High Kings singer Finbar Clancy has lent his voice to a contest to write an new song, this is part of the Clancy Brothers Festival which will run in Carrick on Suir during the final week of May. Three finalists will be selected from the entries and they will have their song performed at the opening night of the festival which is on Tuesday May 27th.
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www.comhaltas.ie

Easter 2014 is the Millenium of the death of Brian Ború at the Battle of Clontarf. There will be an all island celebration based on four key towns, Killaloe where he was born, Cashel where he rose to power as the King of Munster, Clontarf where he was killed and Armagh where he is buried.

To mark the millennium celebration Comhaltas has commissioned Boróimhe from composer Michael Rooney. The work will be performed at Bru Ború Cashel on April 24th (sold out already). and at Dun Ulad on April 22nd.

In a joint initiative from the GAA and Comhaltas, traditional music song and dance are to be key elements in the mix for Limerick’s City of Culture programme.

Micheal O’Riain, the Limerick GAA Irish Officer, said that it was essential that traditional Irish culture be prominent on the City of Culture offering in 2014. “We are delighted to come together with Comhaltas because it is important in this special year for Limerick,” he said. Adding that he hoped members of the sporting organisation would use the event to work on their Cupla Focal. The GAA will host the senior Scor Munster final in the City’s Concert Hall in UL on Sunday March 30th. Mr. O’Riain welcomed the return of Scor to the Shannonside city after a considerable absence, “not since the days the Savoy Theatre” he said.
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www.bbc.co.uk

BBC Folk Awards 2014 held on February 19th gave their lifetime achievement awards to Martin Carthy and Clannad. The awards ceremony saw the creation of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Hall of Fame, recognising the special contribution of an individual to the world of folk music; someone whose impact and influence has had a lasting impression. The first entrant to be inducted into the Hall of Fame will be Victorian song and dance collector Cecil Sharp – widely regarded as a key figure who helped lay the foundations for the first folk revival in the early 20th century.

You can see clips form BBC Folk Awards online including a performance by Clannad at www.bbc.co.uk

www.thehenrygirls.com

Following a busy 2013 of touring Ireland, the UK and Europe, the Donegal folk and roots trio have released their latest album Louder than Words in February 2014 to a growing international audience.

Louder than Words brings together some of the intricate components that The Henry Girls’ music is best–known for. Three part harmonies sit warmly alongside Joleen’s harp, whilst capturing elements of Irish folk and Americana that evoke shades of Gillian Welch and The Indigo Girls
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