SULT

Sult is an Irish word meaning satisfaction, pleasure and fun. This festival takes its philosophy directly from the word and is a celebration of the traditional culture found in the Ceantar na nOileán and Connemara area for many generations. It is a week long event with a focus on enjoyment rather than competition for both young and old. Along with a three day language programme which is aimed at improving every day conversation in a relaxed and fun atmosphere; Sult is an occasion that brings together some of Irelands finest and most respected musicians, singers and dancers. There is a programme filled with workshops, concerts, céilís, sessions and ‘craic’. Among the highlights are many locally based artists and storytellers who will be joined by visiting singers and dancers.

Muintearas are co-ordinating and organizing the occasion so that everyone present can enjoy the celebration.

Sult – A Festival of music, singing, dancing, acting and other cultural activities.

Ceantar Na n-Oileán is situated in West Connemara, comprising of five islands that are connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is also the strongest Irish speaking community in the country. For many years, this area is renowned for seafaring activities, such as traditional sailing and currach racing. From this area many of the traditional sailboats have come, as well as many famous rowing heroes. The area is also famous for its many traditional musicians, especially box players such as Seán Mac Donncha (Seáinín Phat Mhyle) and Johnny Connolly (from Inis Bearacháin). The area is also renowned for many sean-nós singers (such as Máirtín Tom Sheáinín, Stiofán Phádraig Staff Ó Cualáin and Micheál Seoighe) and also many sean-nós dancers of note.

Muintearas is also located in this area since 1980. We work in the areas of training, education and social development programs in the various Irish regions with a staff of 73 employed to do so. Our headquarters are located in Ceantar na n-Oileán and we would like to have a celebration of our cultural richness which is present in the area. With this in mind, “Sult” was organized as a national music festival to be celebrated in Ceantar na n-Oileán. We would like to bring the best musicians, singers and dancers with national and international recognition here from the 16 th to the 19 th April 2009, for the benefit of organizing a festival celebrating the art and culture of the region. The main activites of the festival are as follows:

Workshops:

Musical workshops, sean-nós singing and dancing for young people. There is 7 different workshops planned, with the hope of enticing young people and adults from around the country to these workshops. The best artists will be available for these workshops. While children would be attending these workshops the option is available for parents to do a course in learning to speak the Irish language.

Concerts:

We are planning a large concert to be held on Saturday the 18 th April 2009, with up to 30 singers, musicians and dancers to be on the stage. Some of those taking part in the concert will also be taking part in the workshops, and will give young people and parents alike a chance to see these artists up close.

Music Sessions in the local pubs:

Country music is very prominent in this region. There’s an almost equal mix of English and Irish country songs to be heard in the local pubs. With this in mind we would like to have a few sessions in the local pubs (at least 2 per pub) to showcase the best of traditional music. Also music and dancing sessions would also be held in the local pubs. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the importance and enjoyment that comes with the traditional music, singing and dancing.

Also planned is a céilí and a drama that teenagers from the area are working on, under the guidance of top class artists.

Festival Timetable:

Wednesday 15 th April 2009:

10.00 am to 5.00 pm Intensive and Beginners course in Irish for Adults

10.00 am to 3.00 pm Drama Camp (Kids aged 7-13)

Thursday 16 th April 2009:

10.00 am to 5.00 pm Intensive and Beginners course in Irish for Adults

10.00 am to 3.00 pm Drama Camp (Kids aged 7-13)

Friday 17 th April 2009:

10.00 am to 1.00 pm Intensive and Beginners course in Irish for Adults

10.00 am to 3.00 pm Drama Camp (Kids aged 7-13)

6.30 pm Drama in Tír an Fhia Hall Entry Fee: €5.00

8.30 pm to 10.00 pm Festival officially opened by the Minister for the Gaeltacht, Eamonn Ó Cuiv in Plunketts Bar. Also a music session as part of the official opening.

10.30 pm to Closing Time Music sessions in the various pubs around the area.

Saturday 18 th April 2009:

10.00 am to 10.30 am Registration for workshops in Muintearas, Tír an Fhia

11.00 am to 12.30 pm Workshops in Muintearas, Tír an Fhia

Tin Whistle with Marcus Ó hIarnáin

Accordion with PJ Ó hIarnáin

Fiddle with Liam O'Conor

Sean-nós Dancing with Máire Áine Ní Iarnáin

Sean-nós Music with Máire Pheter Uí Dhroighneáin

Bodhrán with Johnny Ringo McDonagh

12.30 pm to 1.30 pm LUNCH

1.30 pm to 3.00 pm Workshops in Muintearas, Tír an Fhia (continued)

3.30 pm to 4.30 pm Storytelling for children with Pádraig Breathnach in Muintearas, Tír an Fhia

4.00 pm to 7.00 pm Photo Exhibition of pictures collected by Muintearas since 1980

5.00 pm to 7.00 pm Music Session in the Hooker Bar, Eanach Mheáin

8.00 pm to 10.30 pm Concert with teachers and contributors from the workshops, as well as special guests. At Tigh Phádraig Mháirtín Beag, An Droim.

Entry Fee: €5.00

10.30 pm to Closing Time Music sessions in the various pubs around the area.

Sunday 19 th April 2009:

11.00 am to Midday Special Mass from Lettermore Church, broadcast live on Raidió Na Gaeltachta

1.00 pm to 3.00 pm Musical Exhibition with pupils from the local schools. Tigh Pharaic Mháirtín Beag, An Droim.

3.30 pm to 5.00 pm Musical exhibition in the Hooker Bar

END OF FESTIVAL

Additional Information:

A crèche service is available for anyone who wishes to use it while the Irish classes are in progress. There is a limited amount of spaces available, and should be reserved before the 1 st April 2009. For more information contact Angela at 091-551599.

The Clúid Restaurant:

The Clúid Restaurant will be opened for the weekend of the festival. For more information call the restaurant at 091-519532.

Musicians:

The most important thing of the Sult festival is the musical workshops for young people. There will be some of the best national musicians at the Sult festival, and will give a chance for the people of Connemara to see some of them for the first time. Also workshops are been planned for young people between the ages of 7 and 16 for the duration of the festival. Listed below are the musicians that will take part in these workshops:

Accordion – Intermediate Class – PJ Ó hIarnáin:

From Carna in Connemara, PJ is the brother of musicians Marcus and Seán Ó hIarnáin. PJ plays the accordion and melodeon.

Accordion – Beginners Class – Johnny Óg:

Johnny Óg was born in the seventies, a time where the importance of traditional Irish music had waned radically in the West of Ireland. It was a generation that was not excited by traditional music. Johnny started playing at ten years of age, at age twelve he was winning awards at Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann. He is now a professional musician and has released a record with his friends from the Seán Keane band.

Tin Whistle – Marcus Ó hIarnáin:

Marcus was born in Roisín na Mainiach in Carna, Connemara. He taught himself the flute and plays traditional music. He has won seven All-Ireland titles to date.

Dancing – Máire Áine Ní Iarnáin:

Máire Áine is from Leitir Calaidh. Although she is still fairly young, she is a prolific dancer and an All Ireland champion. She is well known for her promotion of the style of Connemara sean-nós dancing in Dublin, and is recognized as one of the best sean-nós dancers in Ireland.

Sean-nós Singing – Máire Pheter:

Máire is from Spiddal and it is often said that her mother Máire Nic an Ríogh ignited her interest in music. Other musicians that influenced her would have been Máire Cholmáin Nic Dhonncha, Máire Áine Nic Dhonncha, Pat Phádraig Tom Ó Conghaile, Máirtín Phatch Ó Cualáin, as well as Seán Mac Donncha and Seosamh Ó hÉanaí.

Even though she believes that there’s too much emphasis on competitions for sean-nós singing, she has won the woman’s competition at the Oireachtas and finished in second place in Corn Uí Riada, the most coveted prize for sean-nós singers today.

In recognition of her influence as a musician and a teacher of music she was awarded the Cois Life prize in the year 2004.

She also has a wealth of experience as an actress both on stage and screen. Many TV viewers would know her as Máire, the shopkeeper in Ros Na Rún.

Máire has taught in the Gaelacadamh for the last 17 years. She teaches sean-nós music to children as well as encouraging and motivating them to take part in various competitions. Many of her students have gone on to win prizes at the Oireachtas and other musical festivals.

Bodhrán – Johnny Ringo McDonagh:

Johnny Ringo hails from Connemara. He has a rich traditional music background being a member of groups “De Danann” and after that the group “ Arcady”. Johnny is renowned as one of the best bodhrán players and is also one of the first people to play it with a brush and to be able to tune it.

Johnny Connolly

Johnny Connolly was born off the coast of Connemara on Inis Bearacháin. He plays the melodeon and the accordion. Johnny started playing the melodeon when he was around nine years of age and he is often referred to as the King of the melodeon. He play’s reels, jigs, walzes and polkas.

Damien O Reilly

Damien O’Reilly hails from Corofin Co. Clare. He began playing the accordion at the age of nine and he enjoyed many years with the Inis Óg Céilí Band, winning numerous All-Ireland titles.

Mick Conneely

Mick was born in Bedford England but his parents hail from Galway and Longford. He started playing music when he was only eleven years of age, he plays the fiddle in the traditional Irish style.

Noel Ryan

Noel is a native of Tour in Co. Tipperary. He comes from a very musical background and has been playing the guitar from an early age. He has been a member of the group Danú since 1998.

Derek Hickey

Originally from Adare, Derek started his career playing the accordion with the traditional Irish group De Danann in 1995.

Peter Carberry

Peter Carberry is originally from Holla Co. Longford. He plays the accordion and the banjo. Growing up in Holla Peter and his family were completely immersed in traditional Irish music; his father Kevin was a banjo player and his uncle Kevin was an experienced uilleann piper. Now his daughter Angelina is following in her fathers footsteps. Peter is currently living in Co. Galway.

Angelina Carberry

Angelina is a daughter of the famous banjo and accordion player Peter Carberry. Born in Manchester, the musical talents of her father Peter, her Grandfather Kevin and her uncle Kevin had a great impact on Angelina. She started playing the tin whistle first and quickly moved on to playing the banjo. Angelina moved to Co. Galway in 1998 where she quickly established a musical career for herself.

Holly Geraghty

Holly Geraghty hails from Ballindine Co. Mayo. At just six years of age Holly began to play the concertina, taught by her mother Bernie Geraghty, a renowned musician and teacher and at the age of eleven years Holly began to play the Irish harp.

Holly quickly developed her own musical style, resulting in her touring Britain, Canada and North America with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. She holds several all Ireland honors including the Senior concertina title (2002) and the Senior Irish harp title (2001) at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

In 2001 Holly moved to Cork to study music in UCC and was awarded several prestigious awards including the Seán Ó Riada memorial prize (2005), Wesleyan Ethnomusicology scholarship (2003), Doc Gleeson Award (2002) and Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann scholarship (2001). She graduated with a first class honor from UCC. Holly was also awarded the TTCT (Teastas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tire) diploma for teaching the concertina at advanced level by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Department of Education and Science in 2003. In 2005 Holly moved to Limerick to undertake a graduate diploma in music education in UL and graduated with a first class honor. Since 2006 Holly has been the resident harp teacher in UCC. In 2007 Holly also became the resident harp teacher in UL.  

Jesse Smith

Like many well renowned traditional Irish musicians, Jesse Smith was born in America of Irish descendants. Jesse started playing the fiddle in the states and some years ago he moved to Ireland where he now resides. Jesse was a member of the famous traditional Irish group Danú for numerous years, starting out with them in 1998. He was greatly influenced by his musical mother Donna Long, who plays the piano.

Colm Gannon

Colm Gannon was born in Boston in the USA but his parents are natives of Droim in Connemara. In 1994 he won the All-Ireland button accordion competition and several years after he went touring with Riverdance for four years. When Colm is not touring around Ireland and the United States he is living at home in his parents home of Connemara.

Website: www.colmgannon.com

Emmett Gill

Gill was born in London in 1976. He started playing the pipes in 1983 and was taught at the London Pipers Club in the Irish Centre, Camden Town. The vibrant Irish music scene in London and visits to various Tionóil in Ireland and the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay were all a great influence on his piping. He moved to Belfast in 1994 to study and in 2000 Emmett moved to Galway. He plays two sets of pipes, a concert pitch set and a three quarter set.

Harry Bradley

Harry was born in South Belfast in 1974. He discovered Irish traditional music through popular recordings of it and was encouraged by childhood holidays in rural Co. Down where there were a small group of musicians still involved in local musical traditions. The style from the 1920s and 30s has had a huge influence on his own playing style.

Harry now lives in Dublin where he works at Na Píobairí Uilleann headquarters. He is also a dedicated Uilleann piper and has served as a member of the board of directors of Na Píobairí Uilleann.  

Nan Tom Taimín

Nan is a well known Singer from Carna, Connemara. She has twice been a winner of the Corn Uí Riada, firstly in 1998 and again in 2000. She has toured America, Ukraine, and many other countries. In 2004 Nan was voted “Female artist of the year”, on the Live Ireland Awards.

John Blake

Currently residing in Co. Galway, multi-instrumentalist John Blake was brought up in London's thriving music scene, where he learned to play the Irish wooden flute from Brendan Mulkere. He is a regular performer at international music festivals and has been featured in the groups Tiada and At The Racket. John has also been known to play the guitar and the piano.

Joe Neachtain

A native of Connemara, Joe is a well renowned dancer in the traditional Irish sean-nos style. Joe is living in Spiddal Co. Galway.

Paddy Kerr

Originally from Newcastle Co. Sligo, Paddy Kerr is a traditional Irish musician. He is now based in Co. Galway. A former member of the traditional Irish group Cian, Paddy is an experienced guitar, bodhrán and bouzouki player.

Kelly Geraghty

A daughter of the famous concertina player Bernie Geraghty and a sister of the musician Holly Geraghty, Kelly has come from very musical roots. Kelly is herself, from Co. Mayo.

Bernie Geraghty

Bernie Geraghty hails from Ballindine Co. Mayo. She is a well renowned musician and teacher. Bernie is an experienced concertina player and she has passed on her talents to her musically talented daughters Holly and Kelly Geraghty.

Tony O Connell

Tony originally comes from the town of Glin in Co. Limerick. He began playing music at an early age and went on to win both junior and senior all Ireland titles by the age of 18. In the past few years he has toured Asia, America and Europe with various shows and groups. Currently Tony is living in Limerick city where he performs on a regular basis. Tony also teaches concertina at the IWMC in the University of Limerick.  

Accomodation and Local Knowledge:

Session Trail Timetable:

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