The followers of the singing tradition were deeply saddened at the untimely death of Hugh Geraghty in early March. Hugh was a regular at the Clé Club in Liberty Hall. Besides being a leading trade unionist, he was also chairman of the Labour History Society. In acknowledgement of his contribution the coffin was draped with the original flag of the Plough and the Stars designed by playwright Sean O’Casey.
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Guitar player, John Bermingham has recently opened Croc an Oir at the foot of Sliabh Na mBán in Mullinanhone, the facility is beside the river Anner and is located in a 200 year old farmhouse.
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The Joseph Browne Spring School of Traditional Music is offering two bursaries (value €600 each) to enable young musicians from counties Galway and Clare to attend Meitheal Residential Summer School in July 2007 in Limerick. The following conditions apply:
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One of the best festivals in the North of Ireland, Celtic Fusion takes place from 14th–21st July with tickets going on sale on May 1st. Artists and groups who have been confirmed include:
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With funding from the Arts Council, the Performance and Touring Award was developed by Music Network, the national music development organisation, to assist Irish and Ireland-based musicians in realising performance opportunities.
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John O’Donoghue, T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, announced on Tuesday, 6th March, 2007 the figures for grant assistance of some €1,431,009, which, will be administered by Fáilte Ireland, in respect of the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative.
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The Board of Culture Ireland has announced its decision to offer the post of Chief Executive to Eugene Downes, a consultant on international arts and cultural relations.
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Johnny O’Leary was the smiling ambassador of Sliabh Luachra music, steeped in the traditional dance music of South Munster. He was born in 1924 in Maulykeavane, halfway between Killarney and Ballydesmond, at the epicentre of Sliabh Luachra. He began by working out tunes on the melodeon at the age of five and progressed so well that by his early teens he was playing music for local dances.
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The World Bodhrán Championships in Milltown, County Kerry is inviting bodhrán players from around the world to take part in the competitions at the festival in June which will seek to find the best players in the world. The organisers are offering a prize money package of €2,500 for the winners with specially commissioned trophies worth €1,000 being presented to the best performers.
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The Shaylyn Traditional Arts Centre recently opened in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. Established by voluntary community Irish Dance & Music group Shaylyn Ltd.

The centre is being funded by cross border EU funders Interreg and Border Action and will feature a number of exciting initiatives including: the only part time third level training option in Ireland for Irish musicians and dancers in an outreach programme with the University of Ulster.
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