County Hall hosts Irish Musicians during Seachtain na Gaeilge

Fingal County Council hosted a night of traditional Irish music on Tuesday, March 10, as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge. Musicians Paudie O’Connor, Aoife Ní Chaoimh and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail performed in County Hall along with musicians from Craobh Sean Treacy Comhaltas.

Paudie O Connor and Aoife Ní Chaoimh are an accordion and fiddle duet from County Kerry. Their music is heavily influenced by The Sliabh Lauchra musical tradition of East Kerry and North Cork. Caoimhín Ó Fearghail is a multi-instrumentalist who comes from An Rinn in the west Waterford Gaeltacht. Caoimhín was the 2012 recipient of the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award (Gradam Ceoil TG4). 

The night started off with music and song from the very talented young musicians of Craobh Sean Treacy Comhaltas. Paudie O Connor, Aoife Ní Chaoimh and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail then performed an array of wonderful Irish tunes and songs including Midstream and the Letter Home.

The attendance included Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien and Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly.

During his opening speech in Irish, Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Eoghan O’Brien spoke about the importance of the Irish Language to him saying: “The Irish language is very important to me as it is at the heart of our culture. Over the last number of years, I have been working to revive the good standard of Irish I had when I was at school, so I can use it with my children who I will be sending to a Gaelscoil.”  

Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Fingal County Council is committed to supporting the promotion of the Irish Language within the Council and the County. To this end we provide training for staff to ensure that they can provide a quality Irish language service, as well as organising and hosting Irish Language events and Pop up Gaeltachts at festivals. Events like tonight provide a great way for our community to celebrate the Irish language as well as enjoy this wonderful traditional music.”

The concert was one of several Irish Language activities that took place in Fingal for Seachtain na Gaeilge with events in Swords Castle, Ardgillan Demesne and in Fingal County Libraries. Local community groups also organised events throughout the county.  

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Please Note

The Seachtain na Gaeilge events referred to all took place prior to the Government’s announcement on March 12 of measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).