18th Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend
The 18th Gerry Whelan Memorial weekend will take place in Cootehill from September 13-15.
The very popular and established event in a mainstay on the traditional music calendar in Cavan and Monaghan and brings many visitors from far and near.
The weekend’s activities commemorate the late Gerry Whelan, a successful local entrepreneur and lifelong traditional music supporter who was active in founding Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 1951.
He served President of the organisation’s Ulster Council for 30 years.
The Friday Memorial Concert and Official Opening will see guest artists including accordion maestro Fergus Bogue & Friends, Cootehill CCÉ Senior and Junior groups, Geraldine Whelan-O’Meara & Friends, and the Ray Lawlor Family.
Cavan’s own Fergus Bogue from Ballinagh, an All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Champion, is joined on the night by fiddler and multi-instrumentalist Ademar O’Connor, flute and piano specialist Barry Conaty and Daire Smith on bodhran and songs.
The Lawlor family led by Ray and Fionnuala includes the immensely talented young fiddle playing sisters Ciannait and Edie. For Edie, another all-Ireland winner, 2024 has been a big year indeed, having seen her land a starring role in ‘Fidl Ghorm’, an acclaimed new Irish-language moviethat wowed the crowd at its recent Galway Film Fleadh premiere.
The popular Damhsa, Ceol and Craic in St Michael’s Hall at 2.30pm on Saturday 14 is a free event from the Rafter School of Dancing.
Meanwhile, anyone keen to improve their own instrumental skills can take part in the Workshops with accomplished tutors on fiddle (Ademar O’Connor), button accordion (Fergus Bogue), tin whistle/flute (Barry Conaty) and bodhran (Daire Smith).
The many activities around the town will include Singing & Storytelling, Caint agus Comhrá, Street Music, Recitals, the Rambling House and Folk Club events and the Sunday Mass and CCÉ Wreath Memorial, while all the pubs will be alive with music sessions throughout the weekend.
Organisers give thanks to sponsors Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Inishfree Dance Shoes, Cavan Arts, Cavan County Council and pubs in Cootehill.
For more details visit gerrywhelanweekend.com or check Facebook for ticket price. For workshop enquiries phone Loreto (087) 858 6773 or Sandra (087) 772 3595.