M CRACKEN SUMMER SCHOOL C
2012 23/7/2012 - 28/7/2012
www.mhicreachtain.com
Thanks Funders and Sponsoorss
Management Committee: A.J. Hughes (Chair), Maighréad Ní Chonghaile (Secretary), Máirtín Mac Cathmhaoil (Treasurer), Committee members: Rev Bill Shaw and Dónall Ó Madáin.
fficer McCracken Cultural Society Irish Language Offic & Development Sub Committee: Ray Giffen, Dónall Ó Madáin, Stephen Cash, Conor Ó Cinnéide, Michael Bonner, Baz Ó Catháin, Eamon Murray, Fionntán Mac Coitir, Daithi Ó Cinnéide, Martin Barrett agus Barry Mc Caffrey.
Special thanks to: We would like to give a huge, heartfelt thanks to the McCracken Cultural Society development officers both past and present, the management committee, our brilliant team of teaching staff and volunteers, our funders, principally the Arts Council of Northern Ireland,Foras na Gaeilge, Department of Foreign Affairs Dublin, Belfast City Council, our venue partners, the headline and support artists who make the Summer School what it is and every single individual and organisation who has lent support in any way in thirteen years of existence. We would like to express in particular sincere thanks to the Rev Bill Shaw and the committee of the 174 Trust, who occupy the site of what was formerly the Duncairn Presbyterian Church, for their fullest co-operation in facilitating the Summer School.
Prograammee Design Tony and Pauline Bell - Solas Nua
A Word of Welcome from the Chair
As Chair of the McCracken Cultural Society, it gives me great pleasure to introduce this year’s programme and, even though I say it myself, we have a wonderful and exciting programme of events lined up for you all. This year, for the first time, we shall be using St Malachy’s College for the Irish Course for adults as well as the 174 Trust premises. St Patrick’s College, Bearnageeha, continue with their generous cooperation in providing us with a venue for our course for teenagers and children. Both St Malachy’s and St Patrick’s have appointed new Principals and we extend our congratulations to David Lambon and Paula Stewart in their new posts and we are delighted at their support and enthusiasm in aiding our own efforts. There will also be a concert in an institution next door to St Malachy’s, namely the Crumlin Road Gaol where a host of musicians will ‘visit’ us during the week: Róisín Elsafty, Dónal Lunny, Máirtín Ó Connor and Scottish singers Sinèag MacIntyre and Mairí Hall. There will also be the Writers’ Night, a book launch, a film night, a family drama, a multicultural day, a visit to the City Hall, a concert at The Black Box and the School will draw to a close with a Dinner and Céilí in the Europa Hotel on the Saturday night. So please browse through the programme and come to as many events as you can.
Dr A.J. Hughes MA, MèsL, PhD Chairperson of the McCrracken Cultural Society
Intensive Irish-language course for adults Monday 23 July - Friday 27 July 174 Trust & St Malachy’s College, Antrim Road, Belfast
As part of the McCracken Summer School programme an Intensive Irish-language course will take place from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th July 2012. There will be five levels of classes: Based at the 174 Trust. • Complete Beginners • Beginners Level 1 • Intermediate Level (lower) Based at St Malachy’s College. • Intermediate Level (higher) • Advanced Level Classes are between 10.00 and 4.00 each day. Tea and coffee breaks served at both venues with lunch being served at 174 Trust. The teaching team are: • Dr Fionntán de Brún • Dr Art Hughes • Dr Seán Mac Corraidh • Dr Nioclas MacCathmhaoil • Pádraig Mac Fhearaigh • Máirtín Mac Grianna • Philomena Gorman • Caoimhe Ní Chathail Fees: £35.00 (or £25.00 concessionary). The fee will include tuition for the entire week. The McCracken Cultural Society can only facilitate 150 persons on this course. It is advised to book early to secure a place.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
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Irish language Summer Camp for teenagers Monday 23 July - Friday 27 July St Patrick’s College, Antrim Road, 10.00pm – 4.00pm / £30
The Gaeltacht experience right here in north Belfast. “I really enjoyed the camp last year, we had great fun. I met loads of new friends during the week” Young People are the life blood of our community. In north Belfast we are privileged to have a vibrant and flourishing community of young people who are passionate about their language and culture. Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain want to nourish that energy and enthusiasm. The Campa teaching staff and facilitators are all fully vetted professionals and qualified teachers. Co-0rdinator: Cáitlín Ní Ruanaidh Teaching team/facilitators: Andrea Ní Uiginn (St Dominics College), Claire Nic Adhaimh (Scoil an Droichid), Rónán Ó'Scolláin (Colaiste Feirste), Oonagh Nic Lochlainn (Scoil an Droichid) Hey - Remember to pack your lunch!! Discounts available.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Art and Drama
Monday 23 - Friday 27 July Art workshops for children through the medium of Irish St Patricks College, 619 Antrim Road, 1.30pm – 4.00pm / £20 Children taking part in this workshop (run through the medium of Irish) will be given the opportunity to explore, and have fun with a variety of materials. Some of the materials we will be working with include recycled materials, clay, paint and mixed media. Everyday we will work with different materials. Workshops are conducted by experienced teachers / facilitators: Fiona Ní Mhaoilir, Nicola Dougan, Yvonne Kennan and Fiona Goggin
Drama workshops for children through the medium of Irish St Patricks College, 619 Antrim Road, 10.00am – 1.00pm / £30 Nuala Ní Néill and Niamh McGurk from Aisling Óg Theatre school will facilitate this weeks drama sessions. Nuala has worked with CCMR for the past 2 summer schools and is delighted to be back again this year. The skills acquired by the children during the week will include stage craft, vocal exercises and set/prop making and will culminate in the retelling of Clann Lír through our end of week performance on Friday afternoon.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Irish language classes, learning, craic and fun for children from English-medium primary schools Monday 23 - Friday 27 July St Patricks College, 619 Antrim Road 1.30pm – 4.00pm / £12 A fantastic opportunity for children from English-medium primary schools to attend our week long, fun and action packed youth club. The programme is professionally designed to introduce children to the language as well as help those already with some Irish to develop their competency. The Club Óige will be facilitated by qualified & vetted staff.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Classes September to December 2012 & January – May 2013
Classes run for a term of 15 weeks and cost £30.00 per term. You can request an enrollment form from ray@mhicreachtain.com MO R N I N G S Monday, Wednesdayy & Frriday 10.30 – 12.30pm. Coffee Mornings with Craobh Naomh Pádraig. All Welcome. Tuesday: 10.30 – 12.30pm Women’s Conversation Group EVENINGS Monday: 7.00pm – 9.00pm Irish Beginners. 7.00-9.00pm Irish Conversation Class (Higher Intermediate) Tuesday: 7.00 - 9.00pm Club Óige (11-16 yrs) Wednesday: 7.00pm – 9.00pm Beginners Irish level 3 7.00pm – 9.00pm Irish language (Intermediate) 7.00pm – 9.00pm Advanced Irish Thursday: 7.00pm – 9.00pm Beginners: level 1 Sunday: 7.30pm – 9.00pm Ardrang Comhrá (Advanced conversation class)
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Singing Workshops
Monday 23 July - Friday 27 July Main Hall, 174 Trust, 1.30pm - 4.00pm / Free admission Sean-nós singer and musician from Gaoth Dobhair and winner of the Corn Uí Riada prize at the November Oireachtas 2009, Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde from Gaoth Dobhair will facilitate this traditional singing workshop. He acquired his unique native singing style from Caitlín Ní Dhomhnaill and Annie Eoghain Éamoinn. Participants will have the opportunity to learn popular and historic Gaeltacht songs in Doimnic’s native style. (Monday 23 July - Wednesday 25 July, 1.30pm - 4.00pm) EVERYONE WELCOME
Griogair Labhruidh is a traditional Scottish Gaeilge singer who sings in the style of the Southern Hebredies. He also plays the guitar and bagpipes and composes his own pipe music as well as Scottish Gaelic songs and poetry. (Thursday 26 July - Friday 27 July, 1.30pm - 4.00pm) EVERYONE WELCOME
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Opening Night with Noriana Kennedy Band & Tremolo Monday 23 July
Black Box, 7.30pm / £10 Tús maith leath na hoibre We are delighted to introduce to the Belfast audience two new acts that we believe are amongst the very best in the country Noriana Kennedy Band. Noriana represents the new generation of Irish folk singers with an engaging and unique songbook that crosses oceans from Waterford to America, Scotland and a thousand heart worn places in between. She is one of Ireland’s most prominent voices in our thriving roots music scene. Her stunning band includes revered Galway singer songwriter Noelie McDonnell, Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa) and Nicola Joyce (lead singer with Irish contemporary group Gráda). Tremolo are: Dónall Donnelly (fiddle), Doncha Moynihan (guitar) Stijn van Beek (Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistle) Karl Nesbitt (Bodhran, Flute, Bouzouki). “Tremolo is an act of creating a “shudder-effect” in music as in the tremolo arm of a guitar. It is also a name of a group of four guys accomplished in their own solo projects…. musicians from the traditional Irish music scene. Technically they are amazing but couple that with their love for melodic and passionate sound -Tremolo become a dragon that breathe fire into the scene and remind us: this is what Irish music should sound like.” www.blackboxbelfast.com
T: 02890 749688
www.norianakennedy.com
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.tremoloband.com
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The Gaels at the Gaol Wednesday 25 July
Crumlin Road Prison, 7.30pm Crumlin Road Gaol has traditionally represented everything that was negative and divisive about society. But a positive dawn is about to rise when the doors of the North Belfast prison are thrown open for an evening of Gaels at the Gaol. The cream of Irish and Scottish musicians are set to unite on July 25 for a very special one-off night of music and culture inside the walls of the historic prison. Leading the music on the night will be the legendary Governor of Irish trad Dónal Lunny. “Prisons like Robben Island in South Africa, Alcatraz in San Francisco and Auschwitz in Poland have all been transformed from places of hatred and negativity into meccas for positivity and learning. “Making music in prisons is nothing new, remember Johnny Cash in San Quentin and Leonard Cohen’s legendary gig in Kilmainham Gaol in 2010. “Why can we not do the same with Crumlin Road Gaol! “It’ll be a very special night with Irish and Scottish musicians coming together to celebrate all that’s good about our cultures. “It’s such a unique event I just hope people won’t be breaking down the walls to get in!” Joining Dónal on stage will be legendary Connemara box player Máirtín O’Connor, award winning sean-nós singer Róisín Elsafty, Scottish Gaelic singing sensation Sinèag MacIntyre accompanied by pianist Mháirí Hall and local trad supremos Barry Kerr, Shane McAleer & Eamon Murray. T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
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The Festival Club Set Dancing & Sessions at Belfast’s legendary Madden’s Bar Music Sessions Monday 23 July - Friday 27 July, 9.00pm Set Dancing with Eamon Maguire Wednesday 25 July, 9.00pm - late Some of the best known names in trad music will be on hand throughout the duration of the festival (Monday July 23 to Friday July 27) for the legendary sessions at Madden’s Bar. If there’s one bar in Belfast that has been to the fore in nurturing and developing the local trad scene it’s Madden’s. Its seven nights a week sessions are quite rightly regarded as being among the best in the country with local musicians Barry Kerr, John McSherry, Breandan O’Hare, Shane McAleer, Darragh Murphy, Ruairí O’Kane, Ryan O’Donnell, Dessie Adams, Meabh O’Hare, Stevie Dunne, Jarlath McTernan, Laura Kerr, Beoga, the Rapparees, Fran Morton & Bernie Stocks all regulars at Madden’s. If there’s a trad gig on in Belfast you can be assured that as soon as the performance is over the first thing on the musician’s mind is a pint and a few good tunes in Madden’s. Don’t just take our word for it! Come and see for yourself and maybe bump into the likes of Michael McGoldrick, Eddi Reader, Damien O’Kane, Four Men and a Dog, John Spillane, Guidewires, Buille, Dónal Lunny, Karen Casey, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh or Pauline Scanlon. Madden’s Bar, 74 Smithfield, (90244114)
T: 02890 749688
www.facebook.com/maddens.belfast
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
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Blasta at the Festival Club Thursday 27 July
Madden’s Bar, 9.30pm / £7.50 Pauline Scanlon/ Donogh h Heennessy/ Damien Mullane/ Sinèag MacIntyre/ Mhairi Hall/ Ciara MccCrickaard/ Stephen Rooney One of the highlights of the festival takes place on Thursday July 27 at Madden’s when Pauline Scanlon makes a welcome return to Belfast. Hailing from the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht in Kerry, Pauline is regarded as one of Ireland’s best trad and contemporary singers having toured with Sharon Shannon, Lumiere and John Spillane. Pauline will be joined on stage by guitar supremo Donogh Hennessey and box player Damien Mullane who started playing the box in west London and is now a member of Frankie Gavin’s new De Dannan. Sineag MacIntyre is regarded as one of Scotland’s best young Gaelic singers having been nominated as Gaelic Singer of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. She will be joined by pianist Mháirí Hall, whose creative emotive compositions capture a real and rare beauty in Scottish music. Ciara McCrickard was raised in Castlewellan with the tradition of Ulster music and song pulsing through her veins. Even at this young age she’s already a stalwart of the culture scene and now passes on her fiddle and singing skills to a new generation by teaching the Irish language, song and music. Stephen Rooney has already claimed countless All Ireland medals on guitar and banjo as well as the Danny Kyle award at the Celtic Connections Festival.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
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Europa Hotel: Dinner & Céilí Saturday 28 July 7.00pm / £40 Scoil Samhraidh will finish another year of events with a special dinner and Céilí Mhór in the Europa Hotel on Saturday July 28. Education through the Irish medium is of great importance in the life and future of our nation, so the aim of this event is to raise much needed funding on behalf of the Irish medium sector, and in particular this year to support Gaelscoil na Deirge. Gaelscoil na Deirge is a newly established school which is not yet recognized by the Department of Education, but which continues to survive through the ongoing fundraising efforts and generosity of the local community. This year’s event is jointly organized by Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain and Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta. As in previous years, we are hoping for continued support from the Irish–speaking community from across the country so that we can collectively send out a positive message promoting everything that is good about this community.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Oíche Airneáil Friday 27 July
Cumann Chluain Ard, Hawthorn Street, Belfast, 9.30pm / Free Admission What is an oíche airn neáil? Think of a dark night, then add a roaring fire on the hearth. Picture a cosy room, full of friends, candles flickering and drinks flowing. Most importantly think of the most beautiful music you could ever encounter, singing of the traditional sean-nós style, some with musical accompaniment and some without. Songs that delve deep into the old Irish tradition, each one telling a story from a time long past, a story that is kept alive by the music. Joining us on this very special evening are: Sean-nós dancers Gearóid Ó Dubháin and Pádraig Ó Dubháin, sean-nós singers Noeleen Ní Cholla and Máire Ní Choilm as well as a host of special guests.
T: 02890 321873
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
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Bilingual Film Night Tuesday 24 July
174 Trust Hall, 7.30pm / Free Admission An evening showcasing the work of some of the countries most talented young film makers. We are delighted that Sorcha Nic Giolla Mhuire and Áine Ní Churtáin will join us to give a short introduction to their work. Cloigne Trad: Length: 30”29’ This is an inspiring documentary based on the revival of traditional music in Ireland amongst the younger generation today. The programme is an insight into the musical traditional in Ireland, which is going from strength to strength today, and it shows the truth of Irish proverb, ‘Praise the youth and they will prosper.’ Director: Sorcha Nic Giolla Mhuire An Chultúrlann: Length: 30” The story of An Chultúrlann, from its humble beginnings housing Belfast’s first Meánscoil to its current status as the most vibrant Irish language and cultural centre in Ireland. Producer: Kathryn Baird, Imagine Media
Director: Mal Marken
Mo Chuisle, Mo Chrroí: Length: 25"53' An Irish Language documentary focusing on the evolution of the relationship norms between older and younger generations. Director: Áine Ní Churtáin
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Family Drama: Clann Lir Thursday 26 July
174 Trust Hall, 7.30pm / Free Admission A special evening of entertainment for the whole family with the superb Branar Theatre Company. Clann Lir: A father’s love for his children is at the heart of this beautiful re-telling of the ancient tale of Clann Lir. In this vivid production Branar focuses on the fairytale elements of the story: A father’s search for his children; Magical transformations; 3 chances to break a spell; and much more. This magical tale is told with puppetry, vivid imagery and enchanting newly composed live traditional music. Directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
Book Launch & Talk with Roger Blaney “ Presbyterians and the Irish Language” Tuesday 24 July 174 Trust Hall, 1.00pm / Free Admission We are delighted to welcome Roger Blaney to present a short lecture on his well known book ‘Presbyterians and the Irish Language’. The book focuses on the significant impact Presbyterians had on the Irish language here in Belfast and especially the roll they played in the preservation of the language in the eighteenth century when it was under threat and shows how their efforts were key to the survival of our language. It also discusses the positive relationship between Presbyterians and the Irish language, culture and history in this city, a relationship which is still growing and flourishing to this day.
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
International Day A celebration of cultural diversity in Belfast Wednesday 25 July 174 Trust Hall, 1.00pm / Free Admission This event celebrates the culture of the many communities now residing in the city. Come along with the family and experience the music, dance and of course the foods of our modern and culturally rich city. There will be people from every corner of the world and they will bring with them a range of food for our pleasure. There will, of course, be food from our own corner of the world, the ubiquitous stew, champ and other tasty morsels. Aside from the Irish options there will be a chance to sample a variety of world cuisines. On the day we will have the opportunity to experience culture and food from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. This celebration will showcase singing, dancing and cuisine of our thriving multicultural community. So be sure to be with us for what promises to be a truly memorable event! ALL WELCOME
T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
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Fountain Street
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The Night of the Scribes Thursday 26 July
La Boca, 6 Fountain St, 7.30pm / Free Admission Eoghan Ó Néill: Although he is widely known for his journalism, Eoghan wrote the play ‘Úr Te Bruite’ in 2002, which Aisling Ghéar toured with North and South of the island. The play focuses on the issue of corruption within politics with the mayoral election in Belfast as a backdrop to the storyline. Eoghan has had two books published by Coiscéim Feirste, ‘Cathracha’ 2008 and ‘Cathracha I gCéin is I gCóngar’ 2011, and at the minute he is working on a collection of short stories.
Meadhbh Ní Eadhra Despite her young age, Meadhbh is already recognized as a professionally renowned writer. For a number of years she worked as a regular columnist with the news papers, Lá, Lá Nua and Foinse and she is currently writing for the national newspaper Gaelscéal. Her first novel ‘Rua’ was published in 2003 and her award winning novel ‘Fáinne Fí FíFí’ was published in 2008 by Móinín. In 2006 she was awarded 5 prestigious awards at the Oireachtas Literary Festival.
Máirre Diinnyy Wren Máire Dinny Wren is a poet from Cois Cláidí in Gweedore. After spending a number of years in London she returned to Ireland in 1999 and has been living in Gweedore for the past couple of years. Máire wrote her collection of poetry ‘Ó Bhile go Bile’, published by Coiscéim in 2011, she also won the O’Neill poetry competition for her poem ‘Lúb ar Lár’ in the same year. In recent years a number of Máire’s poems and short stories have been published in Irish Journals and magazines and in 2012 her short story ‘Ag Téarnamh Chun Baile’ won the Foras na Gaeilge prize at the Lios Tuathail Literature Festival. She is also a founding member of Gweedore’s Writers Circle. T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
www.mhicreachtain.com
A Tour of Belfast City Hall Buildings as Gaeilge Tuesday 24 July
Belfast City Hall, 5.00pm / Free Admission This tour has been arranged in co-operation with Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Department and offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Irish language and culture within the walls of the city’s most iconic building. Places for the tour are limited so please book early.
History Tour with Philip Orr and Jack Duffin Saturday 28 July 9.30am – 3.30pm / £7 Throughout the 18th century Ireland groaned under the Penal Laws. Catholics could not vote, practice law or have access to higher education, and endured many other human rights abuses. Many of these abuses were shared with the Presbyterian community, who also had to pay a tithe to the Anglican Church of Ireland. Growing disquiet throughout the 18th century led to demands for reform by the Society of United Irishmen who were formed in Belfast in 1791. Inspired by the French and American revolutions they took up arms when their demands were rejected by the British government. Visit the sites and locations of this epic event in Irish history. Limited places available, bookings in advance. T: 02890 749688
eolas@mhicreachtain.com
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Further Information Bookings It is advisable to book early as numbers are limited. For details and bookings contact: The McCracken Cultural Society, Teach Mhic Reachtain, 156 Antrim Road, Belfast. BT15 2AH Tel: (028) 9074 9688 E-mail: eolas@mhicreachtain.com www.mhicreachtain Venues 174 Trust, Duncairn Avenue, Antrim Road, Belfast St Malachy’s College, 36 Antrim Road, Belfast St Patrick’s College, 619 Antrim Road La Boca, Fountain Street, Belfast Crumlin Road Prison, Crumlin Road, Belfast Cumann Cluain Ard, Hawthorn Street, Belfast The Black Box, Hill Street, Belfast Madden’s Bar, 74 Smithfield, Belfast Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast Most events will be held in the 174 Trust, St Malachy’s College and St Patrick’s College, unless otherwise stated. Check programme for details Disclaimer Cumann Cultúrtha Mhic Reachtain accepts no responsibility for any injuries which may result from any event connected with The McCracken Summer School. Accommodation For all your accomodation needs contact the McCracken Cultural Society on 028 9074 9688. Please note we have a limited list, so it is advisable to contact us as soon as possible. Disability McCracken Cultural Society is a disability friendly organisation.