The twenty-fifth anniversary of the death of the revered singer-songwriter, Liam Weldon, was fittingly marked by a simple but well constructed film by Derek Copley and the Ballyer Trad Hub from Ballyfermot, Dublin.
Ómós: Diarmuid Ó Cathasaigh
News of the passing of Diarmuid Ó Cathasaigh, Uachtaráin, Howth Singing Circle, was quickly echoed around Ireland and beyond. He was a much-respected singer – go háirithe amhráin i nGaeilge – and dramatic deliverer of recitations.
Rita Gallagher: The Linnet beyond the Bluestacks
Though widely acclaimed as one of Ireland’s leading traditional singers, Rita Gallagher has never been tempted to make a full-time career out of her undoubted gift. The reason is quite simple, singing is her passion – not her profession.
Ómós: Kieran Halpin
Singer-songwriter and guitarist, Kieran Halpin, died on Monday October 5, aged 65, in Munich. Based in Germany in recent years, Kieran was born in Ardee, Co. Louth and began playing clubs at the age of 15.
Carmel’s musical tribute to the town of Sligo
instrumentalist, Carmel Gunning, features many of her own compositions along with some classic traditional tunes.
Becoming an Irish traditional musician
Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician: Learning and Embodying Musical Culture by Dr. Jessica Cawley combines the narratives of twenty-two Irish traditional musicians of varying ‘vintages’ with intensive field research to explore the rich and diverse ways traditional musicians hone their craft.
The Fireman Fiddler
Macdara Yeates’ fine new film on the life of the remarkable “fireman fiddler” Tommie Potts may never have come to fruition if the Covid-19 lockdown had not cancelled all live performances in the second quarter of the year.
Ómós: Martin Mulhaire
Renowned composer and musician, Martin Mulhaire, died in New York on September 12.
Mouldy launches new website on Irish songs
Ethnomusicologist, John Moulden, has launched a new website, John Moulden On Irish Songs, where he intends to post many of his published articles and papers accumulated over a lifetime of research and study.
Outlining the scope and purpose of the new site, John says: “I’ve been writing and talking about Irish songs for over fifty years. For some of those, friends have been suggesting I gather my published work together. I’m afraid these suggestions have now been acted upon. Under pandemical pressure, I’ve constructed a website.
“At present it has some introductory items built into a structure which, I hope, can be easily followed. Eventually, with a few items added each month, it is intended to hold house all my papers and a good number of presentations.”
‘Mouldy’ says that the material on the site is to be quarried, “according to each user’s interest and inclination, though it would be best to start at Home and follow suggestions.”
While he encourages engagement and debate, he points out that his full arguments may only become clear when all of the material has been posted.
‘John Moulden On Irish Songs’ is available online at https://johnmouldenonirishsongs.wordpress.com/.
Ómós: Chris Droney
The acclaimed Clare concertina master, Chris Droney died at the age of 95 during the night of Wednesday September 9. Following a short illness, Chris died peacefully surrounded by family at the University Hospital in Galway.