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39TH CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 - VISIT CLIFDENARTSFESTIVAL.IE
NEVER MISS OUT
ANNE UELTSCHI
BILL & DENISE WHELAN
JOHN SWEENEY EJ KING’S, CLIFDEN
TERRY SWEENEY
Joe and Joan McBreen
FORUM Connemara Ltd
PROVIDERS OF BROADBAND INTERNET TO THE FESTIVAL
GMT IRELAND
CLIFDEN GLEN
ACTON CONSTRUCTION
EDWARD AND MARY DOWNE
CLIFDEN BOOKSHOP
HELEN AND VINCENT FOLEY
ABBEYGLEN CASTLE HOTEL
MARGUERITE COURTADE
FOYLE'S HOTEL
CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE HOTEL
SUPERVALU, CLIFDEN
CLIFDEN LOTTERY FUND
BOBBY AND TRULY GILMORE
PADDY POWERS BOOKMAKERS
RONNIE AND FRANCOISE MILLAR
ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL
CATHAL AND JOAN WALSH
KATE AND NOEL NOONAN
JOHN AND FRANCES CORLESS
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.
We are very
Clifden Arts Festival Committee
our generous sponsors
Artistic Director Brendan Flynn
grateful to Atlantic Coast Hotel – John Varley, Alcock and Brown Hotel, Michael and Toni Barrett, John Corless, Cullen’s Bistro & Coffee House, Celtic Crafts, The Central Bar, Stephen and Celia Cullinane, Clifden Supply Centre, Rosemary Carr, Clifden Lotto, Edward R. Jr. and Mary Downe, Faul Guest House, Ann Fuller, Helen and Vincent Foley, Gannon Sports, GMT Ltd (Oliver Joyce and David McNamara), Alan and Mary Hobart, Tom Healy, Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), Kavanagh’s Super Valu, Conor Killeen, Des and Mary Kavanagh, Dr. Ronan Kavanagh, Tom King’s Bar, Lavelle Art Gallery, Lowry’s Bar, Ronnie and Francoise Millar, Des Moran Butchers, Dr. Ciarán and Ann MacLoughlin, Eamonn McLoughlin, Declan Mannion - Mannion’s Bar, Pat Molloy, Tom Mannion, Tom and Peggy McManus, Mitchell’s Restaurant, Kate and Noel Noonan, Michael Nee Bus Hire, Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, Shane O’Grady (Guy’s Bar), O’Dallaigh Jewelers, Catriona and Patrick O’Toole – Buttermilk Lodge, Poetry Ireland, Paula and Peter Vine, The Quay House, Tim and Mairead Robinson, Paul and Anne Summerville, Steam Café, Chris Shanahan - TOPAZ (Westport Road), Stanley’s, Vassar College, Sean Vaughan Vaughan’s Bar & Restaurant, Cathal and Joan Walsh - Walsh’s Bakery and Coffee Shop. And last, but by no means least a BIG thank you to the legion of voluntary helpers without whom it would be impossible to stage the Clifden Arts Festival.
Chairman Des Lally Secretary Karen Mannion Treasurer Percy Hyland Programme Coordinator Eunan Gill Health and Safety Officer Gerard King Primary School Coordinator Eily O’Grady Secondary School Coordinator Carmel Hanley Visual Arts Curator John Durning Operations/Staging Manager Danny Vaughan Breandan O’Scanaill, Ursula Flynn, Catherine Lowry, Mary Ruddy, Marie Mannion, Carol Ann Joyce, Caitriona O’Broin, Gerry Claffey, Nicola Snow, Keith Roache, Mary Keating, Mary McDonagh (box office), Pam Finn (Social Media). Special thanks to the staff of the Clifden Community School and primary schools for their kind cooperation and involvement over the years. Programme Design and Website Development Noel Mannion - noelmannion.com 2016 Poster Design
Design and Concept, Joe Boske. Graphic design and photography by Annik Webber. Thanks to Fearghus Foyle for the photo of Clifden.
Cover 2016 poster detail, Joe Boske / Annik Webber. Typography Noel Mannion.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this programme, the organisers of Clifden Arts Festival can accept no responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies - neither can they be held liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon the contents of this programme. Details are correct at the time of going to print - updates can be found on clifdenartsfestival.ie/events.
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VISUAL ARTS
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SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
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Festival Box Office The festival box office is located inside the old SuperValu building on Market Street. Opens from August 22. Please see the front door for the opening hours. Telephone 087-3315009 / 091-442730 email boxoffice@clifdenartsfestival.ie The Arts Festival Caravan is a hive of information and will be open on Market Square from Wednesday 7 September. Tickets can be bought online at clifdenartsfestival.ie or in the Festival Box Office.
Full programme online visit clifdenartsfestival.ie
GENERAL PROGRAMME
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QUICKFIND INDEX
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MAP OF THE VENUES
Visual Arts / Clifden Arts Festival
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Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts
VISUAL ARTS Image: Carey Clarke, ‘Promise Of Summer ’ 1985
CCLLI IFFDDEENN AARRTTSS FFEESSTTI IVVAALL 22001166
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Visual Arts / Clifden Arts Festival
Tradition and Innovation – A Selection of Works from the RHA Collection This year the Festival Gallery will host a selection of works from the RHA Collection. The Royal Hibernian Academy is one of Ireland’s most exciting venues for the presentation of contemporary art. In 2016 the RHA commemorates the loss of its original home, galleries and collections which were destroyed by fire during the 1916 Rising. It took the RHA many decades to recover from that loss and rebuild its headquarters and its collections. Presented here are over 30 works that show the vitality and range of the current Academy members – full, associate and honorary. Whether traditional representational painting or digital photography, whether cast bronze or handmade paper, the membership of the Academy engage in an exciting interrogation of the meaning of art in today’s world.
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Former Presidents of the RHA such as Thomas Ryan, Carey Clarke, Stephen McKenna join the current President Mick O’Dea with present members amongst them – Eilis O’Connell, Alice Maher, Abigail O’Brien and newer members like Colin Martin and Diana Copperwhite to create an exciting survey of contemporary art practice. The exhibition is a collaboration between Clifden Arts Festival and the Royal Irish Academy. The Festival wishes to express its gratitude to the RHA and in particular to Patrick T Murphy for his advice, encouragement and support in bringing this selection to Clifden Arts Festival. Very special thanks to Kavanagh’s SuperValu and especially, Joe Lynch. Image above: ‘Green Screen’, Colin Martin RHA LAUNCH WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER VENUE FESTIVAL GALLERY, MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN
Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts He has been awarded many honours and became a Member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1990, having been an Associate of the Academy since 1973. He is also a member of Aosdána. Celebrated for his early bull sculptures - described by playwright Brian Friel as ‘enormously solid artefacts, 4-square on the earth, confident, assured, executed to a point of absolute completion’ – Behan’s style is still evolving and growing. In a general sense he can be credited with playing a major part in the development of sculpture in Ireland over the last forty years. In June 2000 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland, Galway on the same day his large commissioned sculpture, Twin Spires, was unveiled at the college. His major public commissions include Flight of Birds, Famine Ship, Tree of Liberty, Daedalus, Millennium Child, Arrival and Equality Emerging, unveiled in Galway city in November 2001. VENUE IRISH ANTIQUES GALLERY STATION HOUSE HOTEL, CLIFDEN
The Art Trail Celebrating its 11th year Shop Window Exhibition of work by artists who reside in, are inspired by and visit the area – a map of the numbered Art Trail can be found in the What’s On Connemara guide.
John Behan RHA Past and Present Born in Dublin in 1938, and now living and working near Galway city where he continues to vary his style of expression, John Behan is firmly established as a sculptor of international stature. After an apprenticeship in metal work and welding, the foundations for Behan’s success were laid in the sixties, when he trained in London and Oslo and began to exhibit widely. But he also had a wider artistic vision, which saw him challenge the elitism of the art establishment and seek to popularise art. He was a founder member of the New Artists’ group in 1962 and Dublin’s innovative Project Art Centre in Dublin in 1967. CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Visual Arts / Clifden Arts Festival
Rosie McGurran RUA Charms of Plenty
Margaret Irwin West Dream and Dalliance
An exhibition of work in two and three dimensions using mixed media, etching and water colour. Reading by Maria McManus. Maria will read from her most recent publication at the opening of exhibition. VENUE GALLERY AT SHOP FORMERLY KNOWN AS GIFTS BY GRACE, BESIDE AIB ATM, GALWAY ROAD, CLIFDEN
Rosie McGurran RUA presents a suite of work reflecting on the Connemara Summer. Originally from Belfast, Rosie has been working as an artist in Connemara for the last sixteen years. This new body of work is inspired by daily walks in Connemara, the character of the changing seasons and the wildflowers. The show is a mixture of pastel drawings and paintings, both small and large scale. LAUNCH SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 6PM VENUE THE LAVELLE ART GALLERY, MAIN ST, CLIFDEN
Mary Donnelly A Selection of New Works
Patricia Morrison Celebration! An exhibition of paintings by students of my Enjoy Watercolour Classes, together with recent Botanical Watercolours by Patricia Morrison. VENUE GUDANSKI GALLERY, MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN
Kate Noonan Exhibition of original oil paintings of Connemara.
Dr Eimear O Connor HRHA has written ‘‘Donnelly’s paintings which she describes as groundless are landscapes of immersion in which she invites her viewer to witness the world as it once was and still is for those drawn to nature.’’ She ‘‘has an extraordinary truthful, sensitive, physical and metaphysical engagement with her place, her materials, and her inner self – her quest is to ‘wrest the truth from the void’ of modernisation, noise and clutter. Yet landscape for Donnelly is not a signifier of a particular physical identity; it is a metaphor by which she can explore and interrogate the meaning of life, a process that has led her to recognition of the significance of spiritual existence.
VENUE ARDAGH HOTEL, BALLYCONNEELY ROAD
Aidan Dunne has described her paintings as being “exceptionally beautiful” and as having “her own distinctive voice”. VENUE STATION HOUSE, OLD WHISTLESTOP SHOP, GALWAY ROAD, CLIFDEN
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Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts
Dympna Heanue Connemara: The Bog and Beyond An exhibition of new works by this talented and emerging local artist. VENUE EJ KINGS, 2ND FLOOR RESTAURANT AREA, MARKET SQUARE, CLIFDEN
Bernie Dignam Interwoven Terrain VENUE FIONNGHLAS THIAR GALLERY, ARTIST STUDIO, GALLERY, TOOREEN, MOYARD
Olwen Kelly – Íobairt/Sacrifice This mixed media exhibition is inspired by Irish bogs and Irish bog finds. These include bog bodies, manuscripts and items relating to kingship and human sacrifice. The natural qualities of bogs and bog pools, including the colour, texture and form are interpreted. The use of bogs as farmland, peat milling sites, tourist attractions and rubbish dumps is a subtle presence in the work. The media used is intended to reflect on the subject matter and includes such diverse materials as natural sheep’s wool, leatherette, tissue paper and foam, to create art which is contemporary but which reflects a much more ancient tradition. Boundaries and borders are central themes in the work as bogs form physical boundaries between ancient territories as well as spiritual boundaries which were believed to be portals between this world and the other world. I chose the title “Íobairt” as many of the bog finds are believed to have been sacrifices to Sadhbh, the goddess of sovereignty. This title is also relevant to the modern dilemma of the exploitation of peat. In revealing antiquity through the milling of peat, we also remove the sacred spaces which caused them to be deposited in the first place.
Angie Williams Reveal VENUE 1 CLIFDEN COURT, BRIDGE STREET, CLIFDEN
I am interested in how the bog immortalises artefacts and human remains which are placed in it, either accidentally, for storage or for ritual purposes. In ancient texts such as ‘The Destruction of Da Derga’s Hostel’ and in folklore, the bog is personified as a person or goddess. This causes us to contemplate whether the bog shapes the personality of the people or whether the people shape the personality of the bog. This is Olwen Kelly’s debut solo exhibition. She is a former student of Clifden Community School and a graduate of Ballyfermot College of CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Visual Arts / Clifden Arts Festival Further Education where she studied art, design and mixed media. She spent her early years in Dublin before moving to Connemara. She works in a variety of media including collage, paint, photography, monoprint and fibre art. Her art inspired by urban and rural Dublin and Connemara. Her themes range from the mythological to the scientific and philosophical. Sponsored by VENUE GIBBONS GALLERY, MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN
caricature features of America and translating them into retro pop art. I paint a lot with markers and acrylics but anything goes. When I started painting four years ago I used old makeup which I still find a really good medium to get certain contours. I use every tool available to me. Colour is a prominent feature of my art, sometimes the colour can be minimal and sometimes it can be saturated but at least one bold colour makes an appearance on the finished piece. VENUE HUMPTY’S, MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN
Nancy Whelan New Works VENUE THE FISH SHOP, MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN
Cavanagh Foyle The American Dream I am intrigued and fascinated with “The American Dream”. The media has had a large part to play in forming my own impression on what it means. Watching movies and far too much MTV growing up I have noted the key characteristics of “The American Dream”: materialism, money, the obsession with youth and fame, the fixation on social media and pop culture, and the unending pursuit of perfection. I think in today’s world we are all influenced by these things and in many ways victim to them. In my latest collection of art I am taking all the 8 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
Diana Shephard West Coast An exhibition of new works by Diana Shephard. VENUE FORMERLY CONNEMARA PROPERTIES, BRIDGE STREET, CLIFDEN
Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts
Dave McElheron Art Informal
Katherine Sullivan Heritage ‘Heritage’ was made in response to the burdon that heritage imposes upon the inhabitants of the west coast of Ireland. I modelled the lead shoes on the ‘pampootie’ shape from the Aran Islanders shoes and chose lead as a substance symbolic of psychological weight. My work is about identity and the way we portray this in the world through the forms of our clothing and our architecture. Both are seen as metaphors for the body and for human experience. VENUE 3 CLIFDEN COURT, BRIDGE STREET, CLIFDEN
Dave McElheron studied graphic design, typography and print production in Bolton Street College, Dublin and has worked in many design studios in Dublin and Galway over the years. He has painted abstract art throughout his life, working mainly with acrylic on canvas developing an interest in the approach of ‘art informal’ which is characterised by a complete absence of form and lack of premeditated structure, conception or approach. He integrates this approach in his work through the sole use of the palette knife to create abstract images. A represented artist of Bridge House Studios, Killaloe, Dave McElheron is currently working towards the Gallery launch exhibition. VENUE THE SANDS HOTEL, MANNIN BAY, BALLYCONNEELY
Bernard O’Scanaill New Works Clifden native Bernard O’Scanaill returns from Australia to exhibit his most recent works. An innovative and talented artist, O’Scanaill’s work deals with the real and psychological landscape of the physical and imagined worlds experience. O’Scanaill has exhibitied extensively in Ireland, France and Australia. His work is to be found in many corporate, public and private collections in the USA, Australia, France and Ireand. VENUE GLEANN AOIBHINN BEACH ROAD, CLIFDEN (GALLERY OPEN IN AFTERNOONS)
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Visual Arts / Clifden Arts Festival If you wish to find out how much it cost to buy a tailor-made suit 116 years ago in Clifden from The Tailor Burke,The Square, then visit Seamus Burke, his great grandson in The Shamrock Drycleaners and Homeware Plus beside the original premises. The shop ledgers were rescued by Tom Burke, Seamus’s father, when he returned home from Manchester in the 1970s. Records from 1898 to 1900 survive. John Hehir was originally a saddler who arrived in Clifden in 1907 from County Clare. He married a Lacey woman from Inish Shark who owned a Second hand clothes shop across the road. They diversified into clothing and shoes and if you look at the Hehir ledger entries ‘knicker elastic’ was a very popular purchase for Connemara women over the decades. Ask Brian and Michelle Hehir to tell you about the attractive shop counter which they have restored. It originally formed part of the mast for Marconi Station in Derrigimlagh. The Hehir family maintained the traditional manual recording of purchases, longhand in ledgers, until the 1990s.
Archives from the Attic Archives from the Attic (10 Days in the life of a town). The town of Clifden is over 200 years old and has been central to the economic life of Connemara ever since. In this, the decade of centenaries the commercial heart of the town 100 years ago is celebrated by looking at surviving business archives from the town at that time. Despite the changing nature of small town commerce a number of businesses have survived from the 19th century and early 20th century and have made their archives available to the public for the first time. There is a focus on surviving archives from September 15th - 25th 1916 in order to examine 10 days in the commercial life of Clifden town (exactly 100 years before The Clifden Arts Festival of September 2016). Each day the shop pages of the ledgers are turned so you have to revisit to see who was shopping and what were they buying for each of the 10 days. Maybe you will find your family name and your townland name in the ledgers. Some earlier and later ledgers are also displayed. 10 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
In Patricia O’Toole’s new fashion shop you can view the original shop ledgers of James B. Joyce and Barbara Keely Joyce who operated a butcher shop here from the early 1890s. Barbara Keely was a native of Ard West, Carna and her husband, James B. Joyce was a native of Leenane. See if you can recognize the names, businesses and institutions in the ledger and find out what joints of meat were popular in September 1916 Clifden. Many of the local business people in Clifden today are descendants of this couple. Stanleys Clothes and Shoe Shop have operated from the same premises on Lower Market Street since the 19th century and are the oldest surviving commercial premises in continuous use by the same family in the town. Look at the ledger display and the Edwardian display case in which it is held. This glass case is a true survivor of the War of Independence. Ask John Stanley to tell you how Stanleys shop was attacked and looted by The Black and Tans in 1921 during the infamous burning of Clifden. Everything in the shop was smashed by them except this case. Visit Vaughan’s Bar and Restaurant and see the original Bernard Lee Archive. The Lee family,
Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts originally owned the premises and came from the Roundstone/Ballyconneely area. Bernard Lee was one of the most successful business men in Clifden from the 1880s. The family invested in land and property in the Clifden area. The last surviving member of the family was Margaret Lee who operated a travel Agency nearby until the 1990s when she retired. This archive for 1916 survives. The ledgers were rescued from a skip by retired Telecom employee Mairtin Conroy, the shop was originally a busy hardware, public house and shipping agents. The Casey family moved to Streamstown from County Clare in the late 19th century and later opened a shop and hardware on Main Street and specialized in farm supplies. Today it is operating as a pharmacy by Noreen Casey, chemist. What were farmers and fishermen buying in Caseys 100 years ago? Did you know that Guy’s Bar and Restaurant was originally Clancys. The name changed when Eamonn Guy married into the business. They operated a number of complimentary businesses there from circa 100 years. This included a shop, a bar, an undertaker business, and a shipping agency. Teeth were sometimes pulled there also by the local dentist. Mary Guy McCann has made the archive available for display. Moran’s Medical Hall was established on Main Street in 1911. The early prescription lists for Moran’s Medical Hall survive. Feel free to look at the prescriptions on display and ask Declan Moran (who continues the family tradition as local chemist) whether the cures worked or not. Foyle’s Hotel was established on Market Street Clifden in 1920. The Foyle family, who still own and run the hotel, took over the original Railway Hotel which was a very popular accommodation for tourists who accessed Connemara via the train to Clifden. The train operated from 1895 to 1935. See the visitor’s book and ask the staff about the interesting visitors who signed the register over 90 years ago.
archives from the McLoughlin collection will be on view which give a fascinating insight into how a small rural shop in connemara operated almost 100 years ago. The commercial reach of the shops extended to the offshore islands of Inishbofin, Inish Shark, Inish Turk Slyne Head and Inishturbott, Carna, Roundstone, Recess, Ballyconneely and Letterfrack, and Kylemore. The archives are all displayed in their original locations. This celebrates the ordinary, the lives less known, the forgotten, the nine venue exhibition gives us a unique insight into the ordinary lives of Connemara shoppers, tourists and the businesses that served their needs. VENUE VARIOUS VENUES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN
Karen Potter New Works As an artist, I had worked mostly in oils and pastels until in the early 1990s I came across a print making certificate course at University of Brighton, signed up and became completely hooked on learning the art of printmaking. I work predominately in lithography and use the studio of BIP Art in Kemptown, Brighton to print my images on the lovely old presses they have rescued and restored. I am drawn to the mood of the landscape and how the changing light and time of the year affects this. When I am planning a new image I endeavour to capture this light and work it into my lithography using the method of overlapping colour to create the mood I strive to achieve. VENUE STEAM CAFE, STATION HOUSE COURTYARD
Eamonn McLoughlin, auctioneer is a native of Ballynew, Cleggan where the family ran a local shop. 25 years ago Eamonn rescued some of the original shop ledgers from being burned. They date to the 1920s and 1930s. A selection of CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Martin McCormack Interventions VENUE FOYER OF STATION HOUSE THEATRE, CLIFDEN
Yvonne King Western An exhibition of recent works by local artist Yvonne King. Primarily a landscape painter, Yvonne King exhibits annually at the Clifden Arts Festival. She is a native of Roundstone and Connemara has been the main inspiration for her work. Yvonne is working on a series of paintings on the east coast of the US relating to her ongoing Marconi Art Project, visually recording sites used by innovator and Nobel Prizewinner Guglielmo Marconi. www.yvonnekingart.com VENUE STATION HOUSE, GALLERY BESIDE HEDZ. GALWAY ROAD, CLIFDEN
Ability West Exhibition An exhibition by service users of Crost Linn. VENUE TOURIST OFFICE, GALWAY ROAD, CLIFDEN
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Margaret Nolan, Bridget Flannery, Dylan Griffith, Tony Carragher, Benjamin Dwyer Skin A collective, multimedia exhibition featuring painting, sculpture, photography, film and music by five leading artists from Ireland and the US. Each comes to the subject of skin from different technical-aesthetic approaches and distinctive socio-political perspectives. VENUE GALLERY BESIDE AIB BANK, GALWAY ROAD
AIB Art in Clifden A selection of works from the AIB Art Collection is on display in the Clifden branch during Clifden Arts Festival. Among the keys works on show include Louis le Brocquy’s Head of Seamus Heaney; George Campbell’s Back Road to Clifden and Near Roundstone; Cecily Brennan’s Rhododendron SemiCircle; Untitled from Head Series by Brian Bourke and Green Birds, a sculpture piece by John Behan. Thanks to Alice Black and Maureen Porteous. VENUE ALLIED IRISH BANK, GALWAY ROAD, CLIFDEN
Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts
Paula Ni Chualain Echoes VENUE UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN
Coughlan (Jazz singer), Patrick Bergin (actor), Sharon Shannon and many more celebrities. Jim’s paintings have been used on several music album covers for artists including Mairtin O’Connor/ Cathal Hayden/Seamie O’Dowd (Crossroads), Dave Sheridan (Sheridan’s Guesthouse and Driving Leitrim Timber) Mickey Coleman (Last Glance) and most recently his portrait of Thomas Clarke was used on the cover of Our Own Rebel Hero by PJ McDonald. His paintings have also been used as posters to promote festivals such as Cruinniú na mBád, Cuckoo Fleadh (both Kinvara) and French musical festivals. Jim has just completed a very successful exhibition (May 2016) in Lens and Grenay France, entitled Remembering Soldiers which depicted scenes from the First World War and the 1916 Easter Rising. He has also been commissioned to return to France in July and August to paint six murals in the village of Grenay, which is twinned with Ballyshannon, County Donegal, a challenge which he is very much looking forward to.
Jim McKee A Selection Jim McKee is an artist, singer-songwriter and actor. He is originally from Cookstown, County Tyrone and has been based in the west of Ireland for the past 14 years. Jim has been a professional artist since 2001 and has exhibited extensively throughout Ireland, the UK, USA and France. He is self-taught and is fearless with paint.
The Burren has become his spiritual home, a major factor in his life. He finds inspiration all around him... in a cluster of wild flowers, a bend of the lane, a corner of a bog, a tractor in the landscape, boats at rest and the colours of the Burren. VENUE CLIFDEN LIBRARY, MARKET STREET, CLIFDEN
Reingard Gahan An exhibition of new works. VENUE 2 CLIFDEN COURT, BRIDGE STREET, CLIFDEN
“Jim has developed a personal and recognizable style, imbued with life and energy and colour. He uses a palette knife, virtually playing the oils like a musical instrument and the results are humorous and honest, impressionistic renderings and reflections of Ireland today, its passing traditions, its people and its landscape. His portraits are strong in expression, vibrant in colour and invariably of subjects who have made a major impact on his life.” – Tom Kenny, The Kenny Gallery, Galway, 2008. His work has been collected by President Michael D. Higgins, Bank of Ireland Galway and Dublin, Eddie O’Sullivan (Irish Rugby Manager), Mary CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Kenneth Webb Presenting Kenneth Webb with an interactive talk entitled Painters of Connemara – Yeats, Paul Henry, Webb. A unique opportunity to listen and converse with renowned artist Kenneth Webb. There is also an exhibition of paintings, prints and photographs, with a limited number of notes available for reference. It will conclude with a session of questions and answers.
The Lavelle Gallery A collection of works by local, national and international artists. VENUE MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN
The Clifden Art Gallery Exhibition of paintings by various gallery artists. VENUE MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN
DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL, MARKET SQUARE ADMISSION €15
The Whitethorn Gallery A collection of paintings and sculptures by local, national and international artists. VENUE MAIN STREET, CLIFDEN
Connemara Blue Exhibition by the Children of the Blue Glass Club. VENUE THE PINK HOUSE, THE SQUARE, CLIFDEN
The Gaillard Gallery
Sara Sue McNeill
Exhibition of ceramics and stoneware by Alan Shattock. Exhibition of works in wool and felt by Sandra O’Connor.
Homage to Ben Nicholson
VENUE THE GAILLARD GALLERY, LETTERNOOSH, WESTPORT ROAD, CLIFDEN
Paintings by Sara Sue McNeil. From 17 September and through the Festival.
Rosemarie O’Toole
VENUE ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL, MARKET SQUARE
Rosemarie O’Toole’s work on paper and porcelain is on display from 10am to 6pm.
Group Exhibition New Works
VENUE ROUNDSTONE CERAMICS, MICHAEL KILLEEN PARK, ROUNDSTONE
Sandy Glynn, Michael Gough, Ness Porter Kelly, Kathleen O’Brien, Jason Fitzpatrick, Romy Hogan, Gerri O’Brien. Philomean Schofield, August McCabe, Martin McCormack, Nancy Whelan, art students exhibition.
Roundstone Ceramics
VENUE CREDIT UNION OFFICES, THE SQUARE, CLIFDEN
Artist Studio, Gallery and Workshops.
VENUE MICHAEL KILLEEN PARK, ROUNDSTONE
Fionnghlas Thiar Gallery VENUE FIONNGHLAS THIAR GALLERY, TOOREEN, MOYARD
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Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts
Friends of INN to the West Line from Behind Contemporary Irish illustrators inspired by Clifden and surrounds. Each of the artists had a residency at the Inn to the West, and produced this exhibition in response to their time here in Clifden.
Fatti Burke Co-creator and illustrator of the bestselling Irelandopedia, winner of a BGE Irish Book Award 2015. Currently working on her second children’s book. Currently working mainly in map, food and book illustration. fattiburke.com
Paula McGloin Her style is retroinspired, whimsical and playful. She particularly loves intricate patterns with rich colour palettes. She sees her personal work as a playground for her imagination, exploring themes of literature, imagined characters, nature and the animal kingdom. She creates designs for homewares, stationery, fabrics and ceramics. Her previous clients include Marks & Spencer, Target USA, Urban Outfitters, Folens Publishers and Bewley’s Ireland. paulamcgloin.com
James Kirwan James is recently returned from a residency in Porto, Portugal. He mostly paints but also experiments with drawing, collages and digital work. Borrowing from found imagery either in old magazines, online or from photographs I take myself, I piece elements together to create futuristic fictional worlds of my own. In the past, I have produced commercial work for events as well as companies like Absolut and Jameson. jamesmakeart.blogspot.ie
Steve McCarthy Steve Mccarthy is an Irish designer and illustrator, and bearded gentleman. His style is bold, colourful and inspired by humour and wit. His first children’s book Sally Go Round The Stars was nominated for the Bord Gais children’s book of the year. Steve worked as a background designer for the animated feature film Song of the Sea which was nominated for an academy award. www. mrstevemccarthy.com VENUE INN TO THE WEST, WESTPORT ROAD, CLIFDEN
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Visual Arts / Clifden Arts Festival
Carve @ The Inn to the West Hosted by Galway based Jeweller Grace O Connell, ‘Carve @ the Inn to the West’ is a stylish, fun and creative workshop at which participants will design and sculpt their own unique contemporary ring out of jewellers wax. The finished pieces are then cast in sterling silver, professionally finished (gold plating optional) and returned directly within two weeks, ready to wear and inspire the compliments! Enjoy a glass or two of bubbles and a delicious platter of meat and cheese. There will also be a selection of wines on offer to get those creative juices flowing! Tickets €75. Secure your place with a deposit at www.eventbrite.com/e/carve-the-inn-to-the-westdeposit-tickets-26726296071 DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 14:00-16:30 VENUE INN TO THE WEST, ADMISSION €75
Art Treasures of the French Riviera by Patrick J. Murphy See General Programme for further details. LAUNCH SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 5:30PM VENUE FESTIVAL GALLERY
Talks and Lectures Patrick T Murphy, Patrick J Murphy, Helen O’Donoghue, Erin Gibbons, Eamon Kelly, Rosie McGurran RUA. See daily programme for times and venues.
Please Note Exhibition details correct at time of going to press. Exhibitions and venues may be subject to change.
Ackowledgements
Aaron Holton
Cow Series
In this series, I try and use the exceptional unfiltered light that is native to Connemara to push my theme of negative space that is ever present in my work. Replacing the surrounding landscape with negative space and using a strong light source to play across the cows, it is my intention that the viewers imagination recollect and make a comparison of a minds-cape to their choosing. VENUE INN TO THE WEST, WESTPORT ROAD, CLIFDEN
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Thanks to the following for their support: Royal Hibernian Academy, Patrick T Murphy, Director. John Behan, Tom Kenny, Dean Kelly, Ger Sweeney, Brendan O’Sullivan, Lol Hardiman, Bernie Dignam, Michael Keane, John Sweeney, Wayne and Orla at Upstairs Downstairs, Alan and Claire at Steam, Cashel Credit Union, Noel Mannion and Catherine Lavoie, Mary Ruddy and Vincent Murphy, Joe Lynch and Kavanagh SuperValu, Alcock and Brown Hotel, Michael Delahunty, David Delahunty and Lucy Jackson, The Inn to the West, Des Lally, Brendan Flynn, Danny Vaughan, Zsuzsanna Balogh, Bernard O’Scanaill, Karl Glass, John Brennan, and finally to all the artists, businesses, volunteers and general public who support the Art Trail and exhibitions.
Clifden Arts Festival / Visual Arts
39 th
15 - 25
087 4104494
2016
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The school events are of course confined to our students. Events will also be taking place in all our local schools. The event dates are flexible (in tune with the school day workings!) and guests may appear on days other than those to which they may have first been assigned. At this time we would like to thank sincerely all the teachers of all the schools for their unfailing help and courtesy over the Festival period, most especially and significantly the organisers in each of the schools. This week is when we showcase the talents of all our students, both past and present. Remember too that our writers, artists, musicians and performers will also be visiting the local schools! During the school week there will be a visit from the Jean Vilar College of Angres in France to exchange with the Community School students (Jazz and songs from France and Ireland). A very special thanks to Anne Ueltschi for her magnificent support for and generous sponsorship of, not only of the schools’ events, but of the Festival as a whole.
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SCHOOLS PROGRAMME CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Clifden Arts Festival / Schools Programme - September 13-23 Due to the very extensive ongoing construction work on-site at the Clifden Community School, events may be curtailed, disrupted or even cancelled. We apologise for this. Events in the other schools will not be affected.
School’s Film Festival ‘How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea ?’ William Shakespeare. Celebrating the 400th anniversary of his death we present a series of films adapted from his most famous plays. Details each day on noticeboard.
13-24 September
Pat Mullan, author returns to speak with the students. He is Ireland Chair of International Thriller Writers, Inc. and he is a member of Mystery Writers of America.
Fidget Feet in residency at Clifden schools. Fidget Feet Continue to work with 8 local national schools and 1 secondary school, giving workshops in dance, movement and poi in preparation for the parade.
Monday 19
Music with Betty and The Baby Boomers, Primary School, 11am. We welcome back Joanne McGrath a teacher from New York who will give workshops on the joys of reading, she and her husband are long time supporters of the Festival. Tony Curtis poet begins his series of classes and workshops. Tony Curtis was born in Dublin in 1955. An award-winning poet, Curtis has published ten warmly received collections. His most recent titles are Folk (Arc Publications, 2011) Pony with drawings and painting by David Lilburn (Occasional Press, 2013) and Approximately in the Key of C (Arc Publications, 2015). He has been awarded the Irish National Poetry Prize and the Varuna House Exchange Fellowship to Australia. Curtis has read his poetry all over the world to great acclaim. He is a member of Aosdana and a great friend of the Clifden Arts Festival. John Durning returns with his popular guitar workshop.
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Marie Sheridan begins her singing workshop.
Sean-Nós national dance champion and past- pupil Sean Joyce returns to pass on some of his great skills.
Joanne McGlynn continues her talks. Tony Curtis spreads his wings, visiting local schools. Ciaran Hogan on the art of basket weaving. All his baskets are made from natural willow and are made to a high quality and are very strong. Rosie MacGurran artist visits the school students. The art of crochet making with the ever popular Peggy Mannion. Talk by historian and writer Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill. The art of bee-keeping with Billy Gilmore.
Sean Halpenny begins his bodhran workshop.
Music today is with Yule and McQ.
Stilt-walking workshop with the Belfast Circus.
Michael O’Sullivan our writerin-residence with his company Humourfit arrives today and will present plays and conduct workshops for the week in the schools.
Fidget Feet Company begin their preparations for the Grand Parade. Music today is provided by The Slyne Heads. Helen O’Donoghue of IMMA gives a special presentation to the Art students. Indian cooking with Kochumman Jacob.
Tuesday 20
Pauline Devine, Arts Week welcomes children’s short story writer Pauline Devine, who will be performing in local schools. Film Festival continues. Singing, Guitar, Stilt-walking, Bodhran workshops continue throughout the week in the schools.
Norbert Stolz returns. Poet and playwright Terry McDonagh reads for the students.
Wednesday 21
Anne Henning Jocelyn two new plays, Only Our Own and Doonreagan, recently saw successful productions in London's West End and Cambridge. Sean-Nós Workshop with Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola. Newgrange and the Connemara connection. Talk by eminent author and archaeologist Michael Gibbons. Music, song, stilt-walking workshops continue.
Schools Programme - September 13-23 / Clifden Arts Festival Mike O’Sullivan continues his drama presentations and workshops. Film Festival honouring the Great Bard continues. Tony Curtis continues his peregrinations and readings. Gerard King, Chief Fire Officer talks to the students. Graham Roberts, local businessman, talks to the students. Barry Ryan on film-making. Fibin Theatre Company visit the schools. Leading poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice joins Tony Curtis. Music today is with the Michael Carey Band. Music with True North at 11am in the Primary School. Peter Crann returns with his percussion and samba workshops
Thursday 22
The Curlew Theatre Company entertain the students. David Moore of Astronomy Ireland talks to the students about recent developments. Caitlin Nic Ghabhann and Ciaran O’Maonaigh play for the students. Music today is with Lol Hardiman and John Durning.
Friday 23
Betty and The Baby Boomers at 10am in the National School. Fíbín Teo – Fíbín puppetry and theatre company is based in Connemara, County Galway. Fíbín creates exciting, energetic and highly visual theatre of the highest professional standards for young audiences through the medium of Irish. To achieve this, Fíbín uses puppets, masks, shadows, music, sound and an array of visual techniques to develop an aesthetic not previously seen in children’s theatre, particularly Irish language theatre.
Betty and The Baby Boomers at 11am in the Community School.
The guitar workshop conclude today. Thanks to John Durning.
Les Follies at 11am in the Community School.
The singing workshop concludes. Special thanks to Marie Sheridan.
Peter Crann and his percussion workshops.
The Film Festival finishes today. Thanks to Carmel and helpers.
The Shakespeare Film Festival continues
Fidget Feet complete their preparations.
The guitar, singing, music, drama, art, stilt-walking workshops continue.
Curlew Theatre Company continue. Lynn Saoirse – details later.
Norbert Stolz continues. Karin Joyce continues her knitting workshop. Rosalyn Coneys returns with her weaving workshop.
Many thanks to our writer-inresidence Mike O’Sullivan and his theatre company Humourfit for their work throughout the week and over the years!
A fond farewell to Tony Curtis and Gabriel Fitzmaurice. Thank you both for the sterling work all week. Grand Finale Concert Featuring the great talent from within the school, nurtured during the week!
Clifden Arts Society UPCOMING EVENTS
October 17, 2016 Nathalia Milstein Winner 2015 Dublin International Piano Competition
November 1, 2016 Hot Club of Cowtown Elana James, fiddle, vocals Whit Smith, guitar, vocals Jake Erwin, bass, vocals
November 12, 2016 Anneleen Lenaerts, harp and Dionysis Grammenos, clarinet December 9, 2016 John McEvoy (fiddle), John Wynne(flute), Jacinta McEvoy (guitar), Rachel Garvey (songs)
CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Clifden Arts Festival acknowledges and thanks the great contribution to the Arts Festival by all our great local musicians. Some of these musicians include; Eugene Barry, Marie Walsh, John Gerard Walsh, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Michael Roche, Mirella Murray, Peter Carey, Peter Carey Jnr, Michael Carey, Liam Aspell, Martin Conroy, Adam Conroy, Sean Halpenny, Kevin Barry, Michael McNamara (Clifden), Michael McNamara (Roundstone), Feichin Mitchell, Adam Conroy, Aidan Curran, Kieran Coyne, Frank Coyne, PJ McInerney, Pat Flaherty, Pat Keaney, Phil Coyne, Gerry Hannon, Simon Kearns, Tom Scullion, David Slevin, Danny Scullion, Nicholas Timothy, Ryan Murtagh, Tom Mullen, Paddy Newman, Richie Newman, Eamon McLoughlin, Tom Wallace, Liam Aspell, John Durning, Jarlath Hession, Paul Mulligan, Pat O’Toole, James Mullen, Michael Connolly, Martin Sullivan, Eileen O’Malley, Seanie Vaughan, Shane Flaherty and Kenneth Coyne . Clifden Arts Festival thanks the Clifden Town Hall Committee. Thanks to Mary Carey, Louisa Jack, Ivor Duane and Eoin Heanue. Thanks to Mary McDonagh and Percy Hyland for running the Festival Box Office and for their enormous help with administration. Thanks to Bernhard Sanders for his digital archiving expertise. Thanks to Jamie Howard and Paddy Howard for the use of their photos. Thanks to Kevin Keogh for the Generator and Lights at the footsbarn tent. Thanks to Niamh Philbin and the Connemara Pony Breeders Society. Congratulations to Michael O’Neill and Renvyle Comhaltas on their 40th anniversary. This year we remember Tom Feneran, Thomas Lyden, Dermot Bray, Basil Blackshaw, Joe McDonagh, Eimear Kelly, Marty Nee and David Wallace. 22 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
Clifden Arts Festival / Day x
GENERAL PROGRAMME CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Wednesday 14 / Clifden Arts Festival
Guided Tours of Clifden Explore Clifden’s 200-year history with expert guide, local historian Kathleen VilliersTuthill. Hear stories of famine, war, religious conflict, street riots and political rallies. Kathleen is the author of several history books on West County Galway and has a wealth of knowledge about the history and heritage of her native town. Tours last approx. 90 minutes.
Clifden Arts Festival Official Opening
DATE WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 11AM STARTING POINT STATION HOUSE HOTEL COST FREE – DONATIONS TO RESTORATION WORK AT CHRIST CHURCH & ST JOSEPH’S CHURCHES WELCOME
Opening by Sean Kyne, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Natural Resources and Mr. Pat Lam, Manager connacht Rubgy Team.
DATE TUESDAY 20 AND THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 11AM STARTING POINT STATION HOUSE HOTEL COST €8 ADULTS, €5 CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS
Expect a lively performance of traditional Irish music, song and dance with the 2016 All Ireland Plearacha Group from Clifden Comhaltas and Connacht Champions West Coast Grupa Ceol directed by Marie Walsh. Sponsored by Anne Ueltschi. Thanks to the Connemara Pony Breeders Society. DATE 14 SEPTEMBER, 8PM VENUE FOOTSBARN BIG TENT ADMISSION FREE
Short Film – Today Today is a hard-hitting drama about a man who wakes up one morning in his car, disorientated, with no recollection of how he ended up parked in the middle of nowhere. The harsh reality soon comes flooding back once he gathers his thoughts. Starring: John Connors (LOVE/HATE, King of the Travelers), Lalor Roddy (Grabbers, Cherrybomb) Cinematographer: Eimear Ennis Graham (Bingham Ray Nominee 25th Galway Film Fleadh) Written/Directed by: Tristan Heanue (Past student Clifden Community School) Produced by: Paddy Slattery DATE WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE DURATION 19 MINS 24 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
Clifden Arts Festival / Thursday 15
Moon Magic Theatre MoonMagic presents a group of special performers celebrating the joys of life and nature in song, poetry, rhyme and mime. Devised and directed by Rosalind Coyne. Sponsored by Lámh Linn. Much appreciation to Jean Mullan. DATE THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Launch of Skylight 47 Launch of Clifden issue of Skylight 47. Edited by Marie Cadden. Marie Cadden, co-editor of Skylight 47 poetry paper and winner of Cuirt 2011 New Writing Prize for Poetry, will read from her recent debut collection Gynaecologist in the Jacuzzi from Salmon Poetry. She has been placed/shortlisted for various awards and published widely in journals and anthologies, most recently in Even the Daybreak: 35 Years of Salmon Poetry. Skylight 47, “possibly Ireland’s most interesting poetry publication” is a unique bi-annual poetry magazine published in tabloid format. Issue 7 is a tribute to Clifden. There is an interview with Arts Festival Director Brendan Flynn, a comment piece from Clifden artist-poet Debbie Watkins and Clifden Writers Group are ‘Under the Spotlight’. DATE THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION FREE
Reading with John Liddy and Marie Cadden Salmon poet Marie Cadden, CoEditor of Skylight 47 poetry paper and winner of Cuirt 2011 New Writing Prize for Poetry, will read from her recent debut collection Gynaecologist in the Jacuzzi. Introduced by Des Kavanagh. John Liddy (1954) was born in County Cork, grew up in Limerick, resides in Madrid and took a degree with the University of Wales. He is the founding editor, along with Jim Burke, of The Stony Thursday Book and has published many collections of poetry in English and with Spanish translations, as well as books for children. His most recent book of poetry is The Secret Heart of Things (Revival Press, 2014). He was Limerick City of Culture Poet in Residence for July 2014. He is coeditor of the forthcoming 1916-2016: An Anthology of Reactions. Sponsored by David Warren. DATE THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION €5
TRADITIONAL MUSIC WITH A TWIST
Cúla Búla Cúla Búla are a Galway based group that have been tearing up stages across Ireland and the UK for the last year and a half. Starting in the late summer of 2014, they hastily put together a set of lively tunes to fill a slot at a local festival. They won the crowd over immediately and it was clear from then on that it was meant to be. Cúla Búla have pushed a traditional Irish sound into a rock/funk/ psychedelic groove performed with a high-energy, punky, aggressive attitude. DATE THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION PASS THE HAT
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Thursday 15 / Clifden Arts Festival IRISH FIDDLE
Concert with Colm Mac an Iomaire In a crowded field of outstanding Irish fiddle players and interpreters of traditional music, Colm Mac Con Iomaire is unique. After starting the band Kíla with school friends, Colm went on to found and play with The Frames, who celebrate 25 years together in 2015. Colm’s compositions have featured in both film and theatre. Sponsored by AIB. Photo by Rich Gilligan. DATE THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, 9PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE TICKETS €20 AVAILABLE ONLINE
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“...Colm Mac an Iomaire is one of the finest Irish musicians and composers of his age.” – Hot Press
Clifden Arts Festival / Friday 16
Talk by Benig Mauger Nurturing the Soul in Today’s World – Lecture by psychotherapist Benig Mauger, Jungian psychotherapist, writer, lecturer and pioneer in human consciousness. Concerned with the ways in which technology and modern living has resulted in ‘loss of soul’, she combines her training and experience in Jungian depth psychology, preperinatal psychology and spiritual awareness to look at ways of restoring soul to human life. DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 10AM VENUE FOYLE’S HOTEL ADMISSION €5
SPECIAL FESTIVAL SHOWING
The Film Mise Eire This wonderful film by legendary Irish filmmaker George Morrison tells of events in Ireland leading up to, during, and immediately after the 1916 Easter Rising, extensively using original footage such as newsreels from the time.
Reading with Pete Mullineaux and Ger Reidy Pete Mullineaux will give a special reading from his new collection How Bake a Planet. Pete’s work has been featured on RTE’s Arena and been described as “tender and lyrical”, “gorgeous and resonant” and “grimly funny”. His last collection, Session (2011) focusing on music related themes received outstanding reviews internationally and was described by Irish Music Magazine as “a gem”. “Marvellous... more please.” – Orbis Magazine UK. Ger Reidy was born near Westport, Co. Mayo. He has won several national poetry competitions and has been the recipient of a number of bursaries and residencies sponsored by the Arts Council and Mayo County Council,most recently in 2011. His first collection, Pictures from a Reservation, was published by Dedalus Press. He has been published in many literary journals, both at home and abroad, and has read at numerous literary festivals, including the Cúirt Festival in Galway in 2010, where his second collection, Drifting under the Moon, was launched. DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION €5
DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 12NOON VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Reading by Author Michael Harding Michael is the author of three novels, two memoirs and numerous plays, six of which were produced by the Abbey Theatre. He has received numerous awards over the years. The third volume of his internationally acclaimed memoir Talking to Strangers will be published in the autumn of 2016. He writes a weekly chronicle for the Irish Times, ‘a chronicle of midland life, a meta-fiction’. Sponsored by The Clifden Bookshop. Thanks to Máire and Nicole. DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 5PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
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Friday 16 / Clifden Arts Festival “the supremely talented Bryan Burroughs” ★★★★★ - The Scotsman
“vastly entertaining” ★★★★★ - Broadway Baby
“humour, sorrow, wit, warmth” ★★★★★ - Three Weeks DRAMA
Beowulf: The Blockbuster DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 7PM VENUE TOWN HALL THEATRE ADMISSION €15 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
“layered, profound and hilarious show” ★★★★★ - The List
“a virtuoso physical performance… a ripping script” ★★★★★ - The Stage
“a script of heartbreaking emotional depth.” ★★★★★ - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
Written and performed by Bryan Burroughs Developed and directed by David Horan Designed by Maree Kearns Lighting by Kevin Smith Sound Design by Philip Stewart Produced by Pat Moylan This award-winning one-man show (winner of ‘must see ‘at Edinburgh 2014) written and performed by Bryan Burroughs. ‘No props, gimmicks or special effects- just brilliant theatre!’ - The Irish Times. With more 5-star reviews than you could ever wish for, sold-out shows, and an “Acting Experience” award, Beowulf: The Blockbuster emerged as the number one show to see at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. Beowulf: The Blockbuster was the only production, out of over 3,000 shows, at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe to receive six five star reviews. Irish actor, Bryan Burroughs, was awarded a prestigious Stage Award for ‘Acting Excellence’ for his performance in Beowulf: The Blockbuster at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan. Photo Credit: Amanda Gentile, courtesy of Irish Arts Center, New York
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Clifden Arts Festival / Friday 16
Traditional Music Session with John Joe Forde and Mike Fahey Celebrating Culture Night with John Joe Forde and Mike Fahey. Clifden Arts Festival welcomes back John Joe Forde and Mike Fahey for their annual traditional Irish music session in Vaughan’s Bar. Bringing the powerful tradition of East Galway music to Connemara in what promises to be yet another powerful night! DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE VAUGHAN’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
IRISH FOLK-ROCK ACOUSTIC BAND
ALBUM LAUNCH
Nick Timothy Come and enjoy a lively night of original Blues, Folk and Soul music, as Nicholas Timothy launches his fifth album. No stranger to the spotlight Nicholas has been part of the Clifden Arts Festival for many years. Guaranteed to charm and soothe you with his original blend of music in the company of many well-loved musicians. DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 10:45PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €5
Hermitage Green The members of this exciting Irish folk-rock acoustic band are Darragh Graham, Darragh Griffin, Dan Murphy, Barry Murphy and Dermot Sheedy. Hermitage Green came together as a band in 2010 as a result of a spontaneous jam session between friends, but 2015 became their biggest year yet. Signing to Sony Music Ireland, playing sold out shows around the country and the UK, and releasing two singles ‘Jenny’ and ‘Quicksand’ , they then headed into The Mill Recording Studios to start work on their debut studio album. After six months of writing, and steered by the production talents of Phillip Magee (The Academic, Kodaline, The Script, Declan O’ Rourke) Hermitage Green and Sony Music are proud to announce the release of Save Your Soul on March 4th.
Writing together as a group and combining the creative forces of their varied musical backgrounds, Save Your Soul is an album that captures the confidence of Hermitage Green and showcases their ability to write stadiumworthy expansive and riotous songs, while also delivering heartfelt and poetic ballads, made all the more stunning by the power of their fourpart harmonies. Their unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar and banjo sets them apart as a truly original offering of Irish Music. Sponsored by John and Treena Sweeney. Thanks to Anne Marie and all the staff at the Clifden Station House Hotel.
DATE FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 9PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €20
Saturday 17 / Clifden Arts Festival
Writers’ Workshop with Colm Keegan Colm teaches creative writing to adults and to teens in secondary schools across Ireland. He contributes to RTÉ Radio One’s Arena and is currently working on his first novel. His debut collection, Don’t Go There, was released in 2012 and is available from www.salmonpoetry.com. He is one of the organisers of Lingo, Ireland’s first Spoken Word festival, taking place this October. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 9AM VENUE FOYLE’S HOTEL ADMISSION €10
Talk: ‘Getting It Right, Getting It Wrong’ 1916 from two perspectives. Talk by Dr. Martin Mansergh. Dr. Mansergh, historian, was formerly a Senator and a Junior Minister in the Fianna Fail government. He played a huge role in the formulation of government policy on Northern Ireland. He won the Tipperary International Peace Prize in 1995 for his great work. Sponsored by Dr. Ciarán and Ann McLoughlin. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 11AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Evening Trad at E.J. King’s Great Traditional Music with Paddy Buckley (banjo), David Kinsella (pipes), James Kinsella (accordion) and Michael Buckley (fiddle). Thanks to Pat Charlton and staff at E.J. King’s. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 6PM VENUE E.J. KING’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
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CHILDREN’S EVENT
Clifden Elf and Fairy Trail After having such fun on last year’s Fairy Trail, Fairy Jil, her family and friends left a message for Clifden Tidy Towns asking if they could arrange for the children to come out together again. The elves and fairies were watching the children from their safe hiding places and were delighted to see so many dressing up and having fun finding their homes. Our magical friends are delighted to be living in Clifden and love the beautiful flowers and clean streets, they are very impressed with all the work the children are doing with their green flag projects. In fact they have told Tidy Towns that they fly into the Poly Tunnel at Scoil Mhuire and around the school garden at night to see what the children have planted. They love the new bee, bug and butterfly garden and visit all the wildlife there. More fairies have moved in during the year and we need you to find them for us, as well as saying hello to our old friends. Come and learn about some of our local magical friends, fancy dress for adults and children adds to the fun. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult, fancy dress optional. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 11:30AM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €2 IN AID OF CLIFDEN TIDY TOWNS
Trad Music Workshop with Marie Walsh Trad Music Workshop by All Ireland Champion Marie Walsh. Variety of instruments welcome. Participants must be able to play tunes. All welcome to come and listen. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 12PM VENUE THE CENTRAL BAR ADMISSION FREE
Clifden Arts Festival / Saturday 17
Clifden Writers’ Group Special Arts Festival reading with Clifden Writers’ Group who are celebrating their 25th birthday and still going strong. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE FOYLE’S HOTEL ADMISSION FREE
Headford Music Works Headford Music Works bring a 40 strong orchestra with vocalists to Clifden with ages ranging from 10 to 19. An energetic programme of original compositions, classics and a mixture of popular styles will be presented under the joint leadership of Mairéad Berrill, Sorcha Walsh and Matthew Berrill. This orchestra have recently returned from Glasgow, where they represented Ireland at the prestigious ISME (International Society for Music Education) conference as part of the cross country ‘East Meets West Orchestra’ and are thrilled to be performing in the Clifden Arts Festival. Sponsored by Peter and Paula Vine. Thanks to Rev. Stan Evans. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10
Reading with Paddy Bushe and Singer Sean Garvey Paddy Bushe, a poet, editor and translator, he has won the Michael Hartnett award, Duais an Oireachtais and the Strokestown International Poetry Prize. He has published ten collections of poetry, seven in English and two in Irish, as well as four books of translations. Seán Garvey is known and acclaimed throughout Ireland as one of the country’s finest singers of traditional songs in Irish and English, as well as playing fiddle, whistle, guitar and banjo. Sponsored by Gavin Lavelle.
Book Launch and Reading by Cavanagh Foyle “Storms Cup is about a seagull, Billy, who is limited in his flying because of his fear of heights. On his 15th birthday the gift of a skateboard and an encounter with a drone opens up a world of possibility. An adventure begins and awakens a dream in him that he dared never believe could be a reality. As Billy embarks on an uncertain journey he is presented with challenges and moral dilemmas that test his limits at every turn. Each choice Billy makes shapes his future and ultimately his dreams.”
DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 2:30PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Youth Trad Music Session Youth Session led by Marie Walsh with participants from their earlier Trad Music Workshop, Clifden Youth Musicians and lots more young performers. All Welcome for an afternoon of music, song, dance, and fun! DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE TOM KING’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE HUMPTY’S BAR ADMISSION €5 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Saturday 17 / Clifden Arts Festival BOOK LAUNCH
BOOK LAUNCH / TALK
The Boy in the Mask: The Hidden World of Lawrence of Arabia (Lilliput,2016)
Art Treasures of the French Riviera by Patrick J. Murphy An Art Lover’s Guide to the French Riviera by Patrick J. Murphy and published by Artisan House is “an indispensable and informative publication that brings us on a personal, rewarding PATRICK J MURPHY and entertaining journey through some of the most beautiful works of art and architecture ever produced”. – Mick O’Dea, President of the Royal Hibernian Academy. AN ART LOVER’S GUIDE
Dick Benson-Gyles lives in Plymouth in the west of England. He was educated at Marlborough and at Trinity College, Dublin, in the early 1960s, where the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean transformed his life. He was a newspaper journalist for several years, specializing in sport. He also worked as an archaeologist in Baghdad and as a television documentary presenter. This is his first book, finding the key to his subject’s Irish identity through the little-known life of the Chapman family of Westmeath. it was acclaimed in the Irish Times by Carlo Gebler for “its sympathy with its subject” giving “a sharper, clearer portrait of Lawrence than any I had ever previously encountered.” Thanks to Anthony Farrell. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
The MexicanIrish San Patricio Celebration Celebration to honour the memory of John Reilly and the San Patricio Battalion. We will celebrate the shared culture of Ireland and Mexico through music and dance. Image: Battle of Churubusco, painting by Carl Nebel. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 5PM VENUE MARKET SQUARE ADMISSION FREE
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T O
T H E
FRENCH RIVIERA
A fully illustrated guide to the gems of the French Riviera's museums, galleries, churches, public spaces and more...
Patrick J Murphy is a passionate art collector and has amassed a lifetime’s expertise, not only through collecting and curating, but also through appointments such as that of Chairman of the Arts Council of Ireland, and as Art Adviser to the President of Ireland. His love of art was generously shared with Clifden Arts Festival in 2014 when paintings and sculpture from his private collection were exhibited in the Festival Gallery. This year, Patrick will share his passion and enthusiasm for the art and artists of the famed Côte d’Azur in his talk followed by the launch of his book, An Art Lover’s Guide to the French Riviera. The French Riviera has long attracted artists including highly influential artists such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Irish artists, Louis le Brocquy, Anne Madden, Eileen Gray, Mary Swanzy and Michael Craig-Martin. Congratulations to Mary Ruddy and Vincent Murphy of Artisan House on the success of their book Sea Gastronomy by Michael O’Meara – winner of Best Seafood Cookbook in the Gourmand Awards 2016. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 5:30PM VENUE FESTIVAL GALLERY ADMISSION FREE
Clifden Arts Festival / Saturday 17 CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT
Footsbarn on the Square Born in Cornwall in 1971 and based in France since 1989, this ever evolving troupe of actors, musicians and visual artists from all over the world have traversed the globe with their unique and joyful performances. Wherever they have wandered, this legendary travelling company has intoxicated audiences with their imagination, warmth, humour and vitality and are delighted to be returning to Clifden with their latest shows. Welcome to Paddy and Frederick, Andrew, Dominique, Kate, Naomi, Vincent, Leo, Harris, Andre Julio, Tony, Sophie and all the Footsbarn team. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 3PM VENUE MARKET SQUARE ADMISSION FREE
The Whistling Girl With the acclaimed jazz singer and actress Honor Heffernan and composer/keyboard player Trevor Knight (ex Auto da Fe), featuring musical settings of the poetry of the great American wit, civil rights activist and author Dorothy Parker. Expect to encounter an evening with a darkly sardonic and theatrical atmosphere in which Parker’s droll and sometimes heart-rending lyrics are transported into the 21st century. “Parker’s misanthropic verse is phrased in deliciously acidic terms and in disarming musical settings” – The Irish Times Sponsored by Cathal and Joan Walsh. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
The Cedartowns ‘Roots infused acousticana’ with The Cedartowns. The band, composed of Mary Nugent, Michele Nugent, Seamus Hayes, Tom Kenna, Tommy Kelly and Andrew Kennedy and based in Co. Tipperary, loves vocal harmony, colourful accompaniment and gentle good humour. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 9:30PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
John Conneely Inc. A collection of musicians and friends playing some unique renditions of some well known Big Band Jazz and Blues tunes along with some of John’s original material. With a big voice and an even bigger beard he makes every song his own. The band features a diverse range of musicians from Ireland, Poland, France and Italy and has a wellestablished residency in Galway’s Róisín Dúbh. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 10:45PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €8 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Saturday 17 / Clifden Arts Festival TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC AND DANCE
The Legendary
Kilfenora Ceílí Band Sponsored by Terry Sweeney. DATE SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 7:30PM VENUE FOOTSBARN TENT, THE SHOWGROUNDS ADMISSION €25 AVAILABLE ONLINE
“Fantastic, feel-good, happy, lively music. Irish music lovers all over the world are going to absolutely cherish this album.” – Sharon Shannon
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106 years in the business and the Kilfenora has gone from strength to strength since their Centenary! From village parties in the early 1900s right down to their current international profile in the new millennium, each new generation slots seamlessly into the groove of its forebears. The band originated in the late 1800s. At the time, music was an important feature of life in rural Ireland. Kilfenora boasted a fine brass band, which gradually evolved into a dance band. Its story is the story of Irish music itself. From village parties in the early 1900s to bigger dances in the ‘30s, broadcasts in the ‘40s, commercial recordings in the ‘50s, foreign tours in the ‘60s and ‘70s and the reformation of the band in it’s current format in the ‘90s. Kitty Linnane’s mantle passed in the ‘90s to John Lynch and under him, the Kilfenora consolidated their position as one of the world’s greatest and longest running trad bands. Their CD Set on Stone 1997 achieved Platinum status and Live in Lisdoonvarna 2002 was Irish Music Magazine’s Traditional Album of the Year. To coincide with the band’s centenary in 2009, the band was presented with the IMA Hall of Fame award. In March of 2015 they launched in the National Concert Hall an exciting, sophisticated ninth album, Now is the Hour! marking their move to a more contemporary sound and the exciting blossoming of their collaboration with vocalist Don Stiffe. 106 years in the making, their time has certainly come!
Clifden Arts Festival / Sunday 18 HERB WALK
Identify Local Herbs Learn how to identify and use local herbs. Walk led by Nicolas Kats, a USA-trained Naturopathic Doctor and a licensed acupuncturist. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 10AM VENUE MEET AT CHURCH OF IRELAND COST DONATIONS TO CHURCH OF IRELAND WELCOME
Open Aerial Workshops Ever wanted to learn to fly like Fidget Feet? Now is your chance! In this workshop for beginners you will learn the basics of aerial cocoon work. You will be introduced to basic climbs, keys and short sequences. To book a place call Ayoma Fidget Feet’s general manager on 0879887530. N.B.: Please note that you will be working in bare feet, make sure you are wearing no jewelry, and please have your hair tied back. No shorts or belly tops, tight leggings or tracksuit bottoms only.
BETTY AND THE BABY BOOMERS
Coffee Morning in aid of the Mental Health Association Arts Week welcomes back our great friends Betty and the Baby Boomers, this year helping them celebrate 30 years of singing together. Betty Boomer, Jean Valla McAvoy, Paul Rubeo, and Steve Stanne met in 1986 through Pete Seeger’s work to clean up New York’s Hudson River; bassist Robert Bard joined them after recording and playing on the group’s CD celebrating that great river. The US folk song magazine Sing Out! has praised their music as “a reminder of the halcyon days” of American folk music, and the music of Seeger, Phil Ochs, Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, and other 1960s songwriters is prominent in their sets. So also are Jean McAvoy’s original songs, one of which was included on Seeger’s Grammy-winning album with the Rivertown Kids. Over their 13 visits to Clifden, the group has added Irish songs to its repertoire, notably those of the late Connemara songwriter Barbara Callan. Expect wonderful harmonies, unique arrangements, and memorable music, made even more so with the added talents of special guests Dave Gordon and Lynn Saoirse. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 12PM VENUE ELM TREE CENTRE OTHER APPEARANCES SEE GIG LISTINGS PAGE 64
11:00–12:30 / Adult and Child (Children 4-7yrs), one adult per child / 14 pair capacity 13:00–14:30 / 8-10yrs / 21 person capacity 15:00–16:30 / 11-14yrs / 21 person capacity DATE 18 SEPTEMBER, 11:30AM VENUE CLADDAGHDUFF HALL (THANKS TO THE COMMITTEE) ADMISSION €5 PER CHILD
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Sunday 18 / Clifden Arts Festival
Reading with Donal Ryan and Siobhan Mannion Donal Ryan was born outside Nenagh in County Tipperary. His first novel, The Spinning Heart, was rejected by numerous publishers before finally being published in 2012 by the Lilliput Press. It met wide critical acclaim, has been translated into over a dozen languages and went on to win numerous awards including Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards (2012), The Guardian First Book Award (2013), and the EU Prize for Literature (Ireland, 2015). Ryan’s second novel, The Thing About December, was shortlisted for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year. Siobhán Mannion was born in Ireland, and grew up in Cambridge, England. Her mother was from Ballyconneely, and her father is from Clifden. She has published short fiction in Ireland and abroad, most recently in Granta, and The Long Gaze Back anthology. She is a recipient of a MacDowell Colony fellowship and the Hennessy Award. She works as a radio producer in RTÉ, and is currently completing a first collection of stories. Sponsored by Ronnie and Francois Miller. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Derrigimlagh Walk Celebratory Opening of the historic Derrigimlagh/ Marconi Site Looped Walk led by Michael Gibbons and Shane Joyce. Meeting point at Site Car Park. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 2:30PM VENUE MEET AT SITE CAR PARK COST FREE
Music with SingerSongwriter Gary Banks Australian singer-songwriter Gary Banks’ songs are stories of ocean landscapes, of Ireland (where he is a regular visitor/performer) and of political and environmental protest. The inspiration from wild, isolated environments is inherited from his father who grew up on the lighthouses of the south coast of Australia. Gary’s last two CD’s The Keeper and Rising Water were written while living on Errislannan near Clifden. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 3PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
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Clifden Arts Festival / Sunday 18 This concert celebrates in music and song the centenary anniversary of one of the most important events in Ireland’s historic past. The Suite is dedicated to the memory of all who died in the 1916 Rising, with specific reference to those who signed the Proclamation of the Republic. This group of poets, writers, visionaries and musicians, with a passionate love of all things Gaelic, recognised that Mother Ireland needed people who were willing to take action and, if necessary, make the ultimate sacrifice in order to obtain freedom for their beloved country. The Suite is performed by Ronan Browne on pipes, Caitln Ní Gabann on concertina, the composer on piano, his daughter Éilís on fiddle, singer Muireann Nic Amhlaidh and the RTE Con Tempo String Quartet. Narration is by the well known historian and publisher Proinnsíos Ó Duigneáin. Charlie Lennon is one of the most prolific composers of Irish music and his works have been performed by orchestras and groups in many countries of the world. This Suite, commissioned by Gael Linn and supported by Leitrim Co. Co., is his most recent work and is now available on CD on the Gael Linn label.
CONCERT PERFORMANCE
Áille na hÁille
– A Terrible Beauty A newly composed Suite in Honour of the Heroes of 1916 by Dr.Charlie Lennon DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 8PM VENUE ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH ADMISSION €20 AVAILABLE ONLINE
Sponsored by Anne Ueltschi. Thanks to Canon James Ronayne. Photo: Brian Farrell
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Sunday 18 / Clifden Arts Festival
Piano Recital with Richard Hughes Richard Hughes is a composer and pianist born in Mayo in 1996. He began composing at the age of 14. His body of work mainly consists of music for piano, string quartets and electronics. Being a member of the Irish Composer’s Collective since 2013, Richard was the youngest person to be accepted in the ICC’s 12 year history. He is currently studying Mathematics and Music in Trinity College, Dublin. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 5PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €5
Reading and Singing in the Bookies: Presenters Des Kavanagh and Pete Mullineaux Now in its 6th year this entertainment gathers an audience in Paddy Power’s that exceeds attendances there for Derbies and Grand Nationals! Poems, songs and recitation about horses, ponies and greyhounds illuminate the evening in a presentation by local and national crowd-pleasers. Paddy Powers kindly sponsor cheese and wine. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 6:15PM VENUE PADDY POWER’S BOOKMAKERS ADMISSION €5
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Irish Band
D’Bize
World class Irish band, D’Bize have enough individual experience at home and around the world to ensure they’ll go down well anywhere. From intricate melodies to stomping four to the floor, D’Bize are versatile with a very dynamic set list, range of songs, both new and old from the Folk/ Trad idiom. Yvonne Bolton, (Carlow) Neil Fitzgibbon (Athlone) and Paddy Morgan (Derry) are well steeped in Irish tune playing tradition, while a touch of Flamenco and US old-time are present at times in D’Bize tincture of tuneage. This includes newly composed tunes, traditional and some penned by the band themselves. Whilst gigging/recording at home in 2015, plus a China tour in March (Féile Shanghai, Shanghai Theatre, Senheiser Theatre, Radio and TV appearances) proved D’Bize as a viable export, playing in arts and culture crossovers. DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 9:45PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €5
Clifden Arts Festival / Sunday 18
Music Network presents
Colin Dunne, dance Tola Custy, fiddle Maeve Gilchrist, harp David Power, uilleann pipes, whistles DATE SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €15 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Music Network is thrilled to present a new collaboration between the prodigiously talented dancer Colin Dunne, fiddler Tola Custy, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power. This newly-commissioned work, is a sparkling kaleidoscope of melody and rhythm inspired by the natural sounds and shimmering patterns of light that announce Ireland’s day. ‘Edges of Light’ draws from a unique and little known Irish idiosyncrasy: the rising of the sun at Dunsink Observatory occurs 25 minutes and 21 seconds later than at Greenwich, meaning that 8 pm Dublin Mean Time occurs at 8.25 pm GMT! Step in time anyone?
Best known for his performances and choreography in Riverdance and Dancing on Dangerous Ground, Colin Dunne has toured with musical groups The Chieftains and De Dannan and performed at such venues as Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. Three awardwinning musicians from Ireland and Scotland complete the ensemble: Clare fiddler Tola Custy, one of the founding members of groundbreaking band Guidewires, acclaimed harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power, a former member of Liam Clancy’s Fairweather Band and regular collaborator with Martin Hayes’ Masters of Tradition Project. Sponsored by GMT Ireland. Thanks to Music Network Staff, Sharon, Aisling, Louise, Helen, Sarah, Deirdre and Andreas. “a fantastically articulate mover... you can’t take your eyes off him.” – The Daily Telegraph on Colin Dunne “A phenomenal harp player who can make her instrument ring with unparalleled purity.” –Dirty Linen on Maeve Gilchrist
“A languid, loose-limbed creature that creates the finest of shapes around his chosen tunes.” – The Irish Times on Tola Custy
“The sheer breadth of expression captured by Waterford piper David Power in his latest collection will be enough to stop many listeners in their tracks.” – The Irish Times
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Monday 19 / Clifden Arts Festival LECTURE
The History of Aviation Why Charles Lindbergh was not the first: Crossing the Atlantic by Vickers Vimy. The story of Alcock and Brown’s first direct trans-Atlantic flight in June 1919. Cyril Mannion is a former airline captain, fighter pilot and flight navigator who is currently a guest speaker specializing in aviation subjects. In his talks about life as an airline captain, he aims to demystify what happens on the flight deck of a modern airliner. He focuses on the human aspects; he avoids technical jargon and speaks in a light hearted, informative and entertaining way. Cyril’s aviation career spanned 42 years during which he has flown in a wide variety of airplanes and roles. His career began as an RAF navigator on Canberra and later on Hercules aircraft. Soon after his 31st birthday, he retrained to be a pilot and flew Tornado fighters. He completed his RAF career as a flying instructor on the Tornado. Sponsored by Tom King. DATE MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 11:30AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Opening The Crates – How Does An Exhibition Come Into Being? Helen O’Donoghue, senior curator with the Irish Museum of Modern Art, will discuss how an exhibition comes into being from concept to realisation, in a talk that is suitable for Leaving Certificate students. DATE MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE FESTIVAL GALLERY ADMISSION FREE
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Lunchtime Music with Pianist Michael McHale Winner of the Terence Judd / Hallé Award in 2009, Belfast-born Michael McHale has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading pianists. He has performed as a soloist with the Minnesota, Hallé, Moscow Symphony and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, the London Mozart Players, and all five of the major Irish orchestras, and performed at the Tanglewood Festival, Wigmore Hall, London, Berlin Konzerthaus, Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Lincoln Center, New York Symphony Hall, Boston and Pesti Vigadó in Budapest. Upcoming engagements include début concerto performances with the City of London Sinfonia and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. His critically acclaimed début solo album, The Irish Piano, was released in 2012 by RTÉ Lyric FM and selected as ‘CD of the Week’ by the critic Norman Lebrecht. More recent solo releases include Schubert: Four Impromptus on Ergodos, Miniatures and Modulations on Grand Piano, and a first orchestral album featuring piano concertos by John Field and Philip Hammond with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Courtney Lewis. His discography also includes releases on Delos, Nimbus Alliance, Champs Hill, Lorelt, and six duo recital albums on Chandos with clarinetist Michael Collins. Program includes: Schubert: Four Impromptus op.90 D.899 and Chopin: Etudes from op.10 and op.25 Sponsored by Conor Killeen. Thanks to Anne Fuller and the Dublin International Piano Competition. DATE MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10
Clifden Arts Festival / Monday 19
Poetry Reading with Eamon Grennan and Lorna Shaughnessy with songs by Johnny Mháirtín Learaí Mac Donnchadha Lorna, from Belfast but now living in Galway has published three collections with Salmon Press, her most recent being Anchored in 2015. Eamon Grennan taught for many years in the English Department of Vassar College. Recent collections for The Gallery Press are Out of Breath and But the Body. His latest collection from Gallery is There Now, which won the 2016 Pigott Poetry Prize at Listowe Writers’ Week Literary Festival. For the past few years he has written and directed short “Plays for Voices” for Curlew Theatre Company in Connemara. From Carna in Western Connemara, Johnny Mháirtín Learaí Mac Donnchadha upholds a long tradition of singing passed down to him from such talented neighbours as Seán ‘ac Dhonncha and Seosamh ÓhÉanaí, and is one of the sweetest, most natural sean-nós singers of our time. Sponsored by Guy’s Bar. DATE MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 4:30PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Greenshine Round off the night in the musical company of Noel Shine, Mary Greene and their daughter Ellie. Greenshine is a family trio comprising Noel Shine, Mary Greene and their daughter Ellie. Their material straddles the boundaries of contemporary, folk and roots and includes many self-penned songs. Their fast picking and close harmonies are a treat to the ear. Sponsored by Matt O’Sullivan. DATE MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Concert with the
Vanbrugh Quartet Gregory Ellis, violin Keith Pascoe, violin Simon Aspell, viola Christopher Marwood, cello Mozart Adagio and Fugue K.546 Shostakovich Quartet No.3 Beethoven Op.132 Perhaps the three greatest quartet composers are featured in this programme. Mozart’s brooding Adagio with its remarkable Fugue is followed by Shostakovich’s great third quartet from 1946. The composer suggested that this quartet was based on the recent world war, expressing how innocence was taken over by troubled anticipation, conflict and mourning, leaving only memories and the eternal question of what the sacrifice had achieved. Beethoven’s equally great A minor quartet is best known for its extraordinary slow movement, entitled “song of thanksgiving to God for recovery from an illness”. The ensuing march leads to a restless finale which, as so often in Beethoven’s music, breaks free of intense struggle to race to a triumphant close. Sponsored by Helen and Vincent Foley. Thanks to Reverend Stan Evans. Classicallinks Tour funded by an Arts Council Touring Award and supported by Lyric FM and thanks to Madeline Flanagan. DATE MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER, 8PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €15 AVAILABLE ONLINE
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Tuesday 20 / Clifden Arts Festival
‘James MacIntyre, Inishlacken, Three Men On An Island – A Legacy At Work’, A Lecture by Rosie McGurran Rosie McGurran lives and works in Roundstone village in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland where she runs a small gallery. She studied painting at the University of Ulster, Belfast and was awarded the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Fellowship to the British School at Rome in 1997/98. Photo credit: Deborah Watkins DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 10AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Lecture: ‘Mighty Bach’ by Tim Thurston The music of Johann Sebastian Bach, especially the 200 or so sacred Cantatas, formed the centerpiece of “Gloria”, Tim Thurston’s popular Sunday morning programme on RTE Lyric FM for 18 years, and has been central to Tim’s life since he sang the part of Judas in the St Matthew Passion at school. In this lecture, illustrated by some of the master’s most iconic works, he will tell the fascinating story of the life and music of the composer, the most renowned member of the largest ever family of professional musicians, father of 20 children, who is considered by so many as the greatest figure in the history of western classical music. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 11AM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10
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‘Symbolism in Ancient Irish Art’, A Lecture by Eamonn P. Kelly It is often assumed that the motifs used in ancient Irish Art were purely decorative. However, a closer analysis of the art shows that the motifs chosen were symbolic in character and illustrate the function of the object being decorated. The talk will look at motifs employed in ancient Irish Art from the Neolithic to the Early Medieval Period with a view to unraveling their symbolic functions. Eamonn P. Kelly is the former Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland where he curated the national collections of Archaeological, Classical Egyptian and Ethnographical material. He lectures to the School of Art History and Cultural Policy at University College Dublin. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 3PM VENUE FESTIVAL GALLERY ADMISSION FREE
Ragtime Piano with Colm ‘Stride’ O’Brien Colm “Stride” O’Brien plays the works of Ragtime and Stride Piano Legends Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, and Fats Waller. Colm is Ireland’s leading exponent of Ragtime/ Stride Piano and has performed regularly in the UK and USA including the prestigious Scott Joplin Festival in Missouri. Tributes to the music of Hoagy Carmichael and The Beatles will be highlights of this Concert. He will perform in the National Concert Hall Dublin on 18th Nov next. Sponsored by Ed and Mary Downe. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 3:30PM VENUE ABBEYGLEN CASTLE HOTEL ADMISSION €5
Clifden Arts Festival / Tuesday 20
Concert with the
RTE ConTempo Quartet with Guest Beth McNigh Sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10
“ In the ConTempo’s typical fashion, risks were taken, and unusual rewards achieved... the sense of something exceptional at work in the music was unmissable in this performance.” – The Irish Times
The RTÉ ConTempo Quartet is currently Ireland’s National Television and Radio Broacaster’s Quartet in Residence and is also holding a residency on the West Coast of Ireland as Galway Ensemble in Residence. Praised as a “fabulous foursome” (Irish Independent) noted for performances which are “exceptional” (The Strad) and “full of imaginative daring” (The Irish Times). The RTÉ ConTempo Quartet has forged a unique place in Irish musical life. The quartet has broadcast widely on RTÉ, BBC, TVR Romania, France Musique Radio, Mezzo, RAI Italy, ORF
Austria and Sat3 Germany, and has made recordings including music for Steven Spielberg’s drama Band of Brothers; Universal with British clarinettist Emma Johnson; Quartz, music by Osvaldo Golijov; and Spiccato Junction featuring the Irish traditional musicians Máirtín O’Connor and Cathal Hayden. Beth McNigh has performed regularly with the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Ballet Sinfonia, London Sinfonietta, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra of Wales. Beth has also worked and toured in Ireland and America with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra and Camerata Ireland with Barry Douglas. She is principal viola of the Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra and has appeared as guest principal Viola with English National Ballet and the RTÉ Symphony and Concert Orchestras. As a soloist, Beth has performed and recorded the Telemann Viola Concerto. She has also performed the Solo part in Vaughn Williams’ Flos Campi for Orchestra, Choir and Viola. Beth is a prolific chamber musician, having played regularly in string quartets since the age of nine. She was a founder member of the Guillami quartet, formed in 1998, finalists in the Royal Overseas League chamber competition in 2002 and winners of the Bulldog Scholarship for string quartets from Trinity College. They have a recording of Shostakovich, Mozart and Walton and were resident quartet at the Ludlow Festival for four years. Beth is the founder and Artisic Director of Musici Ireland. CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Tuesday 20 / Clifden Arts Festival
Reading with Mary O’Malley & John MacKenna Mary O’Malley taught on the MA programmes for Writing and Education in the Arts at NUI Galway for ten years, held the Chair of Irish Studies at Villanova University in 2013, and has held Residencies in Paris, Tarragona and New York. NUI Galway, as well as in Derry, Belfast and Mayo. She is the Frank McCourt Writer-in-Residence at the University of Limerick for 2016. She is from Aillebrack and lives in Moycullen. She has been active in Environmental education for over twenty years, is a member of Aosdána and has won a number of awards for her poetry. She writes for RTE Radio and broadcasts her work regularly. Her eighth collection Playing The Octopus is due from Carcanet in August includes translations from the Irish and Spanish, as well as elegies to Michael Hartnett and Dermot Healy. John MacKenna is the author of eighteen books – novels; short stories; memoir; biography and poetry. His current publications are By the Light of Four Moons (Poems - Doire Press) and South – an illustrated retelling of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance trip for children (Real Reads). His new collection of short stories, We Sang Once Like Other Men (New Island Books) will be published in March 2017. Sponsored by Tom Mannion. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 3:30PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
“Strolling Through Ulysses!” In Clifden One-man show with Robert Gogan as the great James. Strolling Through Ulysses! tells the funfilled story of Bloomsday – June 16 th 1904 – the iconic day around which James Joyce’s “Ulysses” is based. Written and performed by Robert Gogan Strolling Through Ulysses! guides you through the curious events and quirky characters of Ulysses, in a humorous, entertaining and informative manner, with extracts from the novel which best illustrate the various aspects of Joyce’s writing – the comical, the descriptive and the complex. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 5PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
The Ian Date Duo Jazz and Blues with Ian Date on guitar, trumpet and vocals, and Neil Ologhlen on double-bass. See also (page 51), ‘Hot Jazz and Swing Quartet – The Ian Date Django Reinhardt Tribute’ on Wednesday 21 September at 9pm, Mullarkey’s Bar. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 9:45PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
Carmel Dempsey & Friends Carmel Dempsey made her first appearance at the festival in September 1983 and since then she has performed almost every year. Playing with Carmel in Lowry’s tonights are fiddle player and vocalist Brenda Curtin and Mike Stewart on guitar and vocals. DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE LOWRY’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
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Clifden Arts Festival / Tuesday 20 Born in Cornwall in 1971 and based in France since 1989, this ever evolving troupe of actors, musicians and visual artists from all over the world have traversed the globe with their unique and joyful performances. Wherever they have wandered, this legendary travelling company has intoxicated audiences with their imagination, warmth, humour and vitality and are delighted to be returning to Clifden with their latest shows. Tickling your imagination and touching your heart, Footsbarn Theatre bring their own joyful twist to Ken Kesey’s cult novel, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Many will remember the classic film, no less memorable is Footsbarn’s Cuckoo’s Nest; a very different adaptation of this literary and big screen classic, combining the original book’s powerful narrative with the world-leading company’s uniquely comic slant and love of puppetry and masks. Prepare to be enthralled as Footsbarn enrich this timeless tale in a theatrical performance like no other.
SPECTACULAR THEATRE WITH THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED
Footsbarn
Theatre Company Cuckoo’s Nest DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 7PM DURATION 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES (NO INTERVAL) VENUE FOOTSBARN BIG TENT, THE SHOWGROUNDS ADMISSION €25 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan. We acknowledge the support of the Kilkenny Arts Festival in bringing Footsbarn to Clifden.
“Footsbarn is a theatre festival unto itself, a wonderfully eclectic mixture of styles and influences, of nationalities and cultures, all melded into a seamlessly fluid torrent of pure theatre....” – Fintan O’Toole, The Irish Times
‘They are genuinely bananas – that’s why I love them so much.” – Dominic Dromgoole, Artistic, Director, The Globe Theatre
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Tuesday 20 / Clifden Arts Festival
TRADITIONAL MUSIC TRIO
Socks in the Frying Pan Sponsored by Marguerite Courtade.
DATE TUESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
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Socks in the Frying Pan are a multi-award winning trio from County Clare on the West coast of Ireland, the universal hub of Irish traditional music. Their dynamic vocal harmonies, virtuosic musical ability and their onstage wit has captured and captivated audiences the world around. One of the most sought after groups in Irish music today, the worldwide Sock Invasion continues! Socks in the Frying Pan comprises of Aodán Coyne on guitar and vocals and the accomplished Hayes brothers, Shane Hayes on accordion and Fiachra Hayes on fiddle and banjo. This youthful trio blend Irish traditional melodies with their own personal flair which has gained them critical acclaim and accolades including ‘New Band of the Year’ by the Irish Music Association. The group have been embraced in the United States, having been booked by every major Irish festival and praised for their modern traditional style and energetic approach to music. They have a clear love for live performance which only compliments the traditional essence in their shows and makes for a truly unique form of entertainment.
Clifden Arts Festival / Wednesday 21
True North
Astronomy Ireland Talk with David Moore David Moore is Ireland’s best known astronomer, writing and broadcasting on a regular basis since the 1980s. In 1990 he founded Astronomy Ireland which has grown to become the biggest astronomy society in the world relative to population with nearly 15,000 Irish people joining in its first 25 years. Sponsored by Des and Mary Kavanagh. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 10AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €8
Screening: Fis na Fuiseoige – Lark’s View An hour-long, award-winning film, directed by Aodh Ó Coileáin (Acadamh na hOllscolaíchta Gaeilge) and produced by Marina Levitina and Colm Hogan, Fís na Fuiseoige explores the connection between people and place as expressed in Irish poetry and local lore. Recitals and commentaries by leading Irish literary scholars and poets, including Louis de Paor and Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha. Aodh will introduce the film. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 11:30AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Clifden is delighted to welcome back from Seattle, Bruce ‘Lefty’ Batten, Gareth ‘Doc’ Tabor, Dennis ‘Dusty’ Walsh, Toni ‘Tumbleweed’ London, Janet ‘Calamity’ Tabor and Ben ‘Blind Boy’ Cockman for their 11th Clifden Arts Festival. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 12PM VENUE ST. ANNE’S NURSING HOME OTHER APPEARANCES SEE GIG LISTINGS PAGE 64
FORUM’s Senior Citizens Event Celebrating older persons’ contribution to arts and culture in the community. Dinner will be followed by dance and song with Peter Carey, Liam Aspell and friends. Many thanks again to Geraldine Kelly and Yvonne Keane. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE TOWN HALL THEATRE ADMISSION FREE
LUNCHTIME THEATRE
Reading The Easter Rising The Curlew Theatre Company’s ‘play for voices’ this year presents History: Reading the Easter Rising. It takes a multi-faceted look, through documents, poems, songs, eye-witness stories etc., at not only the Rising itself but at its various violent aftermaths, bringing all to life through the simple but directly affecting medium of the human voice. Featuring again Tegolin Knowland and Sean Coyne. It is written and directed by the poet Eamon Grennan. Sponsored by John Varley. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Wednesday 21 / Clifden Arts Festival
Baskethouse: Tom Lyden Memorial The Festival’s tribute to the late poet and great friend of the Clifden Arts Festival Thomas Lyden for his family, friends and his old comrades of the Baskethouse Collective of which he was a founding member.
LUNCHTIME MUSIC
Caitlín Nic Ghabhann and Ciarán O’Maonaigh Acclaimed musicians each in their own right, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh have joined forces to create one of traditional music’s most impressive acts. The pair’s spirited music and dance is rooted in the tradition; brimming with soul and life. Through fiddle, concertina and dance, Caitlín and Ciarán breathe fire into musical pieces, combining their arts with chemistry and energy. Caitlín and Ciarán have a connection as deep as the Irish folk traditions they come out of. Their music is a joyful unleashing of talents learnt at the hearths of their parents, family and friends. Ciarán’s fiddle is complemented by Caitlín’s concertina and dance, her footsteps expertly tapping out the rhythms and elevating the duo’s musical excellence. “Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Ciarán O Maonaigh are two of the finest instrumentalists on the Irish traditional scene. Individually they are stunning but together they bring a freshness and excitement to the music that is uniquely their own.” – Robbie O’Connell (The Clancy Brothers) Sponsored by Forum Connemara. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10 48 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
This memorial of Tom’s work and his life will be celebrated with readings by David Sheihan, Carla Hunter Southwick reading Up From Poll Tolladh and Old Pier at Midnight, Olwen Fourré, Mary O’Malley, John Dunne and many more. Tom’s sister Carmel Lyden will exhibit a photo board with photographic memories of Tom’s life. Other musical performances from Sarah O’Toole, Noel Mannion, Martin Finke, Lynn Saoirse and surprise guests! Everyone welcome. Poet Mary O’Malley will launch Tom’s collection of poems entitled Dancing on Top of a Broomstick (Salmon Poetry). Special thanks to Ursula Klinger. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €5 DONATED TO HOSPICE, DUBLIN
ALBUM LAUNCH
One Penny Portion by Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola Lasairfhíona is a singer/songwriter deeply rooted in the sean-nós singing style of her home on Inis Oírr, one of the Aran Islands. Her innovative approach to Irish music and her new slant on traditional singing have been celebrated in her previous two albums; the second was nominated for a Meteor award. The result of her work is a magical mosaic of sound, as refreshing and as unpredictable as a showery day inside in Aran. She will be joined in the launch of her new album, One Penny Portion, by Lynn Saoirse on Irish Harp, and other special guests. Sponsored by Tom and Peggy McManus. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Clifden Arts Festival / Wednesday 21 Born in Cornwall in 1971 and based in France since 1989, this ever evolving troupe of actors, musicians and visual artists from all over the world have traversed the globe with their unique and joyful performances. Wherever they have wandered, this legendary travelling company has intoxicated audiences with their imagination, warmth, humour and vitality and are delighted to be returning to Clifden with their latest shows. Renowned for their colourful and anarchic adaptations of Shakespeare, Footsbarn is celebrating 400 years of the Bard and 45 years on the road with a new voyage into his unparalleled repertoire. Incomplete Works is an evening full of humour and gravitas, where anything is possible. A three headed Shakespeare, a casting of male Juliets, Falstaff and his ribald drinking partners, the seven ages of man, to see is to believe!
SPECTACULAR THEATRE WITH THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED
Footsbarn
Theatre Company Shakespeare, Incomplete Works DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 7PM DURATION 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES (NO INTERVAL) VENUE FOOTSBARN BIG TENT, THE SHOWGROUNDS ADMISSION €25 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Sponsored by Anne Ueltschi. We acknowledge the support of the Kilkenny Arts Festival in bringing Footsbarn to Clifden. Generator sponsored by Kevin Keogh Electrical.
“Footsbarn’s arrival in any town is an event in itself as they create a colourful circus atmosphere and buzz everywhere they go.” – Graeme Farrow, Artistic Director, Wales Millennium Centre
“one of the most thrilling and influential theatre companies to emerge out of the South West” – Western Morning News
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CONCERT WITH THE GREAT
Johnny McEvoy Sponsored by GMT Ireland. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 9PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €20 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Johnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent shows and his forthcoming February 2017 nationwide concert tour is eagerly awaited by his legion of fans. This nostalgic evening of song and story features all of Johnny’s many hit songs including Muirsin Durkan, Boston Burglar, Those Brown Eyes, Long Long Before Your Time plus some from his new album. His songs are haunting, evocative and beautifully presented with many in the folk and ballad style. Johnny McEvoy has been one of the most enduring and talented singer-songwriters in these islands over the past 50 years. His concert performance is second to none with his songs beautifully delivered in truly artistic fashion and story telling of the finest order. A concert not to be missed!
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Clifden Arts Festival / Wednesday 21
HOT JAZZ AND SWING QUARTET
Ian Date – Django Reinhardt Tribute
COMEDY WITH
Mullarkey’s welcomes back Ian Date on guitar, trumpet and vocals, Neil Ologhlen on doublebass, Matt Berrill on Clarinet and alto, and Arthur Beetlate on drums. Ian Date was born in Northern New South Wales Australia. He started working professionally at the age of 14 in local bands. After several years he moved to Sydney where he carved out a successful Jazz career. Ian has played all over the world, has made numerous, television radio, festival and concert hall performances and is regarded as one of Australia’s great guitar players. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 9PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €5
Jazz with Les Follies Their numerous fans have been waiting for this night and the return of Gerard Siffert (trumpet), Jacques Silvert (clarinet), Francies Guero (trombone) Gilles Chevaucherie (banjo), Bernard Brimeur (double bass) and Francois Cotin (drums). This event is sponsored by the French partner of the festival in association with Slainte, Lens, France. Many thanks to Brian, Paul and all the staff in Abbeyglen Castle Hotel and of course the energetic assistance of Didier Riez. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE ABBEYGLEN CASTLE HOTEL OTHER APPEARANCES SEE GIG LISTINGS PAGE 64
Páraic Breathnach Straight Outta Connamara is a new version of Stand Up Comedy by Páraic Breathnach in which he tells the story of his long and difficult journey from the wind swept shores of South Connamara to Sunset Boulevard. In his latest stage show Breathnach will use the stories and seanfhocla of Connamara to bring a new insight to “Life in the West”. Having survived free education and gaeltacht grants Breathnach went on to work in Agriculture, Fisheries, Catering, Theatre, Film, Radio and Television before moving into the arena of Comedy. This perhaps may be a mistake as he uses the sometimes miserable events of his life in a show which will wander from tragic stories of lost ice cream to sex, drugs agus braon le n-Ól. Breathnach’s story telling will lead the audience on a cosán dearg of detours, diversions and devilment visiting various places around the known world and end up where he started from. Connamara’s unique climate, culture and history have made it a stand out place for Fir le attitude and even though enlightened by consumerism and TG4 the Men of the West have a fair bit to go yet to be in the 21st Century. Straight Outta Connamara is the story of misery, liberation and beyond. DATE WEDNESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 11PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €5 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Thursday 22 / Clifden Arts Festival
The North Atlantic Crescent of Monks and Mountains Sailing to Greenland via the Faroe Islands and Iceland. With Paddy Barry sailor and adventurer. Paddy has undertaken many voyages including one in a Galway Hooker across the Atlantic to America. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 10AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Terry McDonagh Reading Lady Cassie Peregrina, a poetry collection that tells the story of Cassie, a border collie, rescued by Ballyhaunis ISPCA and adopted by us in 2013. We – Joanna, Matthew, Cassie and I – shared life for nine months in County Mayo, then headed for Hamburg by car via Belfast, Scotland, Newcastle, Amsterdam and, finally, Hamburg. The whole collection tells of this journey in six sections – three allocated to Cassie’s point of view and three to mine. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION €5
‘Solomon’s Knot’ in Connemara’ - A talk by Erin Gibbons, Archaeologist and Museum Consultant Lunchtime Concert with Johnny Duhan Johnny’s songs are sung worldwide in a variety of languages . Thanks to the focus put on them by Christy Moore, The Dubliners, Mary Black and hosts of other Irish and International Singers. His song The Voyage has become a modern classic. Christy Moore has termed Johnny “One of our greatest songwriters”. And the late Ronnie Drew described him as “one of my favourite songwriters”. Sponsored by O’Dalaigh Jewellers. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10
‘Solomon’s Knot’ is a decorative motif found in secular and religious contexts and has been used for several millennia. This talk will discuss the artistic, historical and spiritual context of the artwork. Erin Gibbons is an archaeologist and Museum Consultant. She has researched the art and archaeology of the west coast and has directed ten coastal excavations in Connemara. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 3PM VENUE FESTIVAL GALLERY ADMISSION FREE
Singer-Songwriter Alicia Corbett Alicia Corbett is the John Banville of songwriting. Her songs pull back the layers and delve deep into the minutiae of what it is that makes us tick. Examining the lyrics one gets the impression that each story has been painstakingly and lovingly revised and reduced down until you know she can take it no further. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 9PM VENUE THE SANDS HOTEL, BALLYCONNEELY ADMISSION €5
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Clifden Arts Festival / Thursday 22 Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley. Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive the three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901 – 1904); Terra Nova (1910 – 1913); and Endurance (1914 - 1916). Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of the Antarctic, his 36 mile, solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans and William Lashly has been described by Antarctic historians as “the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”. He was subsequently awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery. This multi-award winning show has played critically acclaimed sell-out performances in Ireland, USA, Australia, Europe and the UK. Sponsored by Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. Thanks to Patrick, Des and all the staff.
PLAY ON WORDS THEATRE PRESENT
Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer Written and Performed by Aidan Dooley. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 7PM VENUE TOWN HALL THEATRE ADMISSION €15 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
“This magnificent revelation of a fascinating character simply compels a standing ovation” – Gerry Colgan, The Irish Times Dublin
“You will go to then end of the earth to find theatre this rewarding – Murray Bramwell, The Australian
An unparalleled portrayal – Gina Bellafante, New York Times
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Thursday 22 / Clifden Arts Festival THE GALLERY PRESS READINGS
Gallery Goes... Readings with Alan Gillis, Peter Fallon and Peter Sirr, Introduced by Michael Coady As part of its ongoing reading series, The Gallery Press is delighted to present three of its longstanding poets in a memorable evening of contrasting voices: Peter Fallon founded The Gallery Press in 1970. His books include The Georgics of Virgil (Oxford World Classics) and, most recently, Strong, My Love. A member of Aosdána and winner of the O’Shaughnessy Award, he lives in Loughcrew in County Meath. Alan Gillis was born in Belfast, lives in Edinburgh and teaches at Edinburgh University. Somebody, Somewhere received the Strong Award for Best First Collection. Hawks and Doves was shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize. Here Comes the Night was published in 2010 and Scapegoat in 2014, the year he was chosen as one of the PBS ‘Next Generation’ Poets.
A member of Aosdána, Peter Sirr lives in Dublin where he works as a freelance writer, teacher and translator. The Gallery Press has published his eight collections. Awards include the Patrick Kavanagh Award, the Michael Hartnett Award and the O’Shaughnessy Award. Sway will appear in September of this year. Hear them read and avail of the opportunity to talk with them afterwards in what is sure to be a special event. Michael Coady was born in 1939 in Carrick-onSuir, County Tipperary, where he has lived all his life and where he has worked as a teacher, musician and writer. He has won numerous prizes including the Patrick Kavanagh Award in 1979 for poems for his first collection. Bursaries from the Arts Council have enabled him to travel in the USA and Newfoundland. More recently he has held a residency in the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris. His work is noted for its celebration of place, particularly his home town and the people who live there. It has also been praised for its compassion and for its successful fusion of literary language with the reported demotic of his community. Gallery Goes is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland’s Touring Grant. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 5PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Yule and McQ with the Official Receivers Greg is an exceptional musician and a talented singer-songwriter, band and session guitarist who made it through the musical mill of ‘80s groups, one-nighters, tours, record contracts and studio session work. He has now found the leisure and the lifestyle to create and develop his music in his own way. Although Greg lives a more settled life these days in rural Ireland, a setting that allows him the peace necessary for creative work, he still loves playing real live music with a real band, so you’ll often find him playing, whether with his band Ship of Fools, or else with a more ad-hoc backing group, to packed houses in small venues in Ireland, France and Britain. Mouse McHugh has played and toured for years with some great bands which include, Too Much For The White Man and The Saw Doctors. DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 9:45PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION FREE 54 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
Clifden Arts Festival / Thursday 22
One of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years, the multi-awarded winning We Banjo 3 combine supergroup credentials with a breath-taking command of the emotive power of fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo. Any single member of this group could electrify a venue with a solo performance, but together, in the joyous musical alchemy of We Banjo 3, their passionate lead vocalist like a young Springsteen adopted by the Chieftains, the result is truly unforgettable. On both sides of the Atlantic the word is out about this group. And along with the buzz, the same refrain is always heard: “See them while you can”. We Banjo 3. The new goldstandard of traditional Irish and American roots music.
“Ultra-talented Irish performers... freshness and finesse bordering on magical” – Earle Hitchner, Music Writer,
“Count yourself among the fortunate. You are about to hear something new, something fresh, something daring, something that befits the bright, flamboyant spirit of the banjo itself.” – Paul F Wells, Director Emeritus, Mid Tennessee State University
IRISH AND AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC
We Banjo 3 Sponsored by Mitchell’s Restaurant.
DATE THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, 9PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €15
Wall Street Journal
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Friday 23 / Clifden Arts Festival
Field Trip to Inishbofin Journey back in time and discover the rich and colourful history of Inishbofin on this exciting field trip to the island with acclaimed archaeologist Michael Gibbons. Return ferry at 5pm. €40 pp includes ferry, lunch stop on island is not included. Boots and outdoor gear needed. Bookings in advance to (095) 21379. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPT, 11AM SHARP - RETURNING 5PM VENUE CLEGGAN PIER ADMISSION €40 INCLUDES FERRY
‘No Crusader’ Willie Walsh talks about, and reads from, his book, recently published by Columba Press. Willie Walsh was Bishop of Killaloe from 1995 to 2010 and is now Bishop Emeritus. Introduced by Canon James Ronayne. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 11AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Guitar Recital by John Feeley Described by the Washington Post as “Ireland’s leading classical guitarist” and by Michael Dervan in the Irish Times as “a trailblazer... when it comes to the guitar and guitar-playing in Ireland”, Feeley studied at Trinity College, Dublin, Queens College of the City University, New York, and The National University of Ireland, Maynooth, where he graduated with a PhD in music. He has taught at the American Institute of Guitar, New York, Memphis State University, the Conservatory of Music, DIT and currently teaches at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. “A devoted audience rose to its collective feet at both intermission and concert’s end.” – Washington Post. Sponsored by Pat Molloy. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10 56 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
The Abbey Theatre – A Talk by Acclaimed Actor Clive Geraghty Clive has been an actor for many years. He was a student in the Abbey Theatre School of Acting in the 1960’s, and then in more than forty years in the Abbey Theatre Company he played in nearly two hundred plays, in parts big and small. In 2007 Clive took a break from his acting career to go to university. He took a Diploma in Irish, then in 2011 was awarded a first class honours degree in Modern Irish and Medieval Irish in Maynooth University. Sponsored by The Quay House. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 2:30PM VENUE CLIFDEN LIBRARY ADMISSION €5
Art Auction A selection of art will be on display in Christ Church during the course of this year’s Arts Festival and may be viewed each day. In the event that those interested in bidding for an item but who cannot attend in person on Friday 23rd arrangements will be made available to place a sealed bid in the church or to make a bid by telephone. The proceeds of the Auction will be in Aid of Omey Union of Parishes. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION FREE
SPECIAL EVENT
Poetry and Music We have pleasure in presenting a reading with three popular poets Michael Coady, Tony Curtis and Gabriel Fitzmaurice. Sponsored by Poetry Ireland. Thanks to Maureen Kennelly. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 5:30PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €5
Grand Concert with the Great Up in that Pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artists of all time in Ireland, rubbing shoulders with Bono and the Boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter.
Phil Coulter
He has performed with everyone from James Galway and the London Symphony Orchestra to Nanci Griffith and The Blue Moon Orchestra, not to mention Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein and Quincy Jones.
DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 8PM VENUE ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH ADMISSION €20 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
and Friends
Sponsored by John and Frances Corless.
Come and join Phil where he will perform new arrangements of all his favourite classic songs from The Town I Loved So Well to Steal Away with his very special guest, Geraldine Branagan. CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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PHOTO: JAMIE HOWARD
Friday 23 / Clifden Arts Festival
Rob Strong and Band Back by massive demand the great Rob Strong and Band. Going right back to the late ‘60s Rob personified the raw energy of rock and blues. His unique voice sings out wild and true!
The Great and Inimitable
Paddy Cole
with The Conquerors The virtuoso musician, singer and legendary band leader makes his first trip to the Festival. Good music can mean the difference between a good wedding and an unforgettable wedding and The Conquerors are the band to make that difference. The Conquerors are still regarded as one of the most professional working bands on the entertainment scene and have always believed in recording first class records throughout the years as far back as their first number 1 Baby Blue. The Conquerors have managed to hold their own over the years, the formula is simple “give the crowd what they want, good music, first class presentation and friendliness with the people”. The Conquerors specialise in corporate functions and the wedding market and have now introduced the lovely Lorraine McDonald as lead vocalist and sax player to the band. Sponsored by Connemara Chamber of Commerce. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 10PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €20
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Rob is rated as one of Europe’s finest soul singers and has his musical roots are in the soul of the Motown era. Thirty years on and he can still hold his own with the best of them. He travels to Sweden, Denmark and Germany regularly. He has a strong fan base in Europe and more in the USA. And he is a huge Jazz Festival favourite in Cork. In 1986 (back in the good old days of vinyl) Rob Strong’s brilliant live album Hollywood Nights achieved distinction as the longest album sleeve in the world – a three metre long gatefold containing signatures of 6,000 adoring fans. Opening for Rob tonight will be a surprise opening act of local and international talent. DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 11PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €8
Les Follies Jazz Band The Jazz band Les Follies will delight their many fans at E.J. King’s Bar DATE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 4PM VENUE E.J. KING’S BAR OTHER APPEARANCES SEE GIG LISTINGS PAGE 64
Clifden Arts Festival / Saturday 24
Lecture by Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh – 1916-2016 Taking Stock, Taking Leave Introduced by Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill. Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh is Emeritus Professor in History at NUI Galway and former Vice-President of NUI Galway. He has written and contributed to numerous publications and is a former member of the USA-Ireland Fulbright Commission. He has been visiting Professor/Distinguished Lecturer in numerous universities and is currently a member of the Council of State. Sponsored by Foyle’s Hotel. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 11AM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Fidget Feet is Everywhere Aerial acts from crane to brighten up the day, with the other outdoor acts on the square, then in the Showgrounds Fidget Feet will have an aerial rig and members of Fidget Feet will be teaching workshops. No need to book, first come drop in sessions. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 2-4PM VENUE MARKET SQUARE / THE SHOWGROUNDS ADMISSION FREE
The John Moriarty Memorial Lecture The Presence and the Poetry with the poet Moya Cannon. Moya is one of Ireland’s leading poets. She has been editor of Poetry Ireland and writerin-residence at Trent University Ontario. Her latest book is Keats Lives, published by Carcanet Press. She is a member of Aosdána. Music by Kathleen Loughnane, harp. Sponsored by Tim and Mairead Robinson. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 2PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION €10
Recital with Guitarist Redmond O’Toole Redmond O’Toole’s distinctive playing technique and instrument has seen him tour the world as soloist, member of the Dublin Guitar Quartet and guitarist with The Chieftains. O’Toole plays an 8-string guitar in the position of a cello which allows him to tackle repertoire previously unknown on the guitar alongside new interpretations of the standard repertoire. His Clifden recital includes well known favourites by Spanish composers Joaquin Rodrigo and Isaac Albeniz as well as new transcriptions of J.S. Bach and Johann Kasper Mertz. Program: Johann Kasper Mertz – La Romantique Joaquin Rodrigo – Tres Piezas Espagnola J.S. Bach – Chaconne BWV 1004 Isaac Albeniz – Asturias Sponsored by Joe and Joan McBreen. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 1PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Saturday 24 / Clifden Arts Festival
Reading with Aidan Mathews Aidan Mathews was born and raised in Donnybrook, Dublin, where he works as a Religion and Drama producer in RTE. A former student of René Girard at Stanford University, his first collection of poems Windfalls appeared in 1977, and his most recent publications include Charlie Chaplin’s Wishbone (fiction) and Fasting and Feasting (apologetics), both in 2016. Sponsored by Alan and Mary Hobart. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 3:30PM VENUE STATION HOUSE HOTEL ADMISSION €5
Readings and Launch of Fermata: Writings Inspired by Music Readings with some music and launch of Fermata, edited by poet, Eva Bourke, and writer/ broadcaster, Vincent Woods, and published by Artisan House Connemara. A ‘fermata’ in musical notation is a pause or a hold extending the length of the note played, literally a breathing space. The sixty-five contributors to Fermata write about jazz, traditional Irish music, classical, country, blues, opera, rock and pop. Amongst the contributors are regular guests and friends of Clifden Arts Festival: Moya Cannon, Ciaran Carson, Michael Coady, Theo Dorgan, Paul Durcan, Louis de Paor, Peter Fallon, Eamon Grennan, Rita Ann Higgins, Joan McBreen, Paula Meehan, Sinéad Morrissey, Mary O’Malley, Justin Quinn, Gabriel Rosenstock, and Colm Tóibin. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 4:30PM VENUE STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION FREE
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Cór Mhaigh Eo and Coda Cór Mhaigh Eo, formerly known as Mayo County Choir, was established in 1994, drawing on members from all over the county. In the early years the choir concentrated on noncompetitive performances of mainly sacred works. In 2004, former bass Brian Lennon took over as Director, leading to a change of direction for the choir with a wide repertoire ranging from 16th century choral music by such composers as, Byrd, de Victoria and Monteverdi, to contemporary choral and secular works by Whitacre, Lauridsen, Lucaszewski and Dubra. Besides a busy local schedule of performances of masses and concerts, Cór Mhaigh Eo regularly and successfully participates at International Choral Festivals in Sligo, Cork and Derry. The choir has also performed in Rome, Riga, Santiago de Compostela and Monaco. Most recently Cór Mhaigh Eo joined Ballina Chamber Choir, Dun Laoghaire Coral Society and the RTE Concert Orchestra to perform The Armed Man, to an audience of 2,500 at Knock Basilica. Coda is a Mayo-based group of seven singers and musicians who have developed their own richlyharmonised approach to vocal performance, uniquely complemented by their multi-part vocal experience gained from classical choral singing. As found on their debut CD Mouthmusic, Coda offers 7-part harmonies in an eclectic mix of musical styles including Celtic and North American music, traditional and contemporary folk songs, original compositions and popular songs from sources as diverse as Scullion, Tom Waits, Van Morrison and The Beatles. The group’s repertoire comprises both a capella arrangements and songs with instrumental accompaniment as well as traditional Irish music. Coda most recently performed at the Inisbofin Arts Festival, Doolin Folk Festival and the Middlewich FAB16 Folk Festival. Sponsored by Anne Ueltschi. DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 6PM VENUE CHURCH OF IRELAND ADMISSION €10
The Grand Parade Sponsored by Anne Ueltschi.
DATE 24 SEPTEMBER, 8PM VENUE ALL AROUND THE TOWN ADMISSION FREE EVENT
A Grand Extravaganza, the culmination of work with local schools, teachers, parents and volunteers, with LUXe, Fidget Feet, Belfast Circus, the Fanzini Brothers and on the Rig, Rob Strong and special guests. This year’s spectacular finale illuminated procession by LUXe will follow the Voyage of Sunniva – a medieval Irish Queen who fled from an invading King with her people in small boats and without navigation, to safety against all the odds. LUXe are a Processional Spectacle Company based in Donegal, Ireland. They present work that ranges from the intimate, to large scale illuminated processions. Working always out of doors LUXe draw on a dedicated group of skilled international physical performers, dancers, musicians, artists and technical crew to bring alive their visual world. Before Germany, before Mexico, comes Clifden. Also appearing The Drumshambo Samba Band. Fidget Feet take to the skies to bring you aerial acts that soar above the rooftops before we take flight across the globe. Each year we bring fun, laughter and a sprinkle of beauty. This is always one of the highlights of the Clifden parade. Followed by a Fireworks Display. Thanks to Shay. Thanks to Clifden Comhaltas for use of Gig-Rig. Thanks to Gerry and Siobhan Gannon for their help with the aerial display by Fidget Feet. Photos of parade courtesy of Paddy Howard.
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The Light Runners DATE SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 11PM VENUE MULLARKEY’S BAR ADMISSION €10
The Light Runners were formed in 2014 by Cameroonian Lazzare Mbowa the lead singer and frontman of the group whose passionate and enigmatic performances have brought people of all ages to the dance floor. The lead singer with a number of Reggae bands for over 15 years in the Congo and Germany Lazzare is the band leader and driving force on stage. Lead guitarist best known for his work with legendary Congolese Rumba bands OK Jazz and Zaiko Langa Langa as well as ‘Ireland’s most travelled African band’ The Lace, Daniel Muyombo is a true powerhouse of the electric guitar, his African style guitar solos breathing new life into many reggae classics. Affectionately referred to as “6000 volts” by his bandmates, Daniel has been electrifying audiences across Ireland and Europe with his improvisational flair. Daniel is joined onstage by his long-term friend and collaborator Oscar Fololo ‘Troca’, also from Kinshasa, the capital of the D. R. Congo. Always ‘the man at the back’ Troca has played the drum kit behind Daniel for decades, performing at shows in countries across the world, his knowledge and experience makes him undoubtedly one of the top African kit drummers working in Ireland today. Percussionist, Patrick Naughton has played 62 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
alongside Daniel and Troca in a number of bands including Guadeloupian Gwoka band Pitak. Patrick has worked as a drum workshop facilitator for over 10 years and has a number of drumming groups set-up across Munster who regularly meet to practice and perform. Saxophonist Olle Elscholtz is a music graduate from Northern Ireland and much in-demand as a live and session saxophonist. Olle has worked with many bands including The Cosmic Funk Band and Quangodelic. Rhythm guitarist Mark Fenny is a Music Graduate of UCC and works as a private music teacher and facilitator. Mark has played at many venues all over the country with a variety of acts including a number of appearances at Electric picnic and performing on the Late Late Show with Paddy Dennehy and the Red Herring in March 2016. Dave ‘the Groove Machine’ Scanlan is a man with a background in funk and jazz and has performed with The Cosmic Funk Band along with countless jazz performances with many of Cork City’s top jazz artists. Dave is a melodic and captivating bass player who brings the smooth fretless groove of Jaco Pistorius and tight funk to reggae. The line-up is completed with backing vocalist/ dancer Benita Nsudila, also from the DRC.
Clifden Arts Festival / Sunday 25
One for the Road Our last get-together of the 39th Clifden Arts Festival with Padraig McGovern, Dave Sheridan and John McCartin. Piper Padraig McGovern was taught by master piper P.J. Flood and developed his music as a member of the Ceolas Céili Band under the tutorship of Fr. John Quinn of Gortletteragh. A highly regarded tutor of the Uilleann Pipes, Padraig has toured extensively with CCÉ and recently released a new CD Forgotten Gems with Peter Carberry. Multi instrumentalist Dave Sheridan from Killargue, Co. Leitrim was described by Hot Press as having “a highly accomplished free flowing fluid style, with sound technique and solid driving rhythm”. He has recorded two highly acclaimed albums, “Sheridan’s Guesthouse” and “Drivin’ Leitrim Timber” and has recorded with many others including De Danann and Téada. John McCartin from Newtowngore, Co. Leitrim is both a guitar and fiddle player. He has played and recorded with many noted bands and artists including Lúnasa, Dervish, Eleanor Shanley and Donal Lunny. He received a First Class Honours MA in Traditional Music Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. Sponsored by Gerry and Siobhan Gannon. DATE SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, 12:30PM VENUE FOYLE’S HOTEL ADMISSION €5
Trad Music with Triskele Triskele, an all female celtic band out of Albany NY, combine their stunning harmonies with musicianship and Irish wit! The band is Noeleen, Sharon, Jenn and Vicky. DATE SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, 7:30PM VENUE E.J. KING’S BAR ADMISSION FREE
A Tri-Choral Concert of Co. Galway Choirs Present Mozart’s Coronation Mass A tri-choral concert of Co. Galway choirs and orchestral musicians under Director Mark Keane will perform an all-Mozart sacred music selection including his Coronation Mass and Regina Coeli, the first and last sacred compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus as the last event of this year’s Arts Festival. Cantairi Chonamara have already teamed up with the Galway Tribal Chamber Choir and Tuam Cathedral Choir to present this tri-choral concert in Mozart’s own Stephensdom Cathedral in Vienna last Easter to great success. With soprano Joan O‘Malley, alto Fíona Baldwin, tenor Eoin Hynes and bass Rory Costello, they have also thrilled audiences in a Galway City concert on June 2nd. Mozart took up his employment under the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg on February 25th 1779 and had his first Mass in C (K 317) composed by March 25th and then performed that Easter Sunday, April 4th . Despite the 45 minute limit imposed on him by the Archbishop, the Mass in C was taken up by the much maligned court composer Antonio Salieri and performed at the four coronations of 1790 to 1792 of the Hapsburg rulers thus acquiring its ‘coronation’ sobriquet. Cantairi Chonamara who gave sell-out performances with the Mark Keane/Aodan McGlynn partnership of Trial By Jury in Clifden Court House at last year’s Arts Festival (thanks to sponsors Kate and Noel Noonan) had previously performed a memorable Moonlight Mozart Requiem in 2008. Sponsored by Kate and Noel Noonan. DATE SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER, 7PM VENUE ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH ADMISSION €10 CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016
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Gig Listings / Clifden Arts Festival
OTHER MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AROUND THE TOWN Clifden has a vibrant music scene during the Festival. There are many gigs and sessions taking place all around the town, far too numerous for us to include in our main programme, below is a summary. Apologies to anyone not included. Details correct at time of going to print and subject to change.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Wed 21, 10pm – Les Follies Fri 23, 9pm – True North
Fri 10pm-late – Irish music and ballads with Richie, Liam & friends Sun 7pm – Upbeat Irish, Country and trad music with the Carey’s
The Central Bar
Thursday – Jarleth Hession, Michael Roach, Kevin Barry Friday – Jarleth Hession, Michael Criost Linn Roach, Kevin Barry Mannion’s Bar Wed 21, 12pm – True North Saturday – Jarleth Hession, Mon and Wed 6.30pm-8pm and Michael Roach, Kevin Barry 8.30pm-10pm – Irish Music and EJ King’s Bar Sunday – John Gerard Walsh, ballads with P. Carey & J.G. Walsh Jarleth Hession, Kevin Barry Tues 20, 4pm – Betty and The Tues 20, 1pm – Boomers Baby Boomers Thursday – Tom Wallace, Tues 6.30pm-8pm and 8.30pmThurs 22, 4pm – True North Michael McNamara 10pm and Fri 6.30pm-8pm – Trad Sat 17, 10pm – Paddy Fri 23, 4pm – Les Follies Music and Ballads with B. Holmes Buckley(banjo), David Kinsella Sat 24, 3pm – Les Follies and Banjo Player Tom Mullen (pipes), James Kinsella (accordion) Thurs 22, 1pm – Les Follies Elm Tree Centre and Michael Buckley (fiddle) Mon 19, 2pm and Thurs 22, 2pm Thurs 6.30pm-8pm and 8.30pm10pm and Sat 6.30pm-8pm – – Betty and The Baby Boomers Tom King’s Bar Irish Music and ballads with Peter Tues 20, 9pm and Wed 21 – Carey and Aidan Curran Guy’s Bar Betty and The Baby Boomers Fri 8.30pm-10pm and Sat Mon - Thurs 7-9pm – Boxwood Thurs 22 – Jazz with Les Follies 8.45pm-10.15pm – Traditional Fri - Sat 9-11pm – Boxwood Fri 23, 10pm – Les Follies Music Session and Irish Dancing Sat 24, 4pm – Youth Trad Session with Marie Walsh and Friends Humpty’s Bar Sat 24, 1pm – True North Nightly, 6:30pm-9:30pm – Vaughan’s Bar Sun 6pm-7.30pm and 8pmDinner music Sat 17 – Knights of Columbus Friday 10pm-late – Trad Session 9.30pm – Irish Music and ballads Rock Outfit with J.G. Walsh and Tom Mullen Sun 18 and Tues 20 – Rock, Blues, Saturday – Disco Ballads with Brokenstar O’Malley’s Bar Keogh’s Bar (Ballyconneely) Thurs 22, 9pm – True North Mon-Thurs 6-8pm – John Higgins Sat 24 – Dramacode Fri 16, 10pm – Trad Music from the midlands with Paddy Buckley Wed 21, 9pm and Thurs 22, 8pm – True North (banjo), David Kinsella(pipes), Walsh’s Bakery & Coffee Shop Thurs 22, 6pm – Les Follies James Kinsella (accordion) and Tues 20, 3pm and Thurs 22, 4pm Michael Buckley (fiddle) – Betty and The Baby Boomers
Lowry’s Bar
Mon 10pm-late and Sat 7pm9:30pm – Trad Irish music and ballads with Feichín and Michael Tues 10pm-late – Lowry’s Famous Trad Irish Music Session Wed 10pm-late and Sat 10pmlate – Irish music and ballads with the West Coast Trio Thurs 10pm-late and Sun 10pm – Lanseol, Irish and contemporary music with a Celtic twist Fri 8pm-10pm – Irish music
Station House Bar
Nightly – M. MacNamara, J.G. Walsh & T. Wallace, Trad Music
Station House Hotel
Nightly – Barry Ryan on piano, special guest Bernard O’Malley Fri 23, 6pm – Boomers Sat 24, 9pm – Les Follies
Steam Café
Tues 20, 3pm – Boomers Fri 23, 1:30pm – True North
Cluid
Thurs 22, 2pm – Martín Conroy and J.G. Walsh and sing-a-long with the residents. Thanks to Kathleen Mortimer. Fri 23, 12pm – Les Follies Fri 23, 5pm – True North
Griffin’s Bar Fantastic Music throughout the festival, see What’s On Connemara for their schedule.
The Sands Hotel
Thurs 22, 9pm – Alicia Corbett 64 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
Clifden Arts Festival / QuickFind Index Wednesday 14 September Guided Tour of Clifden................................................................... Starting Point: Station House Hotel....... 11am........................... p. 24 Short Film – Today........................................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 4pm............................ p. 24 Clifden Arts Festival Official Opening.......................................... Footsbarn Big Tent..................................... 8pm............................ p. 24
Thursday 15 September MoonMagic Theatre........................................................................ Station House Theatre.............................. 1pm..............................p. 25 Launch of Skylight 47....................................................................... Clifden Library........................................... 2pm.............................p. 25 Reading with John Liddy and Marie Cadden.............................. Clifden Library........................................... 4pm.............................p. 25 Concert with Colm Mac an Iomaire............................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 9pm............................ p. 26 Traditional Music with a twist – Cúla Búla................................. Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 10pm...........................p. 25
Friday 16 September Talk by Benig Mauger...................................................................... Foyle’s Hotel................................................ 10am.......................... p. 27 Special Festival Showing – The Film Mise Eire............................ Station House Theatre.............................. 12noon....................... p. 27 Reading with Pete Mullineaux and Ger Reidy............................ Clifden Library........................................... 2pm............................ p. 27 Reading by Author Michael Harding............................................ Station House Theatre.............................. 5pm............................ p. 27 Drama – Beowulf: The Blockbuster.............................................. Town Hall Theatre..................................... 7pm............................ p. 28 Hermitage Green............................................................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 9pm............................ p. 29 Traditional Music Session.............................................................. Vaughan’s Bar.............................................. 10pm.......................... p. 29 Album Launch – Nick Timothy..................................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 10:45pm..................... p. 29
Saturday 17 September Writers’ Workshop with Colm Keegan......................................... Foyle’s Hotel................................................ 9am............................ p. 30 Talk: Getting It Right, Getting It Wrong......................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 11am........................... p. 30 Clifden Elf and Fairy Trail.............................................................. Church of Ireland....................................... 11:30am...................... p. 30 Trad Music Workshop with Marie Walsh.................................... The Central Bar.......................................... 12pm........................... p. 30 Headford Music Works................................................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm..............................p. 31 Book Launch and Reading by Cavanagh Foyle........................... Hympty’s Bar............................................... 1pm..............................p. 31 Clifden Writers’ Group.................................................................... Foyle’s Hotel................................................ 2pm.............................p. 31 Reading with Paddy Bushe and Singer Sean Garvey.................. Station House Theatre.............................. 2:30pm........................p. 31 Footsbarn on the Square................................................................. Market Square............................................ 3pm.............................p. 33 Youth Trad Music Session.............................................................. Tom King’s Bar............................................ 4pm.............................p. 31 Book Launch – The Boy in the Mask.............................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 4pm.............................p. 32 The Mexican-Irish San Patricio Celebration............................... Market Square............................................ 5pm.............................p. 32 Art Treasures of the French Riviera.................................................. Festival Gallery........................................... 5:30pm........................p. 32 Great Traditional Music.................................................................. E.J. King’s Bar.............................................. 6pm............................ p. 30 The Legendary Kilfenora Ceílí Band............................................ Footsbarn Tent........................................... 7:30pm....................... p. 34 The Cedartowns............................................................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 9:30pm........................p. 33 The Whistling Girl........................................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 10pm...........................p. 33 John Conneely Inc........................................................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 10:45pm......................p. 33
Sunday 18 September Herb Walk – Identify Local Herbs................................................ Meet at Church of Ireland........................ 10am...........................p. 35 Open Aerial Workshops.................................................................. Claddaghduff Hall...................................... 11:30am.......................p. 35 Coffee Morning in aid of the Mental Health Association......... Elm Tree Centre......................................... 12pm............................p. 35 Reading with Donal Ryan and Siobhan Mannion...................... Station House Theatre.............................. 1pm............................. p. 36 Derrigimlagh Walk.......................................................................... Meet at Site Car Park................................. 2:30pm....................... p. 36 Singer-Songwriter Gary Banks....................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 3pm............................ p. 36 Piano Recital with Richard Hughes.............................................. Church of Ireland....................................... 5pm............................ p. 38 Reading and Singing in the Bookies............................................. Paddy Power’s Bookmakers...................... 6:15pm....................... p. 38 Áille na hÁille – A Terrible Beauty.................................................. St. Joseph’s Church..................................... 8pm.............................p. 37 Irish Band D’Bize............................................................................. Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 9:45pm....................... p. 38 Music Network Concert................................................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 10pm.......................... p. 39
Monday 19 September Lecture – The History of Aviation................................................ Station House Theatre.............................. 11:30am......................p. 40 Music with Pianist Michael McHale............................................. Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm.............................p. 40 Talk by Helen O’Donoghue............................................................ Festival Gallery........................................... 2pm............................p. 40 Reading with Eamon Grennan and Lorna Shaughnessy........... Station House Theatre.............................. 4:30pm........................p. 41 Concert with the Vanbrugh Quartet............................................ Church of Ireland....................................... 8pm.............................p. 41 Greenshine........................................................................................ Station House Theatre.............................. 10pm...........................p. 41
Tuesday 20 September Lecture by Rosie McGurran........................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 10am.......................... p. 42
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QuickFind Index / Clifden Arts Festival Lecture: Mighty Bach by Tim Thurston....................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 11am........................... p. 42 Guided Tour of Clifden................................................................... Starting Point: Station House Hotel....... 11am........................... p. 24 The RTE ConTempo Quartet with Guest Beth McNigh........... Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm............................. p. 43 Lecture by Eamonn P. Kelly............................................................ Festival Gallery........................................... 3pm............................ p. 42 Ragtime Piano with Colm ‘Stride’ O’Brien.................................. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel............................. 3:30pm....................... p. 42 Reading with Mary O’Malley and John MacKenna.................... Station House Theatre.............................. 3:30pm.......................p. 44 “Strolling Through Ulysses!” In Clifden....................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 5pm............................p. 44 Footsbarn Theatre – Cuckoo’s Nest................................................ Footsbarn Big Tent..................................... 7pm............................ p. 45 The Ian Date Duo............................................................................ Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 9:45pm.......................p. 44 Carmel Dempsey and Friends........................................................ Lowry’s Bar.................................................. 10pm..........................p. 44 Socks in the Frying Pan................................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 10pm..........................p. 46
Wednesday 21 September Astronomy Ireland Talk with David Moore................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 10am.......................... p. 47 Screening: Fis na Fuiseoige – Lark’s View...................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 11:30am...................... p. 47 True North........................................................................................ St. Anne’s Nursing Home.......................... 12pm........................... p. 47 FORUM’s Senior Citizens Event.................................................... Town Hall Theatre..................................... 1pm............................. p. 47 Caitlín Nic Ghabhann and Ciarán O’Maonaigh......................... Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm.............................p. 48 Theatre – Reading The Easter Rising........................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 2pm............................ p. 47 Baskethouse: Tom Lyden Memorial............................................. Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 4pm............................p. 48 Album Launch by Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola.............................. Station House Theatre.............................. 4pm............................p. 48 Footsbarn Theatre – Shakespeare, Incomplete Works.................. Footsbarn Big Tent..................................... 7pm............................p. 49 Concert with the Great Johnny McEvoy...................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 9pm............................ p. 50 Ian Date – Django Reinhardt Tribute........................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 9pm.............................p. 51 Jazz with Les Follies......................................................................... Abbeyglen Castle Hotel............................. 10pm...........................p. 51 Comedy with Páraic Breathnach................................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 11pm............................p. 51
Thursday 22 September The North Atlantic Crescent of Monks and Mountains................. Station House Theatre.............................. 10am...........................p. 52 Guided Tour of Clifden................................................................... Starting Point: Station House Hotel....... 11am........................... p. 24 Lunchtime Concert with Johnny Duhan..................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm..............................p. 52 Terry McDonagh Reading.............................................................. Clifden Library........................................... 2pm.............................p. 52 Talk by Erin Gibbons....................................................................... Festival Gallery........................................... 3pm.............................p. 52 The Gallery Press Readings............................................................ Station House Theatre.............................. 5pm............................ p. 54 Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer................................................... Town Hall Theatre..................................... 7pm.............................p. 53 Singer-Songwriter Alicia Corbett.................................................. The Sands Hotel, Ballyconneely.............. 9pm.............................p. 52 We Banjo 3......................................................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 9pm.............................p. 55 Yule and McQ with the Official Receivers................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 9:45pm....................... p. 54
Friday 23 September Field Trip to Inishbofin................................................................... Starting Point: Cleggan Pier..................... 11am sharp................ p. 56 No Crusader....................................................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 11am........................... p. 56 Guitar Recital by John Feeley......................................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm............................. p. 56 Talk by Acclaimed Actor Clive Geraghty...................................... Clifden Library........................................... 2:30pm....................... p. 56 Art Auction....................................................................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 4pm............................ p. 56 Les Follies Jazz Band........................................................................ E.J. King’s .................................................... 4pm............................ p. 58 Special Event – Poetry and Music................................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 5:30pm....................... p. 56 The Great Phil Coulter and Friends.............................................. St. Joseph’s Church..................................... 8pm............................ p. 57 Paddy Cole with The Conquerors................................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 10pm.......................... p. 58 Rob Strong and Band...................................................................... Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 11pm........................... p. 58
Saturday 24 September Lecture by Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh................................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 11am........................... p. 59 Recital with Guitarist Redmond O’Toole.................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 1pm............................. p. 59 Fidget Feet is Everywhere............................................................... Market Square / The Showgrounds........ 2pm-4pm................... p. 59 The John Moriarty Memorial Lecture.......................................... Station House Theatre.............................. 2pm............................ p. 59 Reading with Aidan Mathews........................................................ Station House Hotel.................................. 3:30pm.......................p. 60 Readings and Launch of Fermata.................................................. Station House Theatre.............................. 4:30pm.......................p. 60 Cór Mhaigh Eo and Coda............................................................... Church of Ireland....................................... 6pm............................p. 60 The Grand Parade............................................................................ All Around The Town................................ 8pm.............................p. 61 The Light Runners Band................................................................. Mullarkey’s Bar........................................... 11pm........................... p. 62
Sunday 25 September One for the Road.............................................................................. Foyle’s Hotel................................................ 12:30pm..................... p. 63 A Tri-Choral Concert – Mozart’s Coronation Mass................... St. Joseph’s Church..................................... 7pm............................ p. 63 Traditional Music with Triskele.................................................... E.J. King’s Bar.............................................. 7:30pm....................... p. 63 66 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
Clifden Arts Festival / Map of Venues 5
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R341
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venues 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel Alcock & Brown Hotel Central Bar Church of Ireland Claddaghduff Hall (via Westport Road 12.6km) Clifden Community School Clifden Library Clifden Station House Hotel Clúid Town Hall Theatre Criost Linn Centre E.J. King’s Bar Elm Tree Centre Festival Box Office / Festival Gallery Foyle’s Hotel Griffin’s Bar Guy’s Bar Humpty’s Bar Keogh’s, (via R341 Ballyconneely, 9km) Lowry’s Bar Mannion’s Bar Market Square
23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.
Mullarkey’s Bar O’Malley’s Bar (Atlantic Coast) Paddy Power’s Bookies Office Footsbarn Tent (The Showgrounds) St. Joseph’s Church Station House Theatre Steam Café Tom King’s Bar Vaughan’s Bar Walsh’s Bakery & Coffee Shop Connemara Sands Hotel (Ballyconneely, 8.5km) Inn To The West (on right, follow signs)
The Art Trail listing of exhibition venues will be available in the Connemara tourism guide What’s On during the festival and will be available at the Arts Festival Caravan on Market Square.
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Friends of Clifden Arts Festival The staff and Board of Management, students and parents of Clifden Community School, Clifden; the staff of Scoil Mhuire NS, Clifden and all the primary schools who are involved in preparing for the Grand Parade - Aillebrack, Ballyconneely, Cashel, Claddaghduff, Cleggan and Roundstone. Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Sean Kyne T.D., Noel Grealish T.D., Catherine Connolly T.D., Senator Trevor O’Clochartaigh, Senator Hildegarde Naughton, Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Cllr. Thomas Welby, Cllr. Seamus Walsh, Cllr. Joe Folan, Cllr.Tom Healy, Cllr. Niamh Byrne, Cllr. Noel Thomas, Davide Terlingo (Head of Dance, Circus and Street Acts), Liz Meaney (Head of Festivals), Regina O’Shea, Natalie Byrne, Bernie O’Leary - The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Jane Queally, Frank Fahey, Padraic McCormack, Alcock and Brown Hotel, Martin and Rita Acton, Aquinas College - Michigan, Angler’s Return, Aisling House, Anne Beatty, Kathleen Aspel (Cluid Housing Association), Jim Avcone, Sr. Agnes, Charlie Bourke, Kevin Barry, Ben Baun House, Fr. Ronnie Boyle, Ben View House, Jonathan Broderick, Enda Broderick (Lightnet - festival broadband), Mary Banotti, Tommy Burke, Orla and Wayne Baylis (Upstairs Downstairs Coffee House), Angela Bane (Bane Mullarkey), Dave Beecher, Lynda Burke, Louise Borre, Ayoma Bowe, Alice Black (Manager AIB, Clifden), Amanda Burke (All Things Connemara), Clifden Tourist Office (Barbara Ward and Jeanie Linnane), Johnny Coyne (CEO – FORUM Connemara), Marie and Joe Coyne, Charles Conneely (Digital Office), Martin Casey, Josie Conneely, Maureen Chambers, Paddy Collins, Laurance Conneely (Cleggan Claddaghduff Festival of the Sea and the Claddaghduff Hall Committee), Fergus Cahill, Packie Conneely, Seamus and Mary Cullen, Michael and Kathleen Conneely, Anne and Pat Casey, Joe Conaty (FORUM Connemara), Martin and Lourdes Conneely, Bernie Coyne and staff at the Fatima Hospital Clifden, Maggie Courtade, staff of the Clifden Day Care Centre, Clifden Fire Service Chief Gerard King and Clifden Fire Service members (Niall Gallery, Sean Heanue, Kenny Flaherty, Adam Conroy, Joseph Acton, Brendan Mullen, Michael Carey, Vinny Heffernan, Dave Bann, John Heffernan and David McNamara), Dr. John and Brenda Casey, John Crumlish (Galway Arts Festival), Connemara Community Radio (Grainne O’Malley, Colleen Curran and all the volunteers), Sean and Rosalind Coyne, Cregal Art, Clifden Gardaí, Jim Carney, John Conneely, Breeda Cunningham (Arts Office Galway County Council), Connemara West Plc, Oliver Coyne, Louise Coyne (Clifden Glen), John Costello, Cashel Credit Union, Paddy Joe and Pam Conroy, Dolphin Beach Country House, Michael Delahunty (The Inn to the West), David Delahunty (The Inn to the West), Design Platform, Josephine DeCourcey, Fr. John Dunleavy SMA, Philip and Mary Ryder Davies, Mary Donnelly, Michael Dolan (Elm Tree), Tony Dawson, Veronica Downes, Marie Donoghue, Bernie Dignam, Áine Egan, Rev. Stan and Rosemary Evans, Keith Finnegan - Galway Bay FM, Pat Fallon, Dr. Sophie Faherty, Billy Foyle, Mark Foyle (Rosleague Manor), Fr. Raymond Flaherty, Stephen Foyle (Foyles’ Hotel), Veronica Folan, Vincent Fahy (ESB, Clifden), Mary Foyle and all the staff at Criost Linn Centre (Ability West), Anthony Farrell (Lilliput Press), Alan Farrell (Galway Co.Co.), Eddie Foyle, Paul Fahy (Galway Arts Festival), Michael Fitzsimons (Fáilte Ireland), Bronagh Flynn, Dearbhaile Flynn, Annemarie Leonard and all the staff of the Clifden Station House Hotel and Theatre, Fidget Feet, Fearghus Foyle (Connemara Aerials), Jason Foyle (Mullarkeys Bar), Margaret Flannery (Arts Assistant, Galway & Roscommon Education and Training Board), Stuart and Margaret Freeman, Martin Farragher, Christine Folan (Clifden Glen), Tom Grealy, Sean Gavin, Galway Arts Centre, Carmel and Michael Gaughan, Claire Griffin (Steam Café), Pat Charleton and all the staff at E.J. King’s Bar, Pat Guy, David Griffin, John and Jeanette Glynn, Erin Gibbons, Hugh and Eileen Griffin, Bobby and Truly Gilmore, Niall Gibbons (CEO Tourism Ireland), Marilyn Gaughan (Galway Capital of Culture 2020), Stephen and Mary Gibbons, Helen and Lorcan Geoghegan, Laura Griffin (Claddaghduff NS), Eileen Halliday, Sandia Joy and staff at St. Anne’s, Paul Hughes, Lol Hardiman (Arts Festival window display), Brian Hughes, Mike Harding BBC Radio, Brian and Michele Hehir, James Harrold (Arts Officer Galway City Council), Padraic Heanue, Sean Heanue, Sr. Immaculae, Bernie Jefferies (Clifden Library), Neasa Joyce (President - Connemara Chamber of Commerce), Sean Joyce, Delia Joyce, Kevin Joyce, Aidan Joyce, Emer Joyce, Valerie Joyce, Damien Joyce, Mary Joyce, Oliver Joyce (GMT), David McNamara (GMT), Lucy Johnson, Brendan Joyce, Joseph Joyce Auctioneers, Derval Joyce, Julian Jefferies, Peter Jefferies, Mary Kelly - Principal, Clifden Community School, Peter Keane (for broadband installation), Michael and Anita Keane, Yvonne Keane (FORUM Connemara), Alan King (Steam Café), Anna King, Helen King, Gerry King, Frank Kelly, Kingstown House, Maureen Kennelly (Poetry Ireland), Brendan Kelly, Malachy Kearns, Jackie and Carmel Kenny, Maureen Kelly, Tony Kiely (Connemara Journal), John and Margaret Kelly, Malachy King, Eamonn King, Paul Keogh (Clifden Library), Jim Killcrest, Brendan Keogh (Keogh’s Ballyconneely), Tom and Des Kenny, Geraldine Kelly (FORUM Connemara), Bro. Kenneth, Mrs. Mary P. Kileen, Eamonn and Anne King, Noel and Madeline King, King’s Paper Shop, Micheal King (Dun Rí Guesthouse), Christina Kennedy, Cathy Keane (FORUM Connemara), Tom King, Mary Kirby (St. Joseph’s Parish Office), Padraic Lyden, Gavin Lavelle, Joe Lynch and Noel Kavanagh (SuperValu), LUXe, Kathleen Loughnane, Eilish Lowry, Patricia Jean Lacey, Kurt Lydon (Galway County Council), Lough Fadda Guesthouse, Dara McAleer (Scoil Mhuire, Clifden), John McDonnell, Fergal McGrath and staff at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, Vincent Murphy, Fiona Monaghan (Failte Ireland), Bernadette Mullarkey (Bane Mullarkey), Sean Mulkerrin (IT Support), Pat and Antoinette Murphy, Eamonn and Theresa McLoughlin, Michéal and Grace McDonagh, Úna McCarthy (Director - Limerick City Gallery), Maurice Maloney, Tom and Peggy McManus, Feichin Mitchell, John McDonough, Fr. Francis Mitchell, Bro. James Mungovan, Mallmore House, Pat and Jean Mullan, Karen Mannion (FORUM Connemara), Tom McHugh, John McMenamin, J.J. and Kay Mitchell, Music Network (Deirdre, Sharon, Andreas, Niamh), Augusta McCabe, Joanne McGrath, Cailin and Teresa Mitchell, J.J. and Caitriona Mannion, Petria McDonnell, Ronnie Millar, Ellen McDonagh, Declan Moran, Noel Mannion (What’s On), Seamus Mannion, Francie Mannion, John Malone, Tony Mullen, Judy Murphy (Connacht Tribune), Martin V. Mannion, John McDonagh, Yvonne McGuire, Maureen Maloney, Aislin Meehan (Bill Whelan’s office), Johanne Mullan, Sharon and Declan Maher, Valerie Mahon, Neil McLoughlin, Mary McNamara, Niall Malone Couriers, Robert Mitchell, Sean Nee, Michael Nee, Kate and Noel Noonan, Mrs. Nolan, Patrick O’Flaherty (Ballynahinch Castle Hotel), Ciara O’Mahony (Fáilte Ireland), Mairtin O’Cathain (Connacht Tribune and Galway Bay FM), Bro. Oswald, Martin O’Connor, Dr. Gearóid Ó’Tuathaigh, Colm O’Brien, Brendan O’Sullivan, Aine O’Neill, Sheila and Peter O’Toole, Sean O’Farrell, Michael O’Neill, Henry O’Toole, O’Dowd’s Restaurant, Aidan and Máire O’Halloran, Dave and Mary O’Shaughnessy, Claire O’Shaughnessy, Fionnula O’Shaughnessy, Emer O’Shaughnessy, Brian O’Malley, Padraic O’Sullivan, Jane O’Hanlon, Mary O’Donoughue, Maeve O’Toole, Bridie O’Neill, Helen O’Donoghue - IMMA, Aoife O’Dhallaigh (Connemara Journal), Keith O’Connor, Gerry and Betty O’Malley, Breandan O’Scanaill, Rory O’Connell - Findhorn, Rory O’Toole, Jonty O’Dallaigh, Jim O’Malley, Tina and Donal O’Scanaill, Tommy O’Sullivan (Galway County Council), Anthony and Christina Previté, Paddy Pryce, Mike and Sharon Prendergast, Patrycja Pietraszewska, Jonathan Powell (All Things Connemara), Niamh Philbin and the Connemara Pony Breeders Society, Brian Quinn (Failte Ireland), Lorna Roberts, Máiréad and Tim Robinson, Ciarán Ryan (Piano Tuner), Tom Reapy and staff at the Clifden Post Office, Paddy Roe, Aidan Reade (Sound), Brendan and Virginia Ridge, Barry Ryan (Festival videographer – Limelight Productions), Canon James Ronayne, Bernhard Sanders (festival archivist), James Sullivan, John Stanley, Lorna Siggins, Shamrock Dry Cleaners, Alan and Sandra Shattock, Raymond Schley, John and Treena Sweeney, Mary Smyth, Michael and Iris Taylor, Terry Sweeney, Georgie Thompson, Brian Thornburgh, Vassar College, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderlee, Sean Vaughan, Kathleen-Villiers Tuthill, Vaughan’s Hotel, Danny Vaughan, Pat and Margaret Walsh, Mary Claire Walsh, Michael Walsh, Melissa Wallace (FORUM Connemara), Tim Warbout, Marie Walsh, Walsh’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Joe Woods, Joe Young, John Brennan, Rodney Thompson, David Warren, Pam Finn at ThinkPR, Joan Ann Lloyd. 68 C L I F D E N A R T S F E S T I V A L 2 0 1 6
ANNE UELTSCHI
BILL & DENISE WHELAN
JOHN SWEENEY EJ KING’S, CLIFDEN
TERRY SWEENEY
Joe and Joan McBreen
FORUM Connemara Ltd
PROVIDERS OF BROADBAND INTERNET TO THE FESTIVAL
GMT IRELAND
CLIFDEN GLEN
ACTON CONSTRUCTION
EDWARD AND MARY DOWNE
CLIFDEN BOOKSHOP
HELEN AND VINCENT FOLEY
ABBEYGLEN CASTLE HOTEL
MARGUERITE COURTADE
FOYLE'S HOTEL
CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE HOTEL
SUPERVALU, CLIFDEN
CLIFDEN LOTTERY FUND
BOBBY AND TRULY GILMORE
PADDY POWERS BOOKMAKERS
RONNIE AND FRANCOISE MILLAR
ALCOCK AND BROWN HOTEL
CATHAL AND JOAN WALSH
KATE AND NOEL NOONAN
JOHN AND FRANCES CORLESS
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.
We are very
Clifden Arts Festival Committee
our generous sponsors
Artistic Director Brendan Flynn
grateful to Atlantic Coast Hotel – John Varley, Alcock and Brown Hotel, Michael and Toni Barrett, John Corless, Cullen’s Bistro & Coffee House, Celtic Crafts, The Central Bar, Stephen and Celia Cullinane, Clifden Supply Centre, Rosemary Carr, Clifden Lotto, Edward R. Jr. and Mary Downe, Faul Guest House, Ann Fuller, Helen and Vincent Foley, Gannon Sports, GMT Ltd (Oliver Joyce and David McNamara), Alan and Mary Hobart, Tom Healy, Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), Kavanagh’s Super Valu, Conor Killeen, Des and Mary Kavanagh, Dr. Ronan Kavanagh, Tom King’s Bar, Lavelle Art Gallery, Lowry’s Bar, Ronnie and Francoise Millar, Des Moran Butchers, Dr. Ciarán and Ann MacLoughlin, Eamonn McLoughlin, Declan Mannion - Mannion’s Bar, Pat Molloy, Tom Mannion, Tom and Peggy McManus, Mitchell’s Restaurant, Kate and Noel Noonan, Michael Nee Bus Hire, Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, Shane O’Grady (Guy’s Bar), O’Dallaigh Jewelers, Catriona and Patrick O’Toole – Buttermilk Lodge, Poetry Ireland, Paula and Peter Vine, The Quay House, Tim and Mairead Robinson, Paul and Anne Summerville, Steam Café, Chris Shanahan - TOPAZ (Westport Road), Stanley’s, Vassar College, Sean Vaughan Vaughan’s Bar & Restaurant, Cathal and Joan Walsh - Walsh’s Bakery and Coffee Shop. And last, but by no means least a BIG thank you to the legion of voluntary helpers without whom it would be impossible to stage the Clifden Arts Festival.
Chairman Des Lally Secretary Karen Mannion Treasurer Percy Hyland Programme Coordinator Eunan Gill Health and Safety Officer Gerard King Primary School Coordinator Eily O’Grady Secondary School Coordinator Carmel Hanley Visual Arts Curator John Durning Operations/Staging Manager Danny Vaughan Breandan O’Scanaill, Ursula Flynn, Catherine Lowry, Mary Ruddy, Marie Mannion, Carol Ann Joyce, Caitriona O’Broin, Gerry Claffey, Nicola Snow, Keith Roache, Mary Keating, Mary McDonagh (box office), Pam Finn (Social Media). Special thanks to the staff of the Clifden Community School and primary schools for their kind cooperation and involvement over the years. Programme Design and Website Development Noel Mannion - noelmannion.com 2016 Poster Design
Design and Concept, Joe Boske. Graphic design and photography by Annik Webber. Thanks to Fearghus Foyle for the photo of Clifden.
Cover 2016 poster detail, Joe Boske / Annik Webber. Typography Noel Mannion.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this programme, the organisers of Clifden Arts Festival can accept no responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies - neither can they be held liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon the contents of this programme. Details are correct at the time of going to print - updates can be found on clifdenartsfestival.ie/events.
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39TH CLIFDEN ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 - VISIT CLIFDENARTSFESTIVAL.IE
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