September 13th–15th, 2013

www.gerrywhelanweekend.com

Cootehill, County Cavan is again looking forward to an event– packed weekend of traditional music, song and dance as the 9th Annual Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend fast approaches. The popular annual festival, which will see local musicians and some of the top names in the music and singing tradition taking part in events to pay tribute to the late Gerry Whelan, who was actively involved with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann since the organisation was founded in 1951.

This year, the festival will welcome some new artists such as Maurice Egan from Kerry (button accordion) – former Senior All– Ireland champion; Nóirín Uí Shúilleabháin, from Connemara, one of the finest exponents of whistle playing in the world of traditional Irish music; Síoda – a very talented group of young musicians who hail from all various parts of Ulster. These new names will join a host of other well–known artists who have made the annual trip to the festival for the last number of years.

Events over the weekend include a Memorial Concert and official opening. Also, workshops on Fiddle, Banjo, Button Accordion, Tin Whistle and Flute, Caint agus Comhrá, Singing/Storytelling and CD launch. Also included are Oiche Cois Tine night with music, singing and dancing, Folk Club, Street Music and Marching Band Parade. There will be Pub music sessions throughout the weekend. In this year of the Gathering, the organisers welcome all visitors to come and enjoy the Ceol Agus Craic at this great weekend.

Full details of events at the Gerry Whelan Memorial Weekend may be found on www.gerrywhelanweekend.com or for further information on the events, workshop bookings and concert tickets, contact: Geraldine Whelan–O’Meara Tel: 085 776 6217.