores the materials with which we landscape, to ritual and spirituality; stating The exhibition will feature paintings from the interact with the maritime environment. Curated by Alannah Robins that in earlier times we used what was around 1950s onwards; several of which demonstrate us to inform and practice our spiritual beliefs. the influence of Parisian modernism and her Exhibition Opening Wednesday 18th Each location’s soil and fauna is different, training with André Lhote. There will also be September at 6pm pigments take on meaning in the form of color a selection of her etchings from across the in paintings and outward expression through decades of her outstanding career. VENUE | THE COURTHOUSE GALLERY clothing and makeup. Holy and royal vessels GALWAY RD., CLIFDEN are made from different metals or gems and Margaret Irwin in public conversation with Dr take on another meaning that can still be Éimear O’Connor, curator of From Cubism to found evolving in the present day. In her show Claddaghduff: A Retrospective, will take place Eileen Ryan is an interdisciplinary artist ‘Everything is Connected’, the dialogue is open on Friday 27 September, 2019, in The Omey from Massachusetts, USA. Eileen uses her to the public and becomes a part of the present Room, Station House Hotel, Clifden, at 11am. background in science to create investigative experience and thoughts to come. Opening Tuesday 17 September, 2019 by John works about existential stability, spirituality, Behan RHA at 6pm. phenomenology, time and connection. Using VENUE | GALLERY BESIDE HEDZ a process of exploration and observation, HAIRDRESSERS, STATION VENUE | FESTIVAL GALLERY, Eileen creates performative works and HOUSE HOTEL, CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE HOTEL 4 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 5 Centre. This is going from strength to Caroline Canning strength. It provides a sociable balance Cyril Ó Flaithearta to the solitary activity of making art. She exhibits widely both alone and in group Into the Desert/Isteach san fhásach shows. Her work is currently available from Ib Jorgensen in Dublin and Blaithin de Sachy Clifden Community Arts in Clifden. For the last seven years, she has Festival, in line with our kept daily drawing notebooks; chronicling policy of supporting local life in all its weirdness and wonderfulness. and Gaeltacht based She often posts these drawings on artists, proudly presents an Facebook, which leads to all kinds of exciting exhibition of new works by commissions….and bizarre diversions... Cyril O’Flaithearta. Personally I love Caroline’s zest for life. Ó Flaithearta is a native of I love the tonal qualities in her work. Inis Mór, Árainn, where he She draws me right in to where I feel a lives with his family. He is connection with the artist and the sheer joy a co-founder of the Oileán of an amazing woman. Project. Into the Desert, or Isteach sa Dísert, is a Caroline also curated the exhibition collection of works inspired ‘Family, Friends and Lovers - a celebration Joe Boske by a concept which was practiced by our of contemporary Irish portraiture’, which Buying Yak Milk in Gurtymadden early Christian monks or Desert Fathers; as opened in Ranelagh Arts last year. She is they are sometimes referred to in history. Caroline Canning is a full time painter trying to figure out how many times a week Joe is one of Ireland’s most recognisable based in Ranelagh, Dublinand Connemara. she can fit in a life drawing session without visual artists. He has created an enviable A desert can be many different places Caroline has been drawing and painting letting the rest of her life slide into complete library of images through his paintings, like Caher Island, out on the ocean and, I forever (she is 55), but only decided to go chaos. posters, album covers and book suppose, anywhere you find solace. To go to Art School in 2000. The plan was to do a illustrations. into the desert is to be completely alone Fine Art degree in IADT at night. She packed Caroline has had several solo exhibitions with oneself, to face yourself and to open it in after two years as it wasn’t anything and two-person shows, and has been This exhibition coincides with the launch the third eye. I hope I have done this journey like painterly enough and way too cerebral! included in many group shows. of his latest co-production with renowned justice and that the paintings tell that story. After that, she dedicated a lot of time to life Letterfrack-based publishers, Artisan House. drawing in the RHA, and slowly developed Caroline’s work can be found in many Isteach san fhásach her painting skills. Paint is definitely her first collections at home and abroad. The official launch of the book and opening Bailiúchán oibre ealaíne atá bunaithe ar an love - juicy, and sensuous - the very act of of the exhibition will take place on Saturday gcleachtais a dhéanfadh na chéad Mainigh applying a brush loaded with paint onto a Launch 20th September at 6pm September 21st at 4pm, with cartoonist a bhí in Éireann. Ní gá gurbh áit tirim é an faintly springy canvas is pure pleasure. Tom Matthews and special guests. dísert, is féidir leis a bheith i lár sléibhte The Gallery will also host a group exhibition Chonamara nó amuigh ar Oileán Phádraic She is currently a nearly full time painter of Gallery Artists VENUE | GALLERY AT THE STATION nó amuigh san Atlantach nó áit ar bith a (a lot of time now goes into her work as HOUSE, STATION HOUSE bhfaighfeá sólás. Tar éis tréimhse ama a Director/Curator of the Ranelagh Arts VENUE | BLAITHIN DE SACHY GALLERY, HOTEL, CLIFDEN chaith sna háiteanna iarghúlta seo téann tú MARKET ST., CLIFDEN isteach san dísert sin. Tá tú in áit ina bhfuil tú leat féin, ag breathnú isteach ionat féin, áit san intinn freisin nach féidir leat imeacht uait fhéin. Tá súil agam gur thug mé omós don aistear seo ‘s go labharfaidh an obair ar an aistear álainn sin.

VENUE | 3 BRIDGE STREET, CLIFDEN

6 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 7 Irish Quaker Art and Peter Savage Craft Landmarks and Timelines Photographic Exhibition

INTERFACE Peter Savage was born in Manchester in 1952. He studied at Chelsea School of Art Exhibition & Studio Visits and the Royal College of Art in London. Studio visit and Members’ Exhibition at He makes digital prints, films, video Interface Residency, Inagh Valley. Patricia Morrison installations, sound works and paintings. His work has been shown throughout the UK, in Please ring Alannah Robins on 086 1993878 the United States, Europe and Australia. His Patricia Morrison Botanical Art for more information and to confirm video art work has been shown on Channel This exhibition shows the work of some your place. Visits outside of the three An exhibition of botanical watercolours by Four Television (UK) and on public television Irish Quakers involved in pottery, art, programmed times are by appointment Patricia Morrison. The exhibition will include in the USA. stained glass and fashion design. It also only. www.interfaceinagh.com. charts the change from the very restrictive works by her daughter Hannah Morrison and by members of Patricia’s ‘Enjoy Peter’s sound works regularly feature on early attitudes towards the Arts; and the Interface is a residency programme watercolour’ classes. Soma FM radio in the USA. His visual work is subsequent development of Art and Crafts for visual artists, dancers, writers and fundamentally rooted in abstraction. Some amongst the Quaker Community in Ireland. musicians. It is situated in the Inagh Valley. VENUE | JOHN MALONES of his images involve the creation of visually The programme provides opportunities MARKET ST., CLIFDEN complex linear patterns forming what Amongst those included are Nicholas for artists in residence to engage with appear to be structures in an illusory three Mosse, Stephen Pearce, Josephine Webb, other international artists and local people dimensional space. Other images, although Pauline Clotworthy, Lydia Shackleton, P.O. through a unique platform that explores the purely abstract creations, invite the viewer Reeves, Hilda Roberts and others. intersections between scientific research to play with suggestions of landscape and art. Times: 11am to 4pm daily. spaces and atmospheres. His works in sound explore the interactions of sequences Dates: Opening of Members’ Exhibition: of harmonious tones and phrases. These, Lunchtime Talk by Joan Johnson - Saturday 21th September, 6pm Background to Quakers and Art – changes via permutations of how several layers of sound are brought into relationship with during the centuries. Studio visit and Members’ Exhibition: one another, evolve over the period of a Wednesday 25th September, 11am 1pm Tuesday 24th September composition. At various points, something curious, something enigmatic or something Studio visit and Members’ Exhibition: beautiful comes into being. VENUE | HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, Saturday, 28th September, 11am ERRISLANANN, CLIFDEN VENUE | THE TEA ROOM, SIGNAL BAR, VENUE | INTERFACE RESIDENCY, STATION HOUSE HOTEL INAGH VALLEY

8 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 9 Reingard Gahan was born in Duisburg, Heidi Wickham has lived and worked in Sligo Paddy Lennon Germany. She studied Graphic Art & Dennis Mamalis since she completed her BA (Hons) in Fine Uisce Illustration at the Dusseldorf College of Art Connemara in Colour Art at Bristol University in 1989. She uses and Design. She embarked on a successful charcoal and acrylic in her paintings, which career as a freelance illustrator for are dominated by her passion for wildlife. Her international advertising agencies. Moving work embodies a rare sensitivity that conveys to Connemara in 2001; Reingard lives and both her sympathy for her subject in addition paints in Clifden. to her fluency with the materials. She has spent many years documenting endangered Her oil paintings and watercolours have species such as the polar bear as well as her been inspired by her surroundings and the much loved Irish subject matter; the hare and people she has met. the Connemara sheep.

Water has always inspired me. Water and VENUE | STEAM, STATION HOUSE Heidi exhibits regularly in the Doorway Gallery the wetness of bogland have attracted me COURTYARD, CLIFDEN Dublin, The Hyde Bridge Gallery Sligo, the throughout my career as an artist . I have RHA, RUA and RSA Open Exhibitions, Whalley lived all my life alongside water. Its myriad Fine Art, Belfast and more. This year, Heidi’s of qualities have always had a resonance Julia McCann Forty years ago in art college, I was work was selected for inclusion in the Royal within my painted work. I am creating a introduced to the idea that you could make Academy Summer Exhibition in London. visual language that will communicate Julia’s Art Exhibition paintings about where you lived without the thoughts, feelings and emotions that being representational. By using minimal VENUE | THE LAVELLE GALLERY water suggests to me. The work will have form and colour, it was possible to convey MAIN ST., CLIFDEN a balance of smaller watercolours and ink a sense of where you lived. The group of works alongside much larger oil paintings. paintings in this exhibition are my emotional The images will strive to be serene, reflective response to twenty years of observing the and soothing in much the same way as water landscape and the ever-changing light of resonates with our innate attraction to it. Connemara. They are being abstracted, so will ask for metaphorical readings of the viewer. VENUE | VAUGHANS MARKET ST., CLIFDEN VENUE | GALLERY SPACE BESIDE AIB BANK, GALWAY RD Heidi Wickham Sheila O’Donnell Reingard Gahan New Works Watercolours Under Connemara Skies....and Sheila O’Donnell is a renowned Irish architect Julia is a gentle and fun-loving lady, who has who recently won Woman Architect of the other stories lived all her life on the Sky Road in Clifden. Year at the Royal Institute of British Architects She is very much a family person. Julia’s and has been made a foreign honorary beautiful surroundings and her family have member of the American Academy of Arts inspired her art work greatly. Julia shows and Letters. Some of O’Donnell’s work has great attention to detail. This is very obvious been characterised by the use of watercolour in her work. studies, which have been exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and at the Royal Official Opening Friday Sept 19th 5pm Hibernian Academy in Dublin.

VENUE | MANNION’S BAR, VENUE | THE FOYER, MARKET ST., CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE THEATRE

10 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 11 Flora and Fauna play a large part in the inspiration of Isobel’s designs. Living in Ted Turton Connemara is a wonderful help, with nature New Works at its best. An outdoor lifestyle during child hood, in Co. Kildare, with hunting, shooting Ted lives and works in Galway; on Ireland’s and fishing is quite evident in Isobel’s spectacular west coast. As a landscape designs. Worldwide travel is also evident. artist, he draws much of his inspiration and influence from here. Each “Feather Couture” picture is quite unique because each feather differs from His sense of humour emerges in his work the next. Often the feathers can be dyed, through fantasy landscapes that pull you cut, steamed and played with, to give a into a twilight world, where half-real and totally different effect from classic and half-imagined events are played out against Beth Trepper traditional to modern quirkiness. dramatic skies.

The Mad Woman of the Bog As the natural light catches the individual VENUE | CONNEMARA HAMPER feathers, each one shows its iridescent, MARKET ST., CLIFDEN Beth Trepper is an Irish-American hidden tones and colours. photographer whose eclectic portfolio comprises fine art, fashion, portraiture, Isobel takes commissions and is selling the figurative, documentary, landscape and ‘Feather Couture’ pictures as unframed entertainment images. (however they are ready to go in these plain frames for safe keeping) as you can then Norbert Stolze In this window exhibition, her ethereal choose your own choice of frame; to suit Pencilmassacre images evoke the mystical qualities of the your taste and interior. bog and the keen relationship between the As a visual artist in Hanover, holding human figure and rugged pastoral nature. VENUE | CHRIST CHURCH, periodical exhibitions and workshops in Follow the trail of The Mad Woman of the CHURCH HILL, CLIFDEN Germany and Ireland, Norbert has been Bog and watch the storyline evolve. working with pencil almost exclusively for a number of years. This will be the VENUE | THE ACCESSIBLE GALLERY: ‘Pencilmassacre’ exhibition at the Clifden A WINDOW EXHIBITION Arts Festival. An exhibition executed spectacularly with a single instrument composed of graphite encased in a wood Isobel Marinot-Wood casing; he manages to capture a mood that Feather Couture colour portraits don’t always achieve. His monochrome style and high level of detail Isobel Marinot–Wood’s background was in creates a bold artistic stamp which will jewellery design and goldsmithing, having delight visitors of all ages. studied in Belfast at the University of Kate Noonan Ulster. Finding the materials quite harsh; VENUE | UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, she was always drawn to softer materials, MAIN ST., CLIFDEN Connemara Landscapes / such as feathers. Seascapes.

Exhibition of original oil and acrylic paintings.

VENUE | THE ARDAGH HOTEL BALLYCONNEELY RD.,

12 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 13 The Sedici Group Group Exhibition Unnamed A series of small group and individual works “Unnamed” is a collaborative exhibition where artists are paired together and an Ogham Haiga Exhibition - Mary Lavery artist is chosen for them to channel through Carrig their collaboration, this isn’t stylistic but Portrait without a Face - James Mortimer more to do with approach and concept and Sophie Melnotte in relation to the topography around the exhibition. This has been realised 3 times so New Works - Elizabeth Moylan far in Watchet, Somerset and Middlesbrough New Works - Marie Cazares in England. The project takes 3 days in full. Breda Lowth, Dympna A Selection of Works - Doris Lindemann A Selection of Works - Vincent Smith VENUE | TO BE ANNOUNCED ON Heanue, Keelin FESTIVAL WEBSITE A Selection from ‘Dark Alice’ - Deborah Kennedy Pumfrett www.clifdenartsfestival.ie Joe Wilson Fócus Exploring Ballinglen The Orchard Group under the tutelage of Liam O’Herlihy, President of the Lorraine Tuck The selection of work is a consequence This exhibition of works by Breda Lowth, Watercolour Society of Ireland, are Shirley of two “Residencies” at Ballinglen Arts Dympna Heanue and Keelin Kennedy Giffney, Andree Harpur, Michael Mangan, PLANT Foundation. Co Mayo in 2018. It is in portrays a fixed point of interest of Augusta McCabe and Annie O’Reilly. response to the landscape around Ballinglen. connection to the landscape. These artists adapt their work to the Kathleen O’Brien, David Boote and local Classical physics tells us that we see the prevailing level of light and content in order artists and students of Clifden Community world because light bounces off surfaces to see clearly their own individual take on a School. and makes images on the retina of the particular place, at a particular time. eye. However, when I’m walking in the Check with Clifden Arts Festival Box Office landscape, I don’t feel that I am ‘observing’ VENUE | GALLERY OVER SIGNAL BAR, for opening times. appearances. The experience is too STATION HOUSE HOTEL immersive and all-engulfing. Similarly, I am VENUE | WEST COAST LEISURE too aware of the continual flux of light and CENTRE, BALLYCONNEELY RD weather to expect my paintings to work like snapshots in time. If anything, I hope they AIB Art in Clifden Artist Lorraine Tuck turns her attention to reflect some of my actions and gestures A selection of work from the AIB Art the renowned Pine island on Derryclare. when I was there. In short, I know I can’t Collection is on display at the branch during Colloquially known as ‘PLANT’ this new control what the viewer might see. But, if my Clifden Arts Festival. The Art Trail work explores the idea of looking even more curiosity proves to be infectious; I’m happy. Shop window exhibition of works by artists who closely at sights we see everyday. Plant island - Joe Wilson Amongst the key works on show are reside in, are inspired by and visit the area. has always been represented by a common exhibits by George Campbell, Brian Bourke, approach. This island situated against the VENUE | THE TOURIST OFFICE, John Behan, Cecily Brennan, Cecil King, A map of the numbered Art Trail can be backdrop of the Twelve Bens can be classed as GALWAY RD., CLIFDEN Brian Ballard, Sean McSweeney and Louis found in the What’s On Connemara guide. one of the Seven Wonders of the World and in LeBrocquy. keeping with this year’s festival theme ‘flight of the imagination’ Tuck takes the viewer on a tour VENUE | AIB, GALWAY RD., of this small yet significant island. CLIFDEN

VENUE | THE CLIFDEN LIBRARY, MARKET ST., CLIFDEN

14 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 15 events in early twentieth century human Richard West endeavour, the site of the first commercially New Works viable transatlantic wireless station by Marconi and the landing of the first non- stop transatlantic flight in history by Alcock & Brown. As well as sparking transatlantic aviation and wireless communication, Derrygimlagh has continued to inspire many others in all sorts of ways.

Martin Mooney The Whitethorn Gallery very proudly launches its new exhibition space with Richard West is a woodturner, based a solo exhibition of works by the award in Claddaghduff. A past art student, he Ben Crow winning Martin Mooney. returned to woodturning in the last few years, and continues to develop his skill. Connemara in Colour He is winner of the Richard Ford Award from He finds beauty in the sparce landscape of ( A Limited Fused Glass the Royal Academy in 1985, and the George Connemara and recovered timber. Since the late 1950’s, Kenneth Webb, a Collection) Campbell Memorial Grant in 1987, followed landscape painter in the Romantic tradition, by the Adams Salesroom Artist of the Future VENUE | CONNEMARA PROPERTIES has painted Connemara and west of Ireland When people think of Connemara, they Award in the RHA in 1992. Martin Mooney BUILDING, BRIDGE ST. scenes. These are now famous the world over. automatically think of every shade of has emerged as one of Ireland’s leading From his summer cottage at Derrygimlagh, green. Not so for glass artist Ben Crow. In contemporary artists, forging a career Kenneth has taken much of the inspiration for his earlier works, he ocused on the myriad spanning almost 40 years. work from his surroundings. The peatlands, shades of blue found in the sky, rivers, wild flower meadows and ancient stones at Ability West streams and lakes. His ‘Connemara in What you will see in this exhibition is a Derrygimlagh contribute to a Gallic sense of Colour’ collection expands on this; adding This years Arts Week project is a large collection of his latest work; consisting of mystery and mood in his Expressionist water in the rich, warm sunset colours and the mirror framed by an array of acrylic paint powerful rural landscapes and exquisite lily and bog paintings of Connemara. Sara verdant greens that do, indeed, characterise poured tiles each individually made by floral still life paintings which has all been regularly visits Derrygimlagh to create her the region. service users of Críost Linn ADS. Our completed in the last twelve months. own beautiful bogs that are inspired by these project will be unveiled at Críost Linn ADS incredible surroundings. Ben’s love of the symmetry and geometry directly after our Moonmagic performance VENUE | THE WHITETHORN GALLERY, to be found in nature is reflected in his at the Station House theatre on Thursday MAIN ST., CLIFDEN The Alcock & Brown Hotel, in the centre of approach to glass-making. This calls for the afternoon September 19th followed by Clifden, has an exhibition of superb paintings greatest accuracy when cutting the glass to some light refreshments. by Kenneth Webb and Sara Sue McNeil, which form the elements of his pieces. Painstaking are inspired by their love of Derrygimlagh. and time consuming; it is the successful VENUE | CRIOST LINN. CARRIAGE WAY, Kenneth Webb and In recognition of this year’s centenary interpretation of the natural phenomena STATION HOUSE, celebrations, Kenneth and Sue have just that he ultimately finds rewarding. Sara Sue McNeil completed six paintings celebrating Alcock and Browns first transatlantic flight. These unique VENUE | CONNEMARA BLUE, Inspired by Derrygimlagh paintings, depicting scenes from the great THE PINK HOUSE, adventure, will be available for viewing during A retrospective exhibition with landscape MARKET SQUARE the Festival. artist Kenneth Webb and Sara Sue McNeil.

VENUE | THE ALCOCK AND BROWN Derrygimlagh, a townland just outside Clifden HOTEL, THE SQUARE in Connemara, is the home of two inspirational

16 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 17 Nancy Whelan Talk New Works The time is right to gather together the diverse range of visual artists here in Connemara to engage in a creative conversation about their work in the West of Ireland. The conversation may be a means to an end in creating a platform where artists can explore their aspirations and desires within a community context and further their individual goals and the collective needs of this community in achieving those ends. Artists need to do their work alone but they do not live alone when they live within a community. Nancy Whelans exhibition celebrates the vibrant and colourful style of her art works. Striking a balance between the two is the key. They are full of life and always tell a story. It is hoped, in this conversation, that a fruitful With these latest paintings, Whelan shows exploration of this theme can be achieved. how the Mexican way of life varies and how This Open Forum will be chaired by Brian many of their celebrations of the past are Thornburgh. The talk will be on Monday still going on today. 23rd September at 5.30pm.

VENUE | VIVIANA’S, VENUE | THE COURTHOUSE GALLERY MAIN ST., CLIFDEN GALWAY RD., CLIFDEN Connemara Caledonia Please Note Exhibition details correct at time of going Connect Exhibition to press. Exhibitions and venues may be The discovery of Spongeware Pottery, subject to change. probably of Scottish origin, on an archaeological excavation of eroding houses Acknowledgements on Inishlyon, off Inishbofin, County Galway Clifden Arts Festival wishes to acknowledge from the late 19th century, is the inspiration the support of Dr. Eimear O’Connor HRHA, for this exhibition of art and artifacts. It John Behan RHA, John Sweeney, The contains finds, photography, art works Court Services, Tom Kenny, Dean Kelly, and archaeological drawings by Augustine Kevin O’Reilly, Brendan O’Sullivan, Lol Coyne, Ronan Coyne, Joe Boske, Dolores Hardiman, Bernie Dignam, Wayne and Orla Lyne, Kathleen Furey, Vivienne Burbidge, at Upstairs Downstairs, Alan and Claire at Erin Gibbons and Ned Kelly. The exhibition is Steam, Connemara Credit Union, Eamonn supported by ‘The Inishlyon Project’ through McLoughlin, Sean Vaughan, Liam Malone, BIM’s Fisheries Local Area Development Seamus Laffin and Rosemarie O’Toole, Scheme (2016-2023). Noel Mannion and Catherine Lavoie, Paula Bann, West Coast Leisure Centre, Mary Exhibition will be opened by Sean Gibbons, Ruddy and Vincent Murphy, Alcock and on Saturday, 21st September, 1pm. Brown Hotel, James O’Sullivan, Danny Vaughan, Zsuzsanna Balogh, Stephen Ward VENUE | THE SEAN GIBBONS and finally to all the artists, businesses, ‘POP UP GALLERY, volunteers and general public who support THE SQUARE, CLIFDEN the Art Trail and exhibitions.

18 clifden arts festival 2019 The school events are, of course, confined to our students. Events will also be taking place in all our local schools.

The Arts in education has been a core part of the Clifden Arts Festival since its foundation in 1977. It is an honour to have been so closely involved with the primary and secondary schools in the Connemara area for the past 42 years.

We are grateful to all the teaching and school staff past and present who have helped in so many ways to facilitate artists and performers to visit the schools. Without their help and support, this decades-long link with the community would not have been possible. We look forward to a continuing vibrant and creative relationship with all the schools in the area as we follow Seamus Heaney’s inspirational words...

“The books stand open and the gates unbarred”

Seamus Heaney

Special school programme available at www.clifdenartsfestival.ie/schools and from specific outlets.

SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

20 clifden arts festival 2019 Conney, Mary carey, Mary Kirby, Carmel Clifden Arts Festival Lydon, Aidan O’Hallaron, Fr James Roynane, Clifden Arts Festival acknowledges and Kathy Kane and Staff: Eoin Heanue, Johnny Remembers thanks the great Conneelly, Anna Carey, Kevin Gavin. Eileen Battersby, Joe Carty, Marty contribution made Thanks to Mary McDonagh and Percy Conneelly, Theresa Coohill, John Corcoran, to the festival by Hyland for running the Festival Box Michael Coyne, Mrs. Margaret Coyne, Office, and for their enormous help with Paddy Fahey, Alec Finn, Brendan Grace, our talented local administration. Michael Hughes, Mary Joyce, Mary Killeen, musicians. Pat King, Mairin Lavelle, Minerva Mason, Thanks also to David Beecher, Mary Lydon, Brendan Mullen, Jackie O’Grady, Mícheál Ó Eugene Barry, Marie Walsh, Liz and Yvonne and Evelyn King. Súilleabháin, and John Gerard Walsh, Kane, Michael Roche, Mirella Murray, Peter Carey, Peter Carey Jnr, Michael Carey, Martin Thanks to Bernhard Sanders for his digital Clifden Arts Festival Conroy, Sean Halpenny, Kevin Barry, Michael archiving expertise and the use of his McNamara (Clifden), Michael McNamara photos. Thanks to Paddy Howard for the use Volunteer Programme (Roundstone), Feichin Mitchell, Adam Conroy, of his photos. Aidan Curran, Kieran Coyne, Frank Coyne, The Festival Committee would welcome the PJ McInerney, Pat Flaherty, Pat Keaney, Phil A big thank you to Clifden Tidy Towns for participation of members of the community Coyne, Gerry Hannon, Simon Kearns, Tom their hard work and dedication to the town in giving a little of their time and help as Scullion, David Slevin, Danny Scullion, Nicholas of Clifden all year round. volunteers in various areas during the festival. Timothy, Tom Mullen, Paddy Newman, Richie All help and assistance would be greatly Newman, Eamon McLoughlin, Tom Wallace, Special Thanks to Reverend Elaine appreciated. For further information we can Liam Aspell, John Durning, Jarlath Hession, Dunne and Isobel Marinot-Wood for the be contacted at: [email protected] Paul Mulligan, Pat O’Toole, James Mullen, use of the Church of Ireland. Thanks to Michael Connolly, Martin Sullivan, Eileen Brian Thornburg and Frankie Hill for all Thanks to Veronica Sanderson and Janet O’Malley, Shane Flaherty, Kenneth Coyne, Alan their assistance over the years. We are Mercer for all their help with the Volunteer Shattock, Fionnuala Hannigan-Dunkley, Lol profoundly grateful to Fr. James Ronayne for Programme. Hardiman, Shona Flaherty, Tommy Kenny, and the use of St. Joseph’s Church. Fiachra O’Regan. Clifden Arts Festival acknowledges the Clifden Arts Festival thanks the Clifden support of Sandra Price and the Dublin Town Hall Committee: Pat Walsh, Breda International Piano Competition.

GENERAL PROGRAMME

22 clifden arts festival 2019 Wednesday 18th September

BELUGA THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS MUSIC WITH Gerard Hanberry is an award-winning poet published by Salmon Poetry. His most recent Marty Moncrieff, Thomas Kenny and collection ‘What Our Shoes Say About Us’ was published in 2014; a collection which The Teddy Bear Thief Shona O’Flaherty ‘explores the fragility of existence in a world where greed, violence and the inevitability of Thomas Kenny performing a selection of death is counterbalanced by a tenderness Featuring a live band, elements of puppetry songs from his new album Songs from the found in a loving relationship’. He is currently and an energetic ensemble of actors, Beluga Heart, accompanied on piano by Shona working on his fifth collection, which is due Theatre Company has been performing O’Flaherty. We welcome Tommy and Shona out shortly. in venues around the country with their for their first concert at Clifden Arts Festival. original production; Marty Moncrieff, the He is also an author, biographer and Teddy Bear Thief. The show is part of the TIME | 1PM musician. His biography of the family Clifden Arts Festival and is suitable for all DAY | WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER of Oscar Wilde, More Lives Than One – audiences from 4+. VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND The Remarkable Wilde Family Through ADMISSION | €5 The show is about a teddy called Marty the Ages (The Collins Press, 2011)’, was who is a world infamous thief, snatching recently translated into Croatian. His latest publication, On Raglan Road – Great Irish everything from fast cars and gold bars READING WITH to cookie jars. But there is a new sheriff in Love Songs and the Women Who Inspired town, hot on Marty’s fluffy heels. Will Marty Moyra Donaldson and Them (The Collins Press, 2016), tells the change his ways? story behind fifteen of Ireland’s favourite Gerry Hanberry love songs. He was recently invited by RTÉ This is a playful, theatrical and, ultimately, to come on board as writer of their series heart-warming tale in a world where Toy Moyra Donaldson is an award winning The Search for Ireland’s Favourite Folksong’ Marty Moncrieff, The Teddy Bear Thief will Story meets Father Ted. and critically acclaimed poet and creative Gerard Hanberry worked as a secondary be performed at the Station House Theatre writing facilitator from County Down. She teacher for many years, and currently in Clifden at 12 o’clock on September The show’s writer and director, Oisín has published seven collections of poetry teaches a creative writing (poetry) module 18th. More information can be found at Robbins, has been working creatively with including Selected Poems. Her awards on the B.A. Connect at NUI Galway. Gerard clifdenartsfestival.ie and by contacting young people and children since 2014. After include awards from the Women’s National is a member of the board of Galway Arts [email protected]. encouraging experiences with Barretstown, Poetry Competition, The Allingham Award, Centre. At Clifden Arts Festival, he will be Barnstorm Theatre, Branar Theatre and the Cúirt New Writing Award, North West reading a selection of poems from his four Sponsored by Anne Ueltschi Baboro Children’s Festival, he decided to Words Poetry Award and the Belfast Year collections in addition to some new poems set up Beluga Theatre earlier in 2019. Marty of the Writer Award. She has received from his forthcoming collection. TIME | 12PM Moncrieff, The Teddy Bear Thief is Beluga’s four awards from ACNI, including the DAY | WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER first full production and it had its premiere in ACES award in its inaugural year. Moyra’s Sponsored by Galway County Council VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE May at the Galway Theatre Festival. work has also been widely published in ADMISSION | €5 magazines, journals and anthologies in TIME | 2PM Europe, Australia and the USA. DAY | WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | CLIFDEN LIBRARY Her poems have featured on BBC Radio and ADMISSION | €5 television and on American national radio and television. She has read at festivals in Europe, Canada and America.

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POETRY WITH SONGS OF O’CAROLAN WITH Lasairfhíona (pronounced Lah-sah-reena) was a multinational, multilingual empire. It is a singer/songwriter deeply rooted in the controlled most of Southeast Europe, parts Emily Cullen and Lynn Saorise sean-nós singing style of the Aran Islands. of Europe, Western Asia, the Caucasus, and Her innovative approach to Irish music and North Africa. Constantinople was its capital. Richard Halperin and Lasairfhíona her new slant on traditional singing have The Ottoman Empire was at the centre been celebrated in her three renowned of interactions between the Eastern and Emily Cullen is a Galway-based writer, Amhráin Uí Chearbhalláin/ albums; An Raicín Álainn, Flame of Wine and Western worlds for six centuries. This lecture harper and scholar. She has published two Songs of O’Carolan One Penny Portion. The result of her work traces the consequences of its ending in poetry collections, In Between Angels and is a magical mosaic of sound ; as refreshing 1918. The stream of refugees crossing to Animals (Arlen House, 2013) and No Vague and unpredictable as a showery day inside Europe in the 21st Century is a manifestation Utopia (Ainnir Publishing, 2003), in addition in Aran. BBC Folk & Acoustic Reviews of that collapse. So too is the current Israel/ to many essays on Irish cultural history and described her work as ‘A pure breath of Palestine conflict and the genocide in music. Emily was awarded an IRC fellowship everything that is beautiful about Ireland.’ Kosovo; which ended in June 1999. for her doctoral research. She gained a PhD in English from NUI Galway in 2008. She Lynn Saoirse is an award-winning Irish harpist, TIME | 10AM has taught creative writing and poetry at who lives in Connemara. The late great harpist DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER the University of Melbourne, and currently Derek Bell, of the Irish traditional group The VENUE | OMEY SUITE, serves as Programme Director of Galway’s Chieftains, wrote: “There is an exquisite STATION HOUSE HOTEL Cúirt International Festival of Literature. delicacy all through her playing.” ADMISSION | €5 Richard W. Halperin has published four collections of poetry by Salmon Poetry Together, Lasairfhíona and Lynn have Limited. The most recent of these is Catch Is amhránaí/cumadóir amhránaí í been working on settings of Turlough Moon Magic Me While You Have the Light, 2018. Lasairfhíona atá fréamhaithe go domhain O’Carolan’s songs for the past two years. His work is part of University College i stíl amhránaíochta sean-nóis Oileáin This will be a glimpse of that project in Dublin’s Irish Poetry Reading Archive. Árann. Tá a cur chuige nuálaíoch ar cheol addition to some of their other songs and The poem Snow Falling, Lady Murasaki Gaelach agus ar amhránaíocht thraidisiúnta tunes, featuring some special guests. Watching is on permanent display in the á cheiliúradh ina trí albam iomráiteacha, foyer of the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo. An Raicín Álainn, Flame of Wine agus One TIME | 8PM Sunday Visits is Mr Halperin’s tenth Penny Portion. Tá toradh a saothair ina DAY | WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER collection for Lapwing. mósáic dhraíochtúil fuaime, é chomh húr, VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE athraitheach le lá bog báistí in Árainn. ADMISSION | €10 Sponsored by Galway County Council “Anáil fíorghlan de chuile rud atá álainn faoi Éirinn.” Léirmheasanna Cheol Tíre & Fuaimníocht an BBC. TIME | 4PM Celebrate the joy of living with our local, DAY | WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER Thursday 19th September special drama group, who express the Is cláirseoir Éireannach í Lynn Saoirse a VENUE | CLIFDEN LIBRARY universal theme of being happy through bhfuil go leor gradaim bainte amach aici atá ADMISSION | €5 rhyme, mime, poetry and song. Devised and ina cónaí i gConamara. Scríobh an cláirseoir Consequences for the directed by Rosalind Coyne. aitheanta, Derek Bell, a bhíodh ag seinm leis na Chieftains: “Tá fíneáltacht den scoth ag Balkans and the Middle Sponsored by Pobal baint lena cuid cláirseoireachta”. East of the Ottoman TIME | 12PM Le dhá bhliain anuas, tá Lasairfhíona Empire End Game DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER agus Lynn ag cuir coiriú ceoil ar amhráin VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE Thoirdhealbhach Uí Chearbhalláin. Beidh Lecture by Hugh Duffy ADMISSION | €5 sé seo mar réamhthaispeántas ar an tionscamh sin chomh maith le blaise dá The Ottoman Empire existed in the 14th répertoire leithleach, le haíonna speisialta century. It ended as a consequence freisin. of supporting Germany in the First World War. The Empire was an absolute Monarchy. At the height of its power, it

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Nimmo, the 19th Century Scottish engineer and plays performed. The bedrock running Hunter College. He lives in New York with MUSIC WITH who designed the Connemara road system through all his work has been his poetry, his his wife, Allison, and their three children. that is still in use today. most recent collections of which include Johnny Duhan Strange Lights Over Bexleyheath, The Sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan Johnny Duhan’s songs are performed Tour duration: approx 90 mins Connemara Cantos and Fishing for Ghosts worldwide in a variety of languages. This is Tel: 087 647 1107 (all published by Luath Press). This latest TIME | 4PM thanks to the focus put on them by Christy collection, Cosmos Mariner, was described DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Moore, The Dubliners, Dolores Keane and TIME | 11AM by one critic as ‘his best work yet’. He lives VENUE | STATION HOUSE HOTEL many other singers. His song The Voyage DAYS | THURSDAY 19TH, in both the north of England and in a small ADMISSION | €15 has become a modern classic. Hot Press TUESDAY 24TH, cottage in the West of Ireland, Connemara. magazine editor, Niall Stokes, has predicted THURSDAY 26TH OFFICIAL OPENING that The Voyage will be around centuries MEETING POINT | CLIFDEN STATION TIME | 2PM from now; after most popular songs of HOUSE HOTEL DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Official Opening of our time are forgotten. Christy Moore ADMISSION | €10 ADULTS VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE has termed Johnny “One of our greatest €5 UNDER 16 ADMISSION| €5 42nd Clifden Arts songwriters” while the late Ronnie Drew described him as “one of my favourite READING WITH Festival by Kevin POETRY READING WITH songwriters.” Sylvie Simmons (author of the Colum McCann Rafter, Chair of the acclaimed Leonard Cohen biography I’m Mike Harding Your Man) had this to say about part one of Introduced by Bill Whelan Arts Council Johnny’s autobiography: “When I started to Mike Harding was born in Crumpsall, read it, I couldn’t put it down.” After reading Manchester in 1944. He was born into a a chapter of part two of The Voyage, Eoghan working-class Irish-Catholic family. His Harris wrote: “I read it over a cup of coffee father was killed returning from a bombing that went cold as I could not stop to sip.” mission just four weeks before Mike was born. This had a profound effect on his Sponsored by Walsh’s Bakery and childhood and later life and provided the Coffee Shop inspiration for his haunting song Bombers Moon. Much of the inspiration for his TIME | 1PM writing comes from his early years growing DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER up in Manchester. He has recorded 36 VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND shows for BBC television; attracting ADMISSION | €10 audiences of 4 to 8 million. Colum McCann is the author of six novels, Prof. Kevin Rafter was appointed Chair including Let the Great world Spin and of the Arts Council in June 2019. He is Also with the BBC, he made a number of Transatlantic. and three collections Head of the School of Communications at Clifden Historical travel/eco programmes, including the series of stories. Born and raised in Dublin, Dublin City University, and is the author/ The Harding Trail where he cycled from Ireland, he has been the recipient of many editor of over a dozen books on Irish media Walking Tours Georgia to Louisiana filming old timey and international honours. These include the and politics. Kevin is an experienced, jazz musicians along the way. He presented National Book Award, the International with Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill independent, non-executive director with Folk, Roots and Acoustic Music on BBC Dublin Impac Prize, a Chevalier des Arts significant governance, stakeholder and Radio 2 from 1998 and 2012. He now et Lettres from the French government, Explore the history of this 200 year old town communications expertise. He has a strong presents a weekly folk show online at www. election to the Irish arts academy, several in the company of local historian Kathleen track record of regulatory oversight in mikehardingfolkshow.com. European awards, the 2010 Best Foreign Villiers-Tuthill. Take in the town’s early the broadcast, legal and financial sectors. Novel Award in China and an Oscar industrial sites, the railway station, the 19th He was previously a board member of In tandem with his public broadcasting life, nomination. In 2017, he was elected to the century Bridewall (gaol) and the Catholic Dublin Bus, Oxfam Ireland and the Galway Mike Harding has built a steady reputation American Academy of Arts. His work has and Protestant graveyards. Hear stories of International Arts Festival and also served as a writer. He has earned widespread been published in over 40 languages. famine, war, religious conflict, street riots as Chair of Culture Ireland. He is also acclaim for both the quality and breadth of He is the co-founder of the non-profit global and political rallies. Learn about John D’Arcy, currently Chairperson of the Compliance his work, with close to 50 books published story exchange organisation, Narrative 4. the founder of Clifden, and Alexander Committee of the Broadcasting Authority He also teaches at the MFA program in 28 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 29 Thursday 19th September Friday 20th September of Ireland. Prior to 2008, Kevin worked Lisa O’Neill FILM TALK BY BENIG MAUGER as a senior political journalist with the Cumar: A Galway Healing Your Heart: Irish Times, the Sunday Times and the With Support from 9.30pm Sunday Tribune. While working for RTÉ, Rhapsody Forgiving Yourself and he presented several flagship radio programmes including This Week, Morning Others Ireland and the News at One, in addition to working as a correspondent for Prime Time. His academic qualifications include a BA (Mod) and MLitt in economics, a MA and PhD in political science and a Diploma in Corporate Law and Governance.

Shuttle Bus departs Clifden Library every 15 minutes from 6:15 pm

TIME | 7PM Lisa O’Neill grew up in Ballyhaise, County DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Cavan and now lives in Dublin. Heard A Long VENUE | WEST CONNEMARA Gone Song, her first album for Rough Trade LEISURE CENTRE imprint River Lea is a collection of traditional A new feature length ADMISSION | FREE material interspersed with her own. The documentary introduced by sense of ownership Lisa imbues in these old Aodh Ó Coileáin Brendan Shine in Concert songs, coupled with the immutability of her chosen subjects makes it hard to tell which DIRECTOR is which. These are folk songs in the original Aodh Ó Coileáin sense of the word. In the Gaelic world, it is thought that our The ability to forgive is essential to spiritual existence oscillates between a life of and emotional wellbeing. Despite the best “Folk is undergoing something of a breathing, a life of feeling and a spiritual life. will in the world, simply uncovering our renaissance at the minute, as the kick Where confluence exists between these, wounds does not guarantee healing. One can against ‘fake everything’ heralds a yearning creativity thrives. Filmed in a year’s turning, spend years in ‘therapy’ or counselling, have for authenticity from food to music. It CUMAR features six Galway based artists a cognitive understanding of the experiences Join us in celebrating Brendan’s 53rd year on doesn’t get more authentic than Lisa and explores their homeplace as a source that have traumatised us and caused us the road and his return to Clifden. With over O’Neill, who seems genetically incapable of of impetus and inspiration for artistic to shut down and we still cannot heal or 50 albums and 45 hit singles in a glittering falsehood, fiction or affectation. A special endeavour. The film includes observations move on. This is because healing is a matter career, he is a genuine Irish legend. He began talent indeed.” - Hotpress playing in his father’s country band while and creations of musician/composer Máirtín of the heart. It involves love, acceptance still at school. He played in Kieran Kelly’s O’Connor, novelist Mike McCormack, poet and surrender. Join me for a talk on love, TIME | 9.30PM Céili Band along with schoolfriend Johnny Rita Ann Higgins, artistic director of Macnas forgiveness and healing your heart. DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Dawson (who still performs with Brendan in Noeline Kavanagh, singer song-writer Róisín VENUE | MULLARKEY’S BAR @ the Brendan Shine Super Band). He originally Seoighe and visual artist Pádraic Reaney. www.soul-connections.com FOYLE’S HOTEL made his name as an accordionist before Long a crossroads of sea, of land, of thought ADMISSION | ON DOOR taking up singing and becoming one of and story, Galway is a confluence of river, lake TIME | 10AM Ireland’s best-known and loved entertainers. and brine; a world in which murmurations of DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER heart, head and imagination sometimes flow. VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND Sponsored by Pat Molloy ADMISSION | €5 Runtime: 72 minutes TIME | 9PM DAY | THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER TIME | 9PM VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER ADMISSION | €15 VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION | €5 30 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 31 Friday 20th September

TALK BY MUSIC WITH READING BY CONCERT WITH Martina Fitzgerald Mick Conneely and Moya Cannon and Alannah Robins and In 2018, she wrote ‘Madam Politician: The David Munnelly Thomas McCarthy Ramin Haghjoo Day women at the table of Irish political power’. This was a No.1 bestseller, and received Mick Conneely - Fiddle | Greek Thomas McCarthy has published many Alannah Robins, mezzo soprano and Ramin huge critical acclaim following its Bouzouki collections of poetry, including The First Haghjoo, Piano. Goethe’s Mignon character publication. It was named Political Book of Convention, The Sorrow Garden, Merchant is found in Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship. the Year by several newspapers including Mick is one of the most acclaimed and Prince, The Last Geraldine Officer and With her songs resonant of Sehnsucht, she the Sunday Business Post. respected fiddle players in the Irish Pandemonium. He has also published two has become the archetype of the displaced tradition. To date, he has played, toured and novels entitled Without Power and Asya and child. Alannah will sing settings of Mignon’s Martina is one of Ireland’s leading political recorded with many artists; most notably Christine. He has published two works of lieder by Hugo Wolf and Franz Schubert. The journalists. She worked for RTÉ News & De Danann. In 2001, his debut solo album non-fiction called Gardens of Remembrance concert will also include some of Ian Wilson’s Current Affairs for 18 years until December Selkie was released to critical acclaim on and Out of the Ashes. He is a member of Games, settings of the Serbian inter-war 2018. As RTÉ’s Political Correspondent, the prestigious boutique trad label Cló Iar- Aosdána, the Irish Assembly of artists. He poet Vasko Popa, Poulenc’s Deux poèmes she reported on several general elections, Chonnacht. He has recorded on numerous has won the Patrick Kavanagh Award, the de Louis Aragon and works by Galway’s referendums and the Brexit negotiations albums to date. Mick is a leading exponent Alice Hunt Bartlett and O’Shaughnessy Tom Cullivan, Rachmaninoff and Aleksandr as she reported from Leinster House, from of the 6-string Greek bouzouki in Irish Prize for Poetry and the Ireland Funds Borodin. London and from Madrid. She is a graduate traditional music. Annual Literary Award. He was Editor of University College Dublin, where she was of Poetry Ireland Review and The Cork TIME |5PM auditor of the politics society. David Munnelly - Accordion | Review. His new collection, PROPHECY, was DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER published by Carcanet Press in April, 2019. VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND Sponsored by Dr. Ciaran and Anne Melodeon ADMISSION | €10 McLoughlin Moya Cannon is an Irish poet with five Calling David Munnelly a box player is – like published collections ; the most recent calling Muhammad Ali a boxer – true but TIME | 11AM being Keats Lives (Carcanet Press, reductive. As someone who grew up playing DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER Manchester). The mountains, the sea and traditional music, he plays Irish dance tunes VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE our primal and enduring responses to in the style of a box player. He plays them ADMISSION | €10 the beauty of the endangered earth are with a flare and level of mastery you would the inspiration for many of her poems. expect from someone as talented and Archaeology and geology figure as Clifden Arts Society dedicated to the music as he is. From a Upcoming Events gateways to deeper understanding of our young age, he has been driven by an innate mysterious relationship with the natural musical curiosity and rapidly acquired world and our past. Pressenda2nd Chamber October Players from fluency. Munnelly began pushing his chosen Washington DC instrument further than most to discover Sponsored by Poetry Ireland what more it could do, what more it could help him to say. 5th October TIME | 4PM Bangers and Crash DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER Sponsored by Marguerite Courtade VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE 15thFinghin October Collins ADMISSION | €10 TIME | 1PM DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 27thBen Johnson November (tenor) VENUE | ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL Sean Shibe (Guitar) ADMISSION | €10

Traditional6th IrishDecember Music Concert

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Evening Trad at E.J.’s TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION WITH John Joe Forde and Great traditional music with Paddy Buckley (banjo), David Kinsella (pipes), James Kinsella Mike Fahy (accordion), and Michael Buckley (fiddle) Celebrating Culture Night with John Joe TIME | 6PM Forde and Mike Fahey ; Clifden Arts Festival DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER welcomes back John Joe Forde and Mike VENUE | EJ Kings Fahey for their annual traditional Irish Music Session in Vaughan’s Bar. Bringing the powerful tradition of East Galway music Seafoam Green to Connemara in what promises to be yet another powerful night!

TIME | 10PM DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | VAUGHANS BAR Jimmy and the Parrots

CONCERT WITH Green Fields of America

The Green Fields of America is a famous There will be a variety of traditional and touring group. They were formed in 1978 by contemporary songs. These include Roots, B&B, Soul and good honest music. musician and folklorist Mick Moloney. Since love songs, humorous songs, patriotic Dave, Muireann and the Band bring their that time, the personnel has changed but songs, songs of emigration and settlement Electric Americana roadshow back to the concept has remained constant over and Irish-American songs from Variety Ireland. twenty years; to show in one major group Theatre and vaudeville. some of Irish America’s finest musicians “Stunning ....9 out of 10” Grab your beach chair, your sun-tan oil and and dancers. Indeed, the group was the There are also a myriad of other themes Classic Rock Magazine your favourite drink. and get ready for a trip first on either side of the Atlantic to bring that have made the Irish oral literature and to the islands with the ultimate tribute to together Irish vocal, instrumental and dance song tradition among the richest in the ★★★★★ Jimmy Buffett. traditions on the concert and festival stage. Western world. All this is linked by the urbane, Country Music Magazine Sponsored by the National Endowment for informative and witty commentary which TIME | 10:30PM the Arts a record five times, the group has the group is renowned for. They have the rare TIME | 9:30PM DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER toured the United States constantly since capacity to appeal to folk and Irish music DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | EJ KINGS the late 1970s. devotees and to general audiences of any age. VENUE | MULLARKEY’S BAR @ FOYLE’S HOTEL An evening with The Green Fields of Sponsored by Anne Ueltchi ADMISSION | ON THE DOOR America is an unforgettable experience. They perform a brilliant repertoire of slow TIME | 8PM airs, jigs, reels, and hornpipes. This is DAY | FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER accompanied by exciting, virtuoso Irish VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE dancing from Champion step dancers. ADMISSION | €20

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FILM LECTURE BY Clifden Elf and BOOK LAUNCH The Man who wanted Sheila O’Donnell and Fairy Trail Making Integral: to Fly John Tuomey Critical Essays on Crowded Landscape After having such fun on last year’s fairy Richard Murphy by trail, Fairy JIL and her family and friends left Introduced by John Fanning a message for Clifden Tidy Towns asking if Ben Keatinge they could arrange for the children to come Special Guests Lucy Collins, Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey will out together again. The elves and fairies were discuss their approach to architecture and watching the children from their safe hiding Gerard Dawe and Bernard their longstanding relationship with the places and were delighted to see so many O’Donohue. Connemara landscape. They will explain dressing up and having fun finding their some of the practical and poetical aspects homes. Our magical friends are delighted of their architectural projects, and how they to be living in Clifden and love the beautiful work at the intersection of the manmade flowers and clean streets. They are also very and natural landscape. impressed with all the work the children are Eighty-something rural bachelor Bobby doing with their Green Flag projects! In fact, Coote has always wanted to fly. He’s they have told Tidy Towns that they fly into determined to make his dream to be a pilot the polytunnel at Scoil Mhuire and around come true. Even if it’s the last thing he does. the school garden at night to see what the children have planted. They also love the wild The Man Who Wanted To Fly tells the garden on the Ballyconneely Road, cared irresistible story of 80-something bachelor for by the students of Clifden Community farmer Bobby Coote. He left school at 13. School. More fairies have moved in during He says his reading and writing isn’t great. the year and we need you to find them for Bobby fixes clocks and spends a lot of time us, as well as saying hello to our old friends. in his back shed making violins from old Fancy dress for adults and children adds to furniture. A parallel exhibition, Watercolours, will show the fun! Sheila O’Donnell’s watercolour sketches in addition to showing studies of mountains, But he’s never lost sight of a lifelong dream Children must be accompanied by a Benjamin Keatinge is a Visiting Research stones and buildings. to fly. He’ll get no encouragement from his guardian at all times. Thanks to Nuala Fellow at the School of English, Trinity brother Ernie; another octogenarian in the Sponsored by Kaye and John Fanning Cashin and Clifden Tidy Towns. College Dublin and editor of Making Integral: Coote family home. Ernie thinks the whole Critical Essays on Richard Murphy (Cork thing is mad; but Bobby is determined to be TIME | 11AM TIME | 11AM University Press, 2019). He has discussed airborne by summer. DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Richard Murphy’s life and poetry in VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE VENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALL academic essays, at conferences and on Capturing the wonder of one man’s dreams; ADMISSION | €10 ADMISSION | €2 IN AID OF CLIFDEN the RTÉ Lyric FM radio documentary His The Man Who Wanted To Fly is a unique TIDY TOWNS Chosen Islands. He has also discussed journey into a disappearing Irish border the last published interview with the poet hinterland. ‘Richard Murphy in Sri Lanka’ in Poetry Ireland Review, August 2017. Runtime 82 minutes Richard Murphy’s poetry is central to TIME |9AM the evolution of Irish poetry since 1950. DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER These original essays offer new insights VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE into Murphy’s poetic preoccupations - ADMISSION | €5 love and loss, nature and solitude, history and inheritance. They show how Richard

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Murphy’s life and work follow the contours band member, composer and music director. of modern Ireland. With the publication of She holds a Masters degree from the Juilliard Clifden Writers Group The Pleasure Ground: Poems 1952–2012 School of Music, and has won 2 Emmys as a Come and spend an hour of storytelling (2013) and the reissue of his celebrated composer for Sesame Street. In 2002, she and poetry in the company of the Clifden memoir, The Kick (Cork UP, 2017); this is a officially ‘retired’ to the Big Island of Hawaii Writer’s Group. Singer/songwriter, Lol timely reconsideration of an important Irish where she joined the Board of Directors Hardiman will entertain with his music. poet. at Hilo’s Historic Palace Theatre. She then served for 12 years as its President. Cheryl TIME | 2PM He is sometimes viewed as a poet of two has been the music director/conductor for DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER traditions. In his own words, he sought “to 14 of the Palace Theatre’s annual musicals. VENUE | FOYLE’S HOTEL unite my divided self in our divided country”. During summers, she takes part in the Hawaii ADMISSION | FREE Performing Arts Festival to perform chamber Benjamin Keatinge is a Visiting Research works with a variety of visiting artists. As an Fellow at the School of English, Trinity accompanist, she remains active in many College Dublin. areas of the performing arts.

TIME | 12PM Anthony Maroudas was born in Hermanus, BOOK LAUNCH Music Session Led by DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER South Africa. He studied with Lamar Crowson VENUE | OMEY SUITE and Yonty Solomon, who are both professors Against the Wind: Marie Walsh ADMISSION | FREE at the Royal Academy of Music. He also studied from Endurance to with Craig Sheppard at the Guildhall School. Youth Music Session Anthony has performed both as a soloist and Enjoyment ensemble player in South Africa, London and by Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphádraig TIME | 3PM the United States. Since settling in Hawaii in DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2006, he has played at numerous venues on This is a story on two levels. Firstly, it is a VENUE | TOM KING’S BAR the Big Island and at the Atherton Studio in description of the 2670 km cycle Caitríona ADMISSION | FREE Honolulu. He has also appeared on Hawaii took from Moville, Co. Donegal to Kinsale Co. Public Radio with classical talk show host Gene Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way in 2017 during Schiller. Anthony enjoys a thriving teaching the wettest and windiest August/September career. In 2017, he was the recipient of Steinway since records began! and Sons’ Top Teacher Award for outstanding instruction and leadership in piano education. Secondly, it is a searingly honest account of the mental and emotional journey. Doubt Proceeds to the Church of Ireland Building had called to visit Caitríona shortly before Fund. the cycle through a bullying incident which coloured the trip in a way that was to open her Sponsored by Brendan and Deirdre up to loneliness and the question of what it O’Connor means to belong”

Cheryl Moore (a.k.a. Cheryl Hardwick) began her long career in New York City as a pianist, music arranger and songwriter. She spent 25 years on NBC-TV’s Saturday Night Live as a

38 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 39 Saturday 21st September

READING BY personally seen the poverty and destitution BOOK LAUNCH CONCERT WITH in the west of Ireland after the Great Famine Buying Yak Milk in St. Cecilia Singers Sinead Moriarty and and consequently wished to respond directly Mike McCormack in some useful way. She decided that to bring Gurtymadden training and employment to younger women and men would be most beneficial, so that is by Joe Boske Sinead Moriarty is the author of 14 novels published by Penguin. She also writes a what she did, by teaching basket-making. This weekly column for the Irish Independent. book tells the ‘why, what and how’ of Sophia Buying Yak Milk in Sinead also fronts the Easons ‘Sinead & Rick Sturge making her momentous decision to Gurtymadden is Must Reads’ book club. come from Birmingham to Letterfrack in 1888 the second title by and what she achieved. renowned artist and Mike McCormack is the author of two wordsmith, Joe Boske. collections of short stories Getting it in the TIME | 5PM It has been published Head and Forensic Songs. Three novels DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER by award-winning Crowe’s Requiem, Notes from a Coma and VENUE | OMEY SUITE Connemara publishers, Solar Bones were published in May of 2016. ADMISSION | FREE Artisan House. This In 1996, he was awarded the Rooney Prize publication brings together drawings, cartoons The St Cecilia Singers, founded in 1984 by their for Literature and Getting it in the Head was CONCERT BY and oddball writing. This is all beautifully conductor, Sandra Ganly, are based in Shankill chosen as a New York Times Notable Book designed by Annik Weber. Co. Dublin. The 25 Strong strong chamber Nigel Mooney with choir sings unaccompanied music from the of the Year. In 2006, Notes from a Coma was shortlisted for the Irish Book of the Year In the words of the author himself: ‘On a hot sixteenth to twenty-first centuries at several The Johnny Taylor Trio Award. In 2016, Solar Bones was awarded summer’s day some years ago, I was enjoying concerts each year across Ireland. the Goldsmiths Prize and the Bord Gais Hailed by the B.B.C. as ‘Ireland’s King a few pints outside my local back here in Energy Irish Novel of the Year and Book of of the Blues’, Nigel Mooney is long established Clifden after having just returned from a spot of The St Cecilia Singers have been prize- the Year; it was also long-listed for the 2017 as Ireland’s leading jazz singer/guitarist. beachcombing down the Lower Sky Road. winners at international and national choral Man Booker Prize. In 2018, it was awarded Steeped in the blues from an early age, Mooney A fair number of tourists were milling about, festivals in Cork, Sligo, New Ross, Navan and the International Dublin Literary Award. He formed his Gripewater Blues Band in the early when a gentleman from the metropolis Limerick. They were awarded a silver cup at the teaches creative writing at NUI Galway and is 1980’s. He was spearheading Ireland’s blues approached me with a query. Would I happen International Choral Festival in Verona. a member of Aosdána. movement; working with the likes of B.B. King, to know where he could buy… and here is Lowell Fulson, Bo Diddley, Hubert Sumlin and where my memory deserts me, I’m afraid. I Sandra Ganly is a graduate of Trinity College Sponsored by Clifden Book Shop Louisiana Red. Since the mid-1990’s, he has recall it was something you might quite easily Dublin and an Associate of the Royal College of been a leading figure in Ireland’s jazz scene. obtain in a big city, but would be hard-pushed Music. In Trinity, she sang in Trinity Singers and TIME | 5PM His 2013 album, The Bohemian Mooney, was to find in a small seaside resort on the west the College Choral Society. One of the many DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER awarded Jazz Album of the Year by The Irish coast of Ireland where there is only a handful highlights of this was to sing the Faure Requiem VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE Times. It also featured guest appearances by of shops and half of them are shut down. “My conducted by the late Dr Joseph Groocock. ADMISSION | €10 Georgie Fame and Louis Stewart. ‘Ireland’s good man”, I said with a tongue slightly heavier She studied piano in the Royal Irish Academy most popular jazz performer’ (Irish Times); than its specific weight, “you’d stand a better of Music with Rhona Marshall. Subsequently BOOK LAUNCH Mooney has played with Larry Coryell, Joey de chance trying to buy yak milk in Gurtymadden.” in Edinburgh she studied piano with Audrey Francesco and Bobby Watson. He has recently “Buying yak milk in Gurtymadden, eh? Where Innes and gained a Diploma in Secondary Joan Johnson toured with Jean Toussaint and Jim Mullen. His the heck did that come from?” I pondered with School Teaching from Moray House College of Joan, nee Willoughby, was born in Dublin, new record, Mooney’s Blues, is due for release more than a knowing nod from Arthur and the Education. Returning to Ireland she founded where she attended Wesley College . She now in 2019. Nigel Mooney will perform at Clifden hot day that it was in it. “That’s the perfect title and conducted the Athlone Madrigal Singers. lives in Waterford, but along with her husband Arts Week with his regular band, featuring for my next book,” I thought, fishing out the She was also musical director of the Birr (both retired) spends as much time as possible Johnny Taylor on piano, Barry Donohue on peann luaidhe. How right I was. Choral Society. in their family cottage on Errislannan. bass and Dominic Mullan on drums. TIME | 4PM TIME | 4PM This book tells the story of Sophia Sturge’s TIME | 10:30PM DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Connemara Basket Industry in Letterfrack, DAY | SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER VENUE | WHISTESTOP GALLERY VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND Co. Galway, which operated from 1888 until VENUE | MULLARKEY’S BAR @ ADMISSION | FREE ADMISSION | €10 1905. While travelling in 1887 Sophia had FOYLE’S HOTEL

40 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 41 Saturday 21st September

Paul Noonan (Bell X1)

Paul Noonan, Multi-instrumentalist and much loved front man of Bell X1, is bringing his solo show to Clifden. He will be performing a selection of hits from his band’s catalogue. He will also perform music from his solo debut EP, Push Puppet. This has been produced by the Gloaming’s Thomas Bartlett and comprises of the tracks Microfiche, Moth To Your Flame, Venetian Blinds and The Flood. Paul has been a vital part of one of the biggest rock acts to come out of Ireland. He occupies a singular iconic position in the Irish Rock Landscape that has maintained their relevance for almost 20 years.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of Ireland’s greatest and most respected songwriters live in Clifden.

Sponsored by Bobby and Truly Gilmore

TIME | 5PM DAY | SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION | €10

Reading and Singing in the Bookies Paddy Elva MacGowan Ensemble Elva hails from Youghal, Co.Cork. Although In 2016, Elva launched her debut EP Close Your Powers classically trained throughout college; she also Eyes’ in The National Concert Hall. She has fell in love with the folk, jazz, traditional and since enjoyed frequent airplay on RTÉ Radio This spellbinding entertainment is now in its Bernard O’Donoghue’s poetry is marked by blues scene in Dublin where she’s been warmly One, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Lyric FM, Dublin City tenth year! Poems, songs and recitations about a gift for poetic portraiture and sketching welcomed into its renowned music scene. FM and BBC Radio Ulster. horses, greyhounds and ponies are presented characters at moments of emotional intensity. Elva’s performances are rooted in old-time by an assortment of local and national crowd From encounters during his childhood in traditions but with a distinctly modern energy; Elva has since blended her knowledge of vocal pleasers. The audience exceeds the gatherings Ireland to elegiac recollections of academics creating fresh interpretations of country performance with her love of old timey songs, in Paddy Power Bookmakers for the derbies and poets in Oxford, O’Donoghue’s readers are and folk songs with increasingly impressive folk, Americana, jazz, blues and traditional or Grand Nationals! It is co-compered by Des met by a generous yet understated control of results. Her shows promise warm acoustic acoustic accompaniments. Kavanagh and Peter Molineux. An atmosphere voice. Each portrait delivers a miniature, crafted guitar, full and rich double bass, elegant vocals of banner and high culture pervades. Paddy narrative that encapsulates, through a brief, and a charming improvisational mood. “ A beautiful sensuous voice – always tuneful Power kindly sponsors cheese and wine. controlled moment, the full emotion of living. At always intimate and sincere...“ their most potent, O’Donoghue’s poems seem Elva’s repertoire encompasses a diverse range Carl Corcoran, Blue of the Night, RTÉ Lyric FM. TIME | 6PM to act as epitaphs to well-lived lives; but their and renditions of country and folk songs by DAY | SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER achievement for a reader is that they do so her favourite singers/songwriters. Among TIME | 10.00PM VENUE | PADDY POWERS without sentimentality, nor by trivialising. Each them are Robert Johnson, Willie Nelson, Kris DAY | SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER ADMISSION | €5 recollected deed is held up as marvellous. Kristofferson, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, VENUE | MULLARKEYS Patsy Cline, Connie Francis, Billie Holiday, Glen ADMISSION | ON THE DOOR Michael Longley has published eleven Campbell, Robert Burns and many more. books of poetry. His Collected Poems was published in 2006. His most recent collection, Angel Hill, came out in June 2017,

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TALK WITH of tonal colours within the group will be explored, all with a keen awareness of historical David McCullagh performance. Ensemble Revelare, formed in 2018, brings together four musicians with a passion for baroque music and expertise in historical performance. The ensemble presents works by seventeenth and eighteenth-century composers, both familiar and lesser-known; many of whom have a connection to Ireland. Recent engagements include a concert at City Assembly Hall for the Irish Georgian Society, Kaleidoscope Night and a sold out concert, which is part of the Drawing Room Series in Dublin. Highlights next season include concerts at Clifden Arts Festival, Shorelines Arts Festival and Castletown House.

Sponsored by Conor and Mary Devally in memory of their father Liam Devally.

TIME | 1PM David McCullagh is a broadcaster with RTÉ, DAY | MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER presenting Prime Time on television and VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND This Week on radio. He is the author of A ADMISSION | €10 Makeshift Majority. This is a history of the first Inter-Party Government; The Reluctant Taoiseach, a biography of John A. Costello; READING WITH and most recently of a two volume biography of Éamon de Valera - Rise: 1882-1932 and Padraic McCormack Rule: 1932-1975. Padraic McCormack is a retired politician who Sponsored by Petria McDonnell has taken up writing as a hobby. He has already Bill Whelan, Colm Mac Con Iomaire published two books and a memoir called The TIME | 11AM Rocky Road to the Dail. He also published a and special guests DAY | MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER collection of short stories called A Long Way to Cavan. Padraic will read extracts from his new Bill Whelan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire, two Recorded in Roundstone with the music of VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE novel called Beneath the Silence. This recently titans on the Irish and international music the waves lapping at the studio door. This ADMISSION | €10 published novel is set in a remote Galway scene, will perform a programme which musical collection of ‘short stories’ brings parish. It follows the lives of its inhabitants. incorporates their individual compositions Whelan and Mac Iomaire together in a and their recent collaboration The River perfect tuneful union. Ensemble Revelare Holds its Breath. TIME | 2PM Ensemble Revelare: A Musical Tour DAY | MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER Sponsored by Anne Ueltchi This unique evening is an opportunity to of 18th-Century Europe VENUE | CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION | €5 experience the majestic musical gifts of TIME | 8PM Bill Whelan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire in DAY | SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER The concert will include a selection of stunning the intimate setting of the Station House VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE works for voice, recorder and basso continuo Theatre. ADMISSION | €20 (harpsichord and cello) by eighteenth-century composers from England, Germany and Italy. Cantatas and arias are interspersed with instrumental pieces; various combinations

48 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 49 Monday 23rd September

Welcome to our Transatlantic music Friends. Betty and the Boomers, True North and The American Jazz Trio. Catching them performing at various venues throughout the Festival (page 81)

Betty and the Boomers The Boomers have been part of the Arts Festival programme many times since their first visit in 1993. In addition to distinctive arrangements of timeless classics by Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and other leading artists of America’s folk revival, Betty Boomer, Jean McAvoy, Paul Rubeo, Steve Stanne, and Robert Bard offer newer songs in that tradition, BOOK LAUNCH selections inspired by their experiences in Ireland, and McAvoy’s original compositions. Michael Gorman

True North Launch of Fifty Poems by Michael Thundering back to Clifden from the US Gorman, cover illustration by Joe Boske, Pacific Northwest in a cloud of dust, it’s and published by Artisan House. True North-whose distinct sound and vocal READING WITH styles have caused buffalo stampedes in 2013, and has held residencies in Paris, A most welcome new book from Galway- for more than 50 years! Three teenagers, Tarragona and the US. She was writer in based poet, Michael Gorman. Michael Mary O’Malley and Bruce ‘Lefty’ Batten, ‘Doc’ Gareth Tabor, and resident on the Celtic Explorer, a marine Gorman was born in Sligo. He was educated Dennis ‘Dusty’ Walsh, formed the group in Connor Bowman research ship, in 2007 and Valparaiso at Summerhill College and National 1967, and True North now includes Blind Boy was written in part on the ship. She has University College Galway; where he taught Benji Cockman, Calamity June Tabor, and Conor Bowman is the author of five novels been involved in environmental education, for many years. His publications include Tumbleweed Toni London. Come enjoy their and two collections of short stories. He is a specifically of the ocean, for over twenty Up She Flew (Salmon 1991) and Waiting unique take on Americana music, spurred on native of Galway city. His most recent novel, five years. She worked at Bog Week and for the Sky to fall (Lighthouse Press 1984). by their own fun, funny and touching songs Hughie Mittman’s Fear of Lawn Mowers, Sea Week. She was also on the organizing His work has been included in prominent that make any barn dance, saloon, front was published in April by Hachette Ireland. team of an international conference on the anthologies, including Voices and Poetry porch or campfire into a rodeo of melodies! His favourite writers are Graham Greene demilitarisation of the ocean in 1992. She of Ireland (HarperCollins 2004), Lifelines - and AM Homes. His previous novel, Horace comes from a fishing background, and is New and Collected: Letters From Famous The American Jazz Trio Winter Says Goodbye, was a bestseller in currently concerned with the cultural and People About Their Favourite Poems edited Headed by singer Sue Matthews, who has Ireland. Conor also writes songs and plays human fallout from the destruction of the by Niall MacMonagle, (TownHouse, 2006) performed at the Clifden Arts Festival for the piano really badly! small fishing industry off the West Coast of and Windharp: Poems of Ireland Since 1916 many years as the ‘Doll’ with the popular Ireland fishing industry off the West Coast edited by Niall MacMonagle (Penguin 2015). American group, Guys & Doll. This year, Mary O’Malley has published eight books of Ireland and the rise of questionable Sue brings with her the Duke Ellington of poetry and her ninth, Gaudent Angeli is EU policy on fishing. She is a regular TIME | 5:30PM Orchestra’s pianist, Robert Redd, and on due out from Carcanet this September. She broadcaster for RTÉ Radio 1. DAY | MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER haslectured in NUI Galway for many years, trombone, John Harris. Both Robert and VENUE | OMEY SUITE John have traveled and performed with Guys and is the Trinity College Writer Fellow for Sponsored by O’Sullivans Auctioneers ADMISSION | FREE 2019. She has won a number of awards, & Dolls to the Festival over many years. is published in several languages and is TIME | 4.30PM working on a book of essays and a prose DAY | MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER book. Both books are on the subject of VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE place. She was awarded the Heimbold Chair ADMISSION | €10 of Irish Studies at the University of Villanova

50 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 51 MUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS Nell NíChróinín, Tara CONCERT WITH Breen, Laoise Kelly, and The Moorings Josephine Marsh

‘The Moorings’ are an Irish Traditional, World THE MUSICIANS: Music, and Jazz collective, consisting of the top traditional, world music & amp; jazz players RICHIE BUCKLEY (saxaphone) in Ireland. Our goal is to use the resources of the contemporary Irish Musical landscape DRAZEN DEREK (guitar) to reimagine and reinterpret our rich musical SIMON MORGAN (baritone) heritage. NIGEL LINDEN (Piano) The Moorings have worked with international CAMILLE CHAMPARAND (violin) artists including Eddi Reader, Lisa Lambe, Jack O Rourke, and Elanor McEvoy, and enlisted many more of Ireland’s top musicians. They Sponsored by Helen and Vincent Foley look forward to continuing their exploration at the creative edge of Ireland’s music making, We look forward to this sublime evening as with further concerts scheduled for 2019 we find our musical moorings with these around Ireland, in Spain and in Norway. magnificent musicians

TARA BREEN, FIDDLE LAOISE KELLY, HARP mastery and understanding of their music and JOSEPHINE MARSH, ACCORDION heritage. Dedicated and passionate, they’ll lead NELL NÍ CHRÓINÍN, VOICE audiences through a programme of traditional tunes and songs; and for good measure, into a Music Network brings together four leading new Music Network commission by Josephine, traditional musicians to pool their considerable who is a gifted tunesmith. This is a warm talents. The results are even greater than the and intimate conversation of equals, one on sum of the parts. Tara Breen, Laoise Kelly, which listeners are privileged to eavesdrop. Josephine Marsh and Nell Ní Chróinín have Special thanks to Sharon, Deirdre, Andreas, TIME | 7PM been setting the bar high as performers, both and everyone at Music Network. DAY | MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER at home and around the globe. Name-checking VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND Danú, Kate Bush, The Chieftains and Christy TIME | 10AM ADMISSION | €15 Moore amongst their collaborators, and with DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER Presidents Obama, Clinton, Higgins and the VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE Queen as audience members; these artists ADMISSION | €15 have a quiet authority that comes with true 52 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 53 Tuesday 24th September

FILM it was not until the recent Burton exhibition LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH at the National Gallery of Ireland that the Alcock & Brown: The artist was rediscovered. Burton developed The RTÉ ConTempo True Story an enduring affection for the west from his early years painting in Connemara with the A film by Kevin Glynn Film antiquarian George Petrie. Marie Bourke’s talk will illustrate his western paintings in John Alcock was a boy the context of his career. It will show how of 11 when the Wright this distinguished nineteenth-century artist, Brahms - Two songs for Mezzosoprano, viola Accompaniment under Catherina Lemoni- brothers first flew in antiquary and museum director never forgot and piano, Op 91 O’Doherty at DIT Conservatory of Music and Kittyhawk. As a child, his roots in the west. Schubert - Fischerweise D881 Drama. At this time, she was also awarded a he saw the first air race Des Fischersliebesglueck D933 Fellowship Diploma for vocal and instrumental to Manchester. A few Marie Bourke is a cultural historian and Clara Schumann - Three Romances for viola accompaniment from the London College of years later, he won that former Keeper/Head of Education. She and piano Elgar - Sea Slumber Song Music.Aileen has won many prizes at Dublin, same race. We follow curated the recent Burton exhibition at the Hamilton Harty - Sea Wrack Sligo and Arklow Feiseanna, as well as at the story of both men; and concurrently follow National Gallery of Ireland. Bridge - Three songs for mezzosoprano, viola RIAM and DIT festival competitions for solo the development of the aeroplane to the point and piano piano, concerto, vocal duo, instrumental duo, where their lives and aviation history meet. Sponsored by The Celtic Shop piano duet and organ. She has competed SHARON CARTY - MEZZO-SOPRANO internationally on numerous occasions; most Kevin Glynn has produced and directed for TIME | 12PM ANDREEA BANCIU - VIOLA recently in Cantù, Taranto and Val Tidone, both cinema and TV. He has experience DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER AILEEN CAHILL - PIANO Italy. In masterclass, Aileen has studied with in documentary, feature narrative and live VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE esteemed teachers such as Christian Favre, performance events. Runtime: 90minutes ADMISSION | €5 Mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty is an Irish singer Barry Douglas and Marie Francoise-Buquet. In who has firmly established a reputation as concerto, she has been a frequent soloist with TIME | 9.15PM a respected interpreter of both early and nsembles such as Sligo Baroque Orchestra, DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER contemporary works; alongside maintaining Budweis Philharmonic Orchestra (Czech) and VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE a busy schedule in mainstream opera and the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble. Andreea Banciu ADMISSION | €5 concert repertoire. Regularly praised for her is the violist/founder of the RTÉ Contempo musicality and intelligence, her integrity as an Quartet, Galway Ensemble in Residence. Frederic William artist, as well as the warmth, clarity and agility She is a lecturer in viola at DIT Conservatory of her voice; her opera repertoire includes of Music and Drama and a Chamber music Burton’s enduring many of the important lyric mezzo-soprano visiting teacher at the Royal Irish Academy of roles such as Hänsel, Ruggiero, Dorabella, Music. In 2016, she was awarded a degree of affection for Cherubino, Ariodante, Orfeo and Sesto. On Doctor of Music, Honoris Causa, from National the West of Ireland the concert platform, her repertoire includes University of Ireland, Galway. Andreea has Lecture by Marie Bourke most of the major sacred works. This includes won 14 International Prizes in Chamber Music all of the major works by J.S.Bach, Messiah, Competitions (London, Munich, Berlin, Prague, Frederic William Burton (1816-1900), who Mozart’s Great Mass in c minor, in addition Graz, Hamburg, Rome). She has performed grew up in Co Clare, was an artist of the first to a broad song repertoire and numerous over 1600 concerts around the world in 40 rank. After a successful career in Ireland, he chamber-music works. She is an Artistic countries (in venues such as Wigmore Hall, travelled to Germany and then to London. Partner to Irish National Opera and a Creative Berlin Philharmonic, Tel-Aviv Opera, Carnegie Here, he was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Associate on the Arts Council pilot ‘Creative Hall, Gedai Tokyo and NCH). artists.His best-known watercolour, The Schools’ scheme. Meeting on the Turret Stairs, 1864, was voted Sponsored by Conor Killeen Ireland’s favourite painting in 2012. In 1874, he A native of county Sligo, Aileen Cahill is gave up painting and became a Director of the a pianist best known as a repetiteur and TIME | 1PM chamber musician. In 2007, she completed DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER National Gallery, London. Over twenty years Image Credit: Frederic William Burton, Irish, 1816-1900 her Masters in Solo Piano under Dr. John VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND here, he acquired many famous paintings. Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs, Although he was one of the most significant 1864. Watercolour and gouache on paper. 95.5 x 60.8 cm O’Conor at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. ADMISSION | €15 Irish cultural figures of the nineteenth century; Courtesy of the National Gallery of Ireland Photo © National In 2011, she completed her Masters in Piano Gallery of Ireland 54 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 55 Tuesday 24th September

REMEMBERING MICHAEL HARTNETT WITH Seán is closely associated with Diaspora the Irish music tradition. The project draws projects. He has done much for Irish speakers upon the slow lyrical style of East Clare Paddy Bushe and in the New England states in America and in music as well as Indian drones, a plethora the Maritime provinces of Canada. He spent a of percussion and experimental acoustic Sean Ó Coistealbha period as Chairperson of Comhlacht Forbartha loops. an Spidéil, as a director of Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, and he is at present a member of An Tara has released 2 CDs to date; The Galway LCDC and a Board member of Foras Space Between and Faha Rain on the na Gaeilge. He is married to the artist Lisa Realach Record label. Olsthoorn. They have a family of five: Zara, Johannas, Maela, Dualta and Fiach. He lives in Concert with an Tara Carl Corcoran of RTÉ LYRIC FM described An Pháirc in An Spidéal. Tommy Hayes and Matthew it as, “an unique collaboration producing a delightful aural journey that knows no Tá Seán Ó Coistealbha ina Phríomhoifigeach Noone borders and defies categorisation.” ar Mhuintearas ó 1996. Tá tríocha dó An Tara is a unique duo comprised of bliain caite aige ag obair le Muintearas, áit Sponsored by Tom Healy Tommy Hayes & Matthew Noone that ar thosaigh sé ag obair mar Bhainisteoir explores the spaces in-between the Óige in 1985. Tá taithí nach beag aige ar TIME | 4PM traditions of Irish and Indian Classical chúrsaí forbartha pobail, cúrsaí oideachais DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER Paddy Bushe is a poet, editor and translator in music. Both regarded as pioneers on agus cúrsaí na Gaeilge. Tá dhá leabhar VENUE | ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL English and Irish. On A Turning Wing (Dedalus their chosen instruments and fearlessly filíochta foilsithe aige, Stadhan in 2012 ADMISSION | €10 2016) won the 2017 Irish Times Poetry Now inventive; they create a diverse yet cohesive agus Dídean in 2002. Tá dlúthbhaint aige le Award. A collection in Irish, Móinéar an Chroí, musical experience. Matthew ‘Mattu’ cúrsaí drámaíochta na Gaeilge ó 1980 agus was published in 2018. Two collections, one in Noone, an ex-indie rocker and well-known páirteanna go leor glactha aige i ndrámaí leis English and a dual-language selection of his performer of the 25 stringed lute called anTaibhdhearc agus Aisteoirí an Spidéil. Tá Andreas Varady Trio poems in Irish, will be published by Dedalus in sarode, has studied North Indian Classical dlúthbhaint ag Seán le tograí Diaspóra agus 2020. He is a member of Aosdána, and is the music in Kolkata under Sougata Roy “One of the most talented people on this cuid mhaith déanta aige do lucht na Gaeilge Artistic Director of the recently established Chowdhury for almost a decade. More planet, who takes the music back to where it i stáit Nua-Shasana i Meiriceá agus i gcúigí Amergin Solstice Poetry Gathering. recently he has taken guidance from belongs,” Quincy Jones Muirí Cheanada. Chaith sé tréimhse mar UK based sarodiya, K.Sridha; and has Chathaoirleach ar Chomhlacht Forbartha Is file, eagarthóir agus aistritheoir é Paddy performed Indian music across the globe. Andreas started an Spidéil, ina Stiúrthóir ar Thaibhdhearc Bushe i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla. Bhuaigh On He was a founding member of successful mastering Jazz guitar na Gaillimhe, agus tá sé faoi láthair mar A Turning Wing (Dedalus 2016) Gradam Irish fusion group, The Bahh Band, and at a very young age, chomhalta ar Bhord Forbartha Pobal Áitiúil na Times Poetry Now sa bhliain 2017. Foilsíodh collaborated with Martin Hayes and Dennis tutored by his father Gaillimhe. Tá sé pósta leis an ealaíontóir Lisa Móinéar an Chroí sa bhliain 2018. Beidh Cahill in a recent tour of India. Bandi who features Olsthoorn agus tá cúigear clainne acu: Zara, bailiúchán nua Béarla agus rogha dánta in the trio on Bass Johannas, Maela, Dualta agus Fiach. Maireann Gaeilge ag teacht ó Dedalus in 2020. Is ball de Meanwhile, in a career that has exemplified (.His younger brother sé ar an bPáirc sa Spidéal. Aosdána é. diversity; bodhran player Tommy Hayes Adrian features on has performed and recorded with most of drums) Andreas is Sponsored by An Siopa Deas Seán Ó Coistealbha has been Chief Executive the great names in traditional music and the youngest ever performer to headline Officer of Muintearas from 1996. He has spent beyond. He has been at the forefront of Irish Ronnie Scotts Jazz club , & feature on TIME | 3PM thirty-two years working with Muintearas, music for over 30 years. He was a founding the cover of Guitar magazine, he performs DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER where he started working as Youth Manager member of traditional group, Stockton’s regularly with many of the worlds top jazz VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE in 1985. He has considerable experience in Wing. He is considered one of the greatest musicians, globally. ADMISSION | €5 community development, education and the bodhran players on the planet. Irish language. He has published two poetry TIME | 10PM books, Stadhan in 2012 and Dídean in 2002. This unique project was formed after DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER He has been closely involved in Irish language Matthew was awarded funds from Music VENUE | ARDAGH HOTEL theatre since 1980, taking many parts in plays Network Ireland to design and purchase ADMISSION | €5 with the Taibhdhearc and Aisteoirí an Spidéil. a hybrid sarode for collaborations within

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birth of a Republic. Brilliantly performed Joxer Daly Esq. by Phelim Drew, Joxer’s love of language, performed by humour, literature and song, together with a drinkers purple recollection, makes this Phelim Drew a performance like no other. Entertaining and funny; Joxer Daly Esq. is a thought Sean O’Casey’s playful scrounger from the provoking gander at one of Irish Literatures classic, Juno and The Paycock, takes centre most loveable chancers! stage in this intriguing new play from the pen of Eddie Naughton, Inishfallen Fare Phelim stared acting in his teens with The Well. With events that were to alter the late Gladys Sheehan’s profit share the course of Irish history as a backdrop, company, before attending the first full Joxer Daly Esq. charts an everyman journey time acting course at The Gaiety School of from respectable member of The Foresters Acting under the direction of Joe Dowling. Association to a vagabond scraping by with He is married to Sue Collins. They have four only his wit to use as collateral. children, Vivian 13, Milo 12, Seanie and Lily 10, and a dog called Paddy-Fields. Joxer Daly is an ordinary person trying to navigate the difficult waters of what Sponsored by Ballynahinch Castle Hotel was Dublin in the period leading up to the

Photo Credit David Pickens

Graffitti Classics

Back in Clifden by popular demand; Graffiti Classics are probably the world’s funniest string quartet. Their unique cabaret- style show embraces classical, pop and traditional music, in addition to opera, gypsy tunes, song and dance. Think classical music can be boring and stuffy? Then let Graffiti Classics change your mind with their hilarious romp through music’s highways TIME | 6:30PM and byways. Whether you are eight or 88, TIME | 8PM DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER Graffiti Classics will have something for you. DAY | TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | TOWN HALL ADMISSION | VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND €15 Sponsored by Peggy and Tom McManus ADMISSION | €15

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Afterwards we continue with CONCERT WITH POETRY WITH Sean Keane and Tony Curtis Mise an Fear Ceoil friends by Peter Browne with Ríonach Úi Music by Grace King, Roisin King Seán Keane will bring his Music tour to the and Meave O’Neill Ógáin and Róisín Elsafy The Clifden Arts Festival for a lunchtime concert. Seán will be accompanied by Pat In the centenary year of Alcock and Our presentation, Mise an Fear Ceoil shines Coyne and Fergus Feely. Together, they will Brown’s non-stop transatlantic flight an interesting and entertaining light on this perform many of Sean’ s classics like Isle of from Newfoundland to Connemara, we one part of Séamus’s work. We hear Ríonach Hope Isle of tears, Galway to Graceland. He are delighted to welcome back an old Úi Ógáín tell us about the daily life of the will also be singing some of the new songs friend of the festival, the poet Tony Curtis. folklore collector at that time – the 1940s from the Gratitude album that he recorded in Fittingly, Tony returns with a wonderful – and Seamus’s visits to Colm Ó Caodháin 2018 with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. new publication from Occasional Press in to gather songs and music. She has given collaboration with Ballynahinch Castle, This descriptions of this in her two books on the Sponsored by Anne Ueltchi Flight Tonight: the story of Alcock & Brown. subject Mise an Fear Ceoil and Going to the Well for Water and they give a fascinating Celebrating TIME | 1PM In prose and poetry, the book tells a tale background insight into Ó Caodháin’s DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER reminiscent of the ancient Greeks, of two Seamus Ennis repertoire and the interaction between the VENUE | ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH weary men emerging from years of war, two men. Miles and Miles Of Music ADMISSION | €10 guided by the only gifts the war has given them: flight, navigation and the Vickers Vimy. Today we celebrate one of the most Also in this presentation, Róisín Elsafty, a celebrated sean-nós singer who is important figures in Irish Traditional music, POETRY AND SONGS WITH Curtis’s book is a unique rendering of herself from the Conamara Gaeltacht, will Seamus Ennis. Alcock and Brown’s lives;from their births perform songs which come to us from the Séamus Barra Ó in Manchester and Glasgow,their turbulent Ó Caodháin collection. Uilleann piper Peter Séamus Ennis was one of the most important war experiences; their epic flight and what Browne, who learned music directly from Súilleabháin and figures in Irish traditional music in the 20th happened to them afterwards. century through his skills in uilleann piping, Séamus Ennis, will play tunes from both Ó Johnny Mháirtn Learaí Caodháin and Ennis. This is the centenary singing, broadcasting and much more. It is a book made for the people of year of Ennis’s birth in May 1919. Mise an Mac Donnchadha Connemara and Newfoundland. So do come Fear Ceoil is a uniquely entertaining and One very valuable aspect of Séamus’s life along and hear Tony read, talk and answer informative hour of speech, song and music. was his work collecting traditional music and introduced by Gabriel Fitzmaurice questions about Alcock and Brown: the A song in all parts of Ireland. He gathered over and B of aviation. two hundred songs, lilts, tunes and stories Sponsored by Kylemore Abbey Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin won the Global Centre in the 1940s for the Folklore Commission 2011/2012 Irish Language poetry Slam. TIME | 5PM of Ireland from one single person, Colm Ó He is an Irish language rap poet from the DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER TIME | 11AM Caodháin of Glinnsce in Conamara. strong hold of county Kerry. Seamus brings VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER a youthful, vibrant and fresh approach to the ADMISSION | €5 We begin with a showing of a documentary VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE world of Irish poetry. He is performing with Miles and Miles of Music (1975) by Eamon ADMISSION | €15 (TWO EVENTS) the legendary Johnny Mháirtn Learaí Mac de Buitleir, introduced by his son Cian Donnchadha this poetic marriage of two de Buitlear. It follows Seamus around his mighty voices promises an electric event. homeland of Jamestown, County Dublin and further afield, while also showcasing his TIME | 3PM songs, stories and mastery of the Uileann DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER Pipes. VENUE | CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION | €5 Runtime: 26 minutes.

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CONCERT WITH diverse as John Cage, Van Morrison and Kate Bush. A native of Dublin, his family roots are Neil Martin, in Donegal and Mayo. The music of Donegal, in particular, has influenced Catherine Ennis, and his playing. Neil Martin grew up playing Paddy Glackin traditional and classical music on pipes and cello. He has composed, arranged and toured extensively. Their unique and varied repertoire ranges from bespoke arrangements of iconic traditional airs and dance tunes - Táimse im’ Chodladh, Mo Ghile Mear and The Gold Ring - through to organ settings of Vaughan Williams and to newly- composed pieces - Planxty Stackallan, The Queen of the Scals and The Boy in the Glen.

Sponsored by Roseanne and Peter O’Grady Walsh

TIME | 8PM DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH ADMISSION | €15

FISHAMBLE PRESENTS

FORUM PRESENTS Before Connemara CLG Senior Citizens Event A new play with much music by Pat Kinevane The combination of fiddle, uilleann pipes Written & Performed by Pat Kinevane and organ is an inexplicably beautiful and Celebrating older persons’ contribution Directed by Jim Culleton pleasing sound. Round, warm, haunting and to arts and culture in the community. evocative; it mixes its genres effortlessly. Lunch will be followed by dance and Catherine Ennis is among the most revered song with some local musicians. From the team that brought you Forgotten, of the Arts Council, National Theatre Studio of organists, has performed at the highest Underneath and the Olivier Award-winning (London), Pavilion Theatre, RTÉ Concert level internationally and has a rare and Sponsored by Pobal Silent, Before is a new play with much music. Orchestra, Georganne Aldrich Heller, Robert deep empathy with traditional music. The It is set in Cleary’s of Dublin; on the very day Leroy, and The Strollers Touring Network. daughter of Seamus Ennis is one of Ireland’s TIME | 1PM this iconic department store shuts - for good. Fishamble is an Olivier Award-winning most celebrated uilleann pipers and a DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER Pontius is inside, trying to choose a gift for his internationally acclaimed Irish theatre remarkable collector of song and lore. Paddy VENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALL estranged daughter, whom he hasn’t seen for company that is dedicated to the discovery, Glackin, the original fiddle player with The ADMISSION | FREE almost 20 years. He will meet her in an hour. development and production of new work. This father’s journey is both beautiful and Bothy Band, was himself a friend of Seamus Ennis. Paddy has collaborated with figures as strange; from the isolation of his Midlands Sponsored by Kiara and Declan Mannion Andreas Varady Trio home to the madness of O’Connell Street. Some folk are impossible to buy for... TIME | 7PM (see page 57 for info) DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER TIME | 9.30PM Before was commissioned by Fishamble and VENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALL DAY | WEDNESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER has been in development with the support ADMISSION | €15 VENUE | MULLARKEY’S BAR @ FOYLE’S HOTEL ADMISSION | €8 62 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 63 Thursday 26th September

members of the Irish Memory Orchestra. CURLEW THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS BOOK LAUNCH OF Wasting Aisling Agnew enjoys a varied career Time with performing worldwide on a wide range of flutes. The Muse & Interface, Recess by She has been broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM, BBC People? Radio and Classic FM. She has given many Mister Yeats Alannah Robins high profile concerts including her Wigmore A talk by Alice Leahy Hall début, the Belfast Festival and the National Flute Association’s 40th International Alice Leahy is Director Convention at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas. of Services of the Alice She has appeared as soloist with various Leahy Trust. She was Co-Founder & Director orchestras including the Ulster Orchestra of TRUST from 1975 – December 2015. The and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Alice Leahy Trust remains a non-judgemental, A graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy befriending, social and health service for of Music and Drama and Guildhall School people who are homeless. She is a former of Music and Drama; Aisling enjoys regular Chairperson of the Sentence Review Group, a performances with her long established duo former Irish Human Rights Commissioner and partner Matthew McAllister. a former member of Board of Management, A play for Voices Lusk Campus, Oberstown. She is also a writer, Described as ‘a masterful guitarist’ in Sing Out! Two Actors: Many Voices commentator, broadcaster and lecturer; Magazine, Dave Flynn has gained international Launch of three related titles that were promoting greater understanding of the needs recognition as a guitarist/composer and Curlew Theatre Company of Connemara edited and compiled by Alannah Robins and of the outsider in society. She also promotes founder/artistic director of the Irish Memory offer, in this 80th anniversary year of Yeats’s designed and published by Artisan House daily, practical ways to help combat social Orchestra. His unique style draws on his death, their Play for Voices: The Muse & and by Interface. exclusion In 2018, she received an International experience in classical, folk, jazz and popular Mister Yeats. The play dramatises, in the Human Rights and Nursing Award from The music. He is a prize-winning classical guitarist voices of the poet’s ‘muses’ themselves, a Interface is a studio and residency International Care Ethics Observatory and who has toured Japan, New Zealand and sense of what lay behind many of Yeats’s programme founded by Alannah Robins the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Europe and played festivals including The most famous poems. and located in an old salmon hatchery in Irish Red Cross. Her memoir, The Stars Are Nuertingen International Guitar Festival, the Inagh Valley, Connemara. A member Our Only Warmth, was written with Catherine Moscow Christmas Festival and Clonakilty Performed by Tegolin Knowland and Sean of ResArtis, Interface is curated with an Cleary and published by O’Brien Press. It was International Guitar Festival. Coyne; the play is written and directed by emphasis on intersections between science released in October 2018. Eamon Grennan. Eamon is a poet and former and art. It fits best the description of what He is a keen chamber and orchestral Professor of English at Vassar College. ResArtis describes as micro-residencies; Sponsored by Alan and Mary Hobart musician having performed with ensembles “Tegolin Knowland makes the women who small scale, artist run and independent, including The Crash Ensemble, Dublin Guitar inspired many of Yeats’ poems come alive with a high level of support for artists and TIME | 11AM Quartet and RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Together, before our eyes. Experiencing the poetry taking special care of human relationships. DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER Aisling and Dave perform a wonderful variety through the prism of these extraordinary The first artists arrived in March 2017. VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE of repertoire from the Baroque to the modern women makes the poetry - and the poet - From dream to dream: where science meets ADMISSION | €10 era. The centrepiece of their performances is accessible as never before. An entertaining art is a compilation of thirteen essays by the Dave Flynn composition after which the duo and educational piece of theatrical magic.” CONCERT WITH artists who have spent time at Interface. It is named. This is also the title piece of the 2016 Joseph Hassett. reflects on how science informs their artistic album Shadowplay. Shadowplay practice; Hatchery, the story of the former Sponsored by Mary and Des Kavanagh hatchery, its history, current use and visions Dave Flynn and Aisling Agnew Sponsored by Toni and Terry McCoy for the future; and Sehnsucht, a concertina TIME | 2.30PM art-piece, the work of Alannah Robins. Aisling Agnew (flute) and Dave Flynn (guitar) TIME | 1PM DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER perform works by Handel, Schubert, Villa- DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE TIME | 3PM Lobos, Rodrigo, Fahey and Flynn. Shadowplay VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION | €10 DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER are a classical flute/ guitar duo comprising of ADMISSION | €10 two renowned virtuosos who are also founding VENUE | GALLERY AT THE STATION HOUSE

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Eileen Sheehan and James Rogers Chaired by Michael Coady May of this year, she was Bealtaine Writer in Residence at The Seanchaí Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel. Sponsored by Joe and Joan McBreen Cherish the Ladies TIME | 5PM Celebrating 33 years of music making, under James Silas Rogers is a poet and essayist in DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER the leadership of All-Ireland flute and whistle Minnesota. His recent collection of poems, VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE champion, Joanie Madden and named by The Collector of Shadows, was published in ADMISSION | €10 May. His work has appeared in many places, The Irish Voice Newspaper as one of the ‘Top including the Irish Times and Clifden 35: The 25 most influential Irish Americans of the Clifden Anthology. He’s also the author of past quarter century’, these ladies create an an acclaimed book on cemeteries, Northern evening that includes a spectacular blend of Orchards: Places Near the Dead. Recently virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, retired as editor of the New Hibernia Review, captivating arrangements and stunning step he has published extensively on Irish- dancing. Their continued success as one of American literature, especially memoir. The Men who the top Celtic groups in the world is due to Stare at Hens the ensembles ability to take the best of Irish Eileen Sheehan lives in Killarney and is traditional music and dance and put it forth in originally from Scartaglen, in the Sliabh an immensely entertaining show. Luachra area of County Kerry. She has Simon Leyland read at festivals in Ireland and abroad True North Shuttle Bus departs Clifden Library every 15 including The Shanghai Literary Festival; The History Press Ireland is delighted to minutes from 7:15 pm Thundering back to Clifden from the US the ACIS Conference in Davenport, Iowa announce the launch of The Men Who Stare at Pacific Northwest in a cloud of dust, it’s and The Cork International Poetry Festival. Hens by locally based poet and author, Simon Sponsored by Shane O’Grady (Guys Bar) True North-whose distinct sound and vocal Anthology publications include The Leyland. In this gentle meander through styles have caused buffalo stampedes for Watchful Heart: A New Generation of Irish the wonderful world of Irish eccentrics, you TIME | 8PM more than 50 years! Three teenagers, Bruce Poets edited byJoan McBreen (Salmon will discover the world-renowned poet who DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER “Lefty” Batten, “Doc” Gareth Tabor and Dennis Poetry); Best Loved Poems: Favourite hypnotised hens and the Irish aristocrat VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE “Dusty” Walsh, formed the group in 1967. True Poems from the South of Ireland edited by who was an uncontrollable kleptomaniac. ADMISSION | €20 North now includes Blind Boy Benji Cockman, with photographs by John Reidy (Curragh You will also discover the country’s first Calamity June Tabor and their unique take on Press) and The Deep Heart’s Core: Irish naturist, the strange story of the Soviet state Americana music, spurred on by their own Poets Revisit a Touchstone Poem edited of Limerick and the man who wanted to give The After Eights fun, funny and touching songs that make any by Eugene O’Connell and Pat Boran every Irishman wings. Complimentary drinks, The After 8’s are a ‘supergroup’ born out of barn dance, saloon, front porch or campfire a (Dedalus Press). One of the poems from canapés and live music. residencies in Matt Molloy’s Bar Westport & rodeo of melodies! her third collection, The Narrow Way of Mullarkey’s Bar Clifden . Their live set is a mix Souls (Salmon Poetry), is on the Leaving Sponsored by John Varley and of Motown, American Roots & Gospel and 60s TIME | 6PM Certificate English Syllabus 2019 - 2022. In the Atlantic Hotel blues and Swing. Classic & original material. DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | EJ KINGS TIME | 6PM TIME | 9.30PM WITH SUPPORT TIME | 4PM and 9PM DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | O’MALLEY’S VENUE | MULLARKEY’S BAR @ VENUE | EJ KINGS AND TOM KING’S BAR FOYLE’S HOTEL ADMISSION | €10 ADMISSION | ON THE DOOR

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creative inspiration, and on the work in her Fred Cooke Inishbofin Field Trip retrospective exhibition in Clifden Arts Festival Fred Space with Micheal Gibbons this year. The exhibition, curated by Éimear O’Connor, is titled Margaret Irwin West. From A field trip exploring a timescape of Irish Cubism to Claddaghduff, and is designed Fred Cooke is leaving his twinkle toes history and archaeology. Inishbofin was to celebrate the artist’s recent election to behind him from Dancing with the Stars and first mentioned by the Venerable Bede. It Aosdána. Éimear and Margaret have known taken to the road for his new comical tour of was raided by the Vikings in 795 AD, and each other for many years, so the interview will musical madness. long retained strong associations with be very informal with audience participation Anglo-Saxon England. Located on the encouraged. Thanks to Lisa Caulfield. Becoming ‘IRISH COMEDIAN OF THE border between the two powerful Gaelic YEAR 2018’ (Tatler Magazine), he has maritime lordships of the O’Malleys and the Sponsored by Kylemore Abbey Global Centre supported Irish Comedy Legend Tommy O’Flahertys; Inishbofin has a turbulent history. Tiernan on his Nationwide Tour. It was the last Gaelic stronghold to fall to TIME | 11AM Cromwell and subsequently had strong links DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER Cooke’s guitar plucking panache enables him with 17th century France and 18th century VENUE | OMEY SUITE to paint comical situations before delivering America. It has an earlier history with dozens ADMISSION | €5 unexpected killer-punch lines that leave his of Bronze Age monuments, which we will see audience ‘elevated to hilarity’ during our Field Trip. Its fragmented coastline THE SCOTSMAN boasts dramatic sea cliffs and sea caves. It is home to a rich variety of marine life. His new Nationwide Tour Fred Space has brought Cooke to a whole new level of Booking in advance to 095 21379 or Comical Mayhem; placing him in the ‘Premier [email protected]. league of Irish funny men.’ HOT PRESS TIME | 11AM , RETURN 5PM DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER Sit back and enjoy a performer with enough VENUE | CLEGGAN PIER “energy to power a small village in the west ADMISSION | €40 pp of Kerry’” The Sphere of Light - THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE Secrets of the Boleyn Women “Priceless” Eimear O’Connor CHORTLE A presentation by Ann Henning Jocelyn and interviews actors of her latest novel/stage play The “Very impressive performer” Margaret Irwin West Sphere of Light. Exploring a new angle on the SHORT COM tragic fate of the Boleyn family under King Born in India 1926, visual artist Margaret Henry VIII of England. The performance will “I love Fred. He has the spirit of the clown Irwin West is well known to Irish audiences include readings, song and music and a key in him.” in general, and to visitors to the Clifden scene from the play. The story has Irish links TOMMY TIERNAN Arts Festival in particular. From Cubism to to Clonony Castle in Co. Offaly as well as Claddaghduff: A Retrospective is a celebration present-day Connemara. of Margaret’s recent election to Aosdána. The TIME | 10PM exhibition will feature paintings from the Ann Henning Jocelyn is a local author, DAY | THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 1950s onwards, several of which demonstrate playwright and translator, with over one VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE the influence of Parisian modernism, and hundred titles in print. ADMISSION | €15 her training with André LHote, along with a selection of her etchings from across TIME | 12PM the decades of her outstanding career. DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER The interview will focus on Margaret Irwin VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE West’s artistic training in Dublin and Paris, her ADMISSION | €10 68 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 69 Thursday 26th September Friday 27th September

LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH for over 40 years, Tony has learned to appreciate the way psychology invites honest Piatti Quartet reflection, makes conscious what is often hidden, and empowers people to face painful The Piatti Quartet are one of the most and overwhelming experiences in their lives. distinguished quartets of their generation. Is it possible for Psychology to speak to a Prizewinners at the 2015 Wigmore Hall biodiversity crisis, to bring people to a greater International String Quartet Competition; they awareness of the dynamic web of life in which have performed in all the major venues and we are all held, and help us to face the sixth festivals around the U.K. and given concerts great extinction that we have precipitated throughout the world. They have featured without succumbing to fear and despair? in national broadcasts on BBC Radio, ABC (Australia), RTÉ (Ireland) and France Musique Sponsored by O’Dalaigh Jewellers (France). The Piattis are renowned for their diverse programming, and for passionate TIME | 3PM interpretations across the spectrum of DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER quartet writing. World premieres are regularly VENUE | OMEY SUITE performed alongside old masterpieces. The ADMISSION | €10 Piattis are particularly known for expanding the quartet genre through their collaborations with leading British composers. Garadice RTÉ Concert RTÉ CONCERT ORCHESTRA Programme will Include: ZOË CONWAY Purcell: Chacony arr Britten Orchestra FIDDLE AND VOCALS Aine Mallon: Flotsam Zoë Conway and John McIntyre are “simply JOHN MCINTYRE Schubert: Quartet in G major, No.15 one of the best folk duos on the planet” (BBC). GUITAR AND VOCALS They top the bill in a concert that combines MÁIRTÍN O’CONNOR Sponsored by Ann Corcoran famous traditional and folk tunes with brand ACCORDION new music by masters Bill Whelan and Dónal MICK O’BRIEN TIME | 1PM Lunny. Featuring Bill Whelan’s The Seville Suite, UILLEANN PIPES DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER Shaun Davey’s Ripples in the Rockpool and SÉAMUS Ó FLATHARTA VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND As a result of the time spent together in The Zoë’s Rounding Malin Head and more. HARP ADMISSION | €10 Leitrim Equation residency and subsequent tour, The four-piece of Eleanor Shanley, This promises to be a wave of new classics YOLANDA GONZALES SOBRADO Dave Sheridan, Padraig McGovern and John from legendary names in Irish music. Clifden FLAMENCO DANCER Arts Festival welcome back out good friend Catching Life as it Flies McCartin decided to work together. To record DAVID BROPHY David Brophy, conductor, and all the RTE Is Psychology speaking to an album. Their unique co-creative energy CONDUCTOR Biodiversity Loss? provides an exciting musical experience. Concert Orchestra.

Lecture by Dr Tony Bates Sponsored by John Stanley Sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan Adjunct Professor of Psychology University College Dublin TIME | 4PM Shuttle Bus departs Clifden Library every 15 John Joe Forde and DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER minutes from 6:15 pm As a a latecomer to the biodiversity crisis, VENUE | ALCOCK AND BROWN Mike Fahey an innocent Joe suddenly asking very basic ADMISSION | €10 TIME | 7PM questions about why we’ve been so hurtful to DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER TIME | 9PM nature, and how we can repair our fractured VENUE | DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER relationship with the environment. Seeing WEST CONNEMARA LEISURE CENTRE VENUE | KEOGHS, BALLYCONNEELY life through the lens of clinical psychology ADMISSION | €20

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Buttons and Bows Buile Shuibhne Sean-Nós ar an Loch David Power, Eamon Hunt and the Johnny Mháirin Learaí Mac Donnchadha is one RTÉ ConTempo the finest sean-nos singers in Ireland. He has won numerous awards for his singing. Johnny is a long-time friend of Clifden Arts Festival and we welcome him back to this glorious location. Catriona Canavan is also a master of this musical style. We are fortunate that this special event brings together two of the most foremost exponents of sean-nos. This influential foursome, made up of Jackie Daly, Séamus and Manus McGuire Thanks to Máire O’Connor, Dominic O’Moran and Garry O’Briain, began their days with and staff. sessions around Kinvara, County Galway. They had a shared taste for musical Music commissioned by David Power and TIME | 2PM adventure. Their travels had already written and arranged by Dana Lyn for String DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER brought them individually to Scandanavia, Quartet and Uilleann pipes with the support of VENUE | LOUGH INAGH LODGE Shetland, Canada and the US; places which the Arts Council. Performed by the ConTempo yielded rich pickings of musical ideas. With Quartet, Eamon Hunt and David Power. their roots firmly planted in their beloved Seamus Mallon The Wind Bloweth Irish traditional music of Sligo and Sliabh PRELUDE Rosc Catha na Mumhan Luachra, the band was ready to experiment interview MOVEMENT I King Suibhne attacks the Cleric where it Listeth with graceful Quebecois waltzes, lively by Tommie Gorman, Northern MOVEMENT II The Otter brings back the Danish quadrilles and achingly beautiful John Moriarty Memorial Lecture Ireland Editor for RTÉ Psalter intact Shetland airs. Barriers were broken; energy MOVEMENT III The Cleric curses King Suibhne with James Harpur and humour abounded; jigs and reels were MOVEMENT IV King Suibhne Goes mad in Seamus Mallon, from Markethill in County Poetry, imagination and inspiration in this given a new dusting of magic. Battle Armagh (where he still lives), was Deputy talk; James will honour the memory of John MOVEMENT V The Flight of Suibhne Leader of the SDLP from 1979 to 2001 and Moriarty by exploring the idea of the spirit Sponsored by Tom King’s Bar MOVEMENT VI Suibhne gets wounded by party spokesman on policing and justice. - creative and holy. This has always been Thorns He was Deputy First Minister of Northern imagined as breath or wind. It has inspired TIME | 10PM MOVEMENT VII The Death of Sweeney Ireland from 1998 to 2001, MP for Newry creative acts down the ages, from oracles DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER MUSIC Sliabh na mBan VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE and Armagh from 1986 to 2005, and a to poetry. With wide-ranging examples from member of Seanad Éireann in 1982. He ancient Irish tradition to poets such as Shelley, ADMISSION | €10 Sponsored by Kylemore Abbey Global was the SDLP’s chief negotiator in the Emily Dickinson and Daoism; James celebrates Centre talks that led to the 1998 Good Friday the spirit of John Moriarty’s wide- ranging Rob Strong Agreement. He also framed legislation in the erudition and questing soul. TIME | 1PM Westminster parliament that pushed for full DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER Going right back to the late 60s, Rob Strong implementation of the Patten Commission’s Sponsored by The Quay House VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND personifies the raw energy of rock and blues. recommendations on police reform in the ADMISSION | €15 His unique voice sings out wild and true! He is North – one of the major success stories of TIME | 2.30PM rated as ‘one of Europe’s finest soul singers.’ the peace process. DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE TIME | 10PM Sponsored by Peter and Paula Vine ADMISSION | €10 DAY | FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | MULLARKEY’S BAR @ TIME | 11AM FOYLE’S HOTEL DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER ADMISSION | €10 VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION | €10

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among them, The Marino Waltz and Autumn in READING BY humour and play, wonder and woundedness. The Mexican-Irish San Paris, have become essential elements of the ‘These are very remarkable and compelling Patricio Celebration Irish musical repertoire. Over the years, he has John Kelly and poems. With strong narratives and events, been in demand as a studio musician; and has Gerry Smyth vivid and surprising language and a contributed to the recordings of such artists as marvellous square-on exactness.’ Celebration to honour the memory Kate Bush, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Terence Bernard O’Donoghue. of John Reilly and the San Patricio Trent D’Arby, and the André Rieu Orchestra. Battalion In 2013, he was conferred with an honorary With Thanks to Nicole Shanahan and doctorate in music from Trinity College, Maura O’Halloran We will celebrate the shared culture of Ireland Dublin. In 2014, the television documentary and Mexico through music and Dance. John Sheahan – A Dubliner received two IFTA Sponsored by The Clifden Book Shop awards. In 2015, his debut collection of poems John Kelly was born in Enniskillen, Co. TIME | 5PM and lyrics Fiddle Dreams was published by TIME | 4PM Fermanagh. His poetry has been published DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER Dedalus Press. DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER in numerous journals and anthologies. A VENUE | THE SQUARE VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE Michael Howard is a guitarist, composer novel, From Out of the City was shortlisted ADMISSION | €10 and songwriter equally at home in musical for Novel of the Year at the Bord Gáis Book Awards in 2014, and a radio play The Pipes MUSIC WITH genres as diverse as classical, traditional, folk and blues. While studying classical guitar in was broadcast by RTÉ. His first collection John Sheahan and London, he met the record producer Tony Notions was published in 2018 by Dedalus Michael Howard Visconti who encouraged him to write music Press. He works in broadcasting, and is best for theatre, film and documentary productions. known for his radio show Mystery Train. His credits include music for a six part RTÉ series on the history of the railways in Ireland: Gerard Smyth is a poet, critic and journalist Ironing The Land, The Inner Human Reality; whose poetry has appeared widely in journals a biographical documentary on the life of in Ireland, Britain and the United States as the artist Louis Le Brocquy and Dear Boy; a well as in translation. He has published nine film on the life of Micheál Mac Liammóir. He collections. He was the 2012 recipient of has toured Europe both as a soloist and as a the O’Shaughnessy Poetry Award from the special guest of the Dubliners. His collaboration University of St Thomas in Minnesota and is with John Sheahan goes back many years, and co-editor, with Pat Boran, of If Ever You Go: A Babcock and Baggins has resulted in the recording of their critically Map of Dublin in Poetry and Song (Dedalus After several years away Jim and Dr Nick acclaimed album In Our Own Time. His suite Press). This was Dublin’s One City One Book re-unite in Clifden! They will bring their unique for guitar and String Orchestra Three Scenes in 2013. He is a member of Aosdána and talents together in this street circus show From an Irish Landscape was performed Poetry Editor of The Irish Times. with a comic display of juggling, unicycling in St Patricks’ Cathedral with members of and fire juggling A problematic PA system, a the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra. He recently Constantly inventive and unerringly precise, fear of heights combined with an inability to completed the score for the soon to be the poems in John Kelly’s debut collection concentrate and total lack of forward planning, released feature filmTwice upon a Time. reveal an author at home with both the stand-alone lyric and the longer, apparently make Jim and Nick the perfect double act to juggle fire on 8 foot unicycles. Full of laughs and Sponsored by Chris Shanahan improvisational pieces that contribute so much to this book’s extraordinary brio and stuffed with skills this act will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Everyone will be laughing… TIME | 6PM style. The breadth of cultural reference is John Sheahan is one of Ireland’s best known just not necessarily at the same things. DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER perhaps a given. Kelly’s real achievement is to musicians. Born in Dublin in 1939, he was a make sense of a sometimes teeming field of member of the Dubliners from 1964 to 2012. VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION | €10 vision. From the natural world to the troubled TIME | 3PM He has played with musicians the world over north of his youth, through encounters with DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER and has guested on numerous folk, traditional art – and its creators – to poems that chart VENUE | THE SQUARE and rock recordings. His own compositions, the seismic changes that come with love, ADMISSION | FREE fatherhood and loss, Notions is a book full of

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NIGERIAN AFROBEAT AND HIGH LIFE Afrobeat Orchestra with support from 10:30pm

Allen-Taylor’s Afrobeat Orchestra grew from the Oleku Band, formed in 2006 from a The Grand Parade group of Nigerian musicians recently settled in and around Dublin. Led by composer/ LUXe return to Clifden in celebratory Fidget Feet will take to the skies of Clifden, arranger Allen-Taylor Adeniyi – originally spirit to light up the town with a brilliantly bringing you amazing aerial acts high in the from Abeokuta in south-west Nigeria, the illuminated community procession; the sky. Performances will take place from 2pm- birthplace of Fela Kuti – the band plays culmination of work with local schools. 5pm and again that night during the gig, authentic Afrobeat and highlife from their LUXe have been developing their unique with live special effects. Each year, Fidget Yoruba roots. approach to Illuminated Spectacle on the Feet bring fun, laughter and a sprinkle of streets of Clifden over 14 years; adapting beauty to the festival. This is always one of Oleku Band was always an Afrobeat and expanding their sumptuous collection the highlights of the Grand Parade. orchestra in miniature so it was no surprise of costume and processional sculpture. that the six-piece band metamorphosed Imaginarium is an enlightening procession Rob Strong outdoor on the rig (weather into a full Afrobeat orchestra, with a brass of journeying imagery that shines brightly in permitting) from 10:30pm. Traffic section, rhythm section and chorus. Allen- the darkness, lighting up the imagination. restrictions will be in operation Taylor Adeniyi is still in charge of the band and his wife Tomilola still runs the chorus. LUXE are makers of landscape theatre Thanks to Acton Construction. and illuminated spectacle, working with Since its debut Irish performance in 2007, communities and celebrating in a shared Sponsored by Anne Ueltchi the band has played festivals including landscape. The National Ploughing Championships in TIME | 8PM TIME | 10.30PM WITH SUPPORT Tullamore and the Festival of World Cultures DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER DAY | SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER in Dun Laoghaire. It toured Ireland with VENUE | THE SQUARE VENUE | MULLARKEYS Music Network in 2010, and has featured on ADMISSION | €12 (tickets available at RTÉ 1’s Nationwide. Arts Week Box office) 76 clifden arts festival 2019 clifden arts festival 2019 77 12pm Mullarkeys €5 Sunday 29th September

individual interpretation of the music, Coffee Morning Martin’s music has been recorded and in aid of the Mental Health released in a number of albums on the Clo Association Iar Chonnachta Label and NYAH label .

We are having our annual coffee morning Zoran Donohoe began learning the fundraiser from 11.30am at the Elm Tree concertina at the age of seven. Her teachers Centre. There will be lots of cakes, home throughout the years included Aishling Mc baking, crafts and pottery for sale. Drop by Philips , Breda Shannon and Jacinta Mc for a cuppa and bring a friend - see you there! Evoy. She has performed nationally and internationally including Siamsa na Nóg at Sponsored by Pobal the annual Consairtin festival,The Shetland Islands and ‘The Jimmy Mc Hugh’ festival TIME | 11AM in Glasgow. She has also performed on her DAY | SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER local radio station and Raidió na Gaeltachta. VENUE | ELM TREE CENTRE Her key influences are Noel Hill, Niall Vallely ADMISSION | FREE Pádraig Rynne,Cillian King, Edel Fox, and Mairead Hurley. Yet she also enjoys the revelation of modern trad music , Mohsen Amini from Scotland .