Cootehill to host 17th Gerry Whelan weekend
Firmly established on Cootehill’s calendar, the Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend (September 8-10) celebrates the best of Irish traditional music, song and dance.
Commemorating the late Gerry Whelan, a successful entrepreneur and active in the founding of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 1951, who served as President of the Ulster Council for 30 years, the 17th iteration of this popular festival opens with a Memorial Concert on Friday evening.
Guest artists include headliners Bríste, as well as support acts in singer Francis Kennedy, the Rafter School of Irish Dancing, visiting Scottish singers, Ray Lawlor, Geraldine Whelan-O’Meara and friends, and Cootehill CCÉ’s Senior and Junior groups. St. Michael’s Hall, admission €12.50, 8pm. The Bríste trio of Alison Crossey (bodhrán and guitar), Emma Robinson (flute and whistle) and Joanna Boyle (banjo and songs) are world renowned, and their well-received debut single ‘Sidetracked’ last year was followed by countrywide performances continuing throughout 2023.
Frances Kennedy from North Kerry meanwhile is one of the country’s most popular traditional storytellers, singers and entertainers, and along with the concert appearance, the All-Ireland Storytelling Champion is expected to entertain punters with impromptu performances in pubs about town over the weekend.
Damhsa, Ceol, Craic
The Damhsa, Ceol and Craic in St Michael’s Hall at 2.30pm on Saturday is a free event with performances from The Rafter School of Dancing, alongside an informal music session with contributions from Cootehill CCÉ, Ray Lawlor and family, and the festival’s Workshop Tutors.
All the pubs will be alive with music sessions and songs, and many activities around the town will include singing and storytelling. Caint agus Comhrá, street music, recitals, the Rambling House and folk club events, will be ongoing, while anyone keen to improve their instrumental skills can take part in any number of workshops with accomplished tutors on fiddle (Sinéad Finnegan, Monaghan), button accordion (Gary Curley, Fermanagh), tin whistle/flute (Aishling O’Reilly, Fermanagh) and banjo/mandolin (James Finnegan, Monaghan).
On Sunday from 3pm, at St. Michael’s Hall, a Damhsa, Ceol agus Craic session will be led by the workshop tutors joined by The Rafter School of Irish Dancing and other artists. At the same time, the local library will host a 3pm Caint agus Comhrá Come along & speak or learn a Cúpla Focal.
“The organisers give thanks to sponsors Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Inishfree Dance Shoes, Fáilte Ireland, Cavan Arts, Department of Tourism, SSE Airtricity and pubs in Cootehill, pubs, cafes and food outlets who have supported the weekend's festivities,” says Martin Whelan, Chair of the memorial weekend organising committee.
Visit gerrywhelanweekend.com or look it up on Facebook for ticket prices and further details; for general enquiries phone Loreto (087) 858 6773 or Sandra (087) 772 3595.
Information on the Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend and online bookings for workshops may be found on the website: www.gerrywhelanweekend.com Contact details for General Enquiries, Workshop Bookings and Concert Tickets: Loreto McMenamin 087-8586773 or Sandra Sherlock 087-7723595.