March 2nd – 4th, 2012
www.johnjoemaguire.com

Based in the scenic village of Swanlinbar in West Cavan, which is situated in the valley between the Cuilcagh and Slieve Rushen Mountains. Geologically, Swanlinbar is part of the famous Marble Arch Geopark. In bygone days it was very famous for it’s sulphur spa wells and in the 1780’s people travelled from all over Ireland to take the waters. The interest in spa wells gradually died out but the spa well at Drumod near the village is still used by many locals to this day. The local comhaltas branch hopes to bring a revival of the music, song and dance to an area traditionally steeped in this great heritage! John Joe Maguire was widely regarded and respected as one of the greatest flute players in Ulster. He was a humble, talented musician whose music touched many in the South Fermanagh and West Cavan area and his legacy will live on through this festival been held in his memory.

The Festival programme is as follows:
On the Friday Evening March 2nd at 8pm, the launch concert will feature the famous Cathal McConnell, (life long friend of the late John Joe), Martin Quinn and Gerry O’Connor. Ril Og from Longford will also perform.

Saturday morning March 3rd will start off with music workshops with Kavan Donohoe, Junior Davey, Gareth Tierney, Leanne Drumm and Mickey Curran to name but a few. Breege Flynn will also be holding set dancing workshop and Aoife Flynn, Sean nos dancing workshop. On Saturday evening there will be a céilí with the Copperplate Céilí Band.

On Sunday March 4th, there will be a Comhaltas Mass followed by a craft fair, Aughkillymaude mummers, story telling and much more! In the afternoon there will be a flute workshop with Marcus O’Murchu and Cathal Lynch will take a traditional singing workshop. There will be music in all the pubs throughout the weekend. Join us for the first annual John Joe Maguire Memorial Weekend in Swanlinbar!

For further information www.johnjoemaguire.com