Sliabh Luachra Music Trail and Master Class Initiatives Launched

At the launch of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail in Scartaglin were, young musicians from left: Kirill Healy, Liam Randles and Liam Kerrisk. Seated: Anne and Nicky McAuliffe, musicians and music teachers; Bridie Garvey, Scartaglin Heritage Centre and Cian Heffernan, Cork County Council Arts Officer. Back row: Cllr. Danny Healy-Rae; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer; Cllr. Michael Gleeson, Cllr. Niall Kelleher, Cllr. John Joe  Culloty, Mayor of Killarney and Cllr. Timmy Collins, Deputy Mayor of Cork County Council. ©Photograph: John Reidy
At the launch of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail in Scartaglin were, young musicians from left: Kirill Healy, Liam Randles and Liam Kerrisk. Seated: Anne and Nicky McAuliffe, musicians and music teachers; Bridie Garvey, Scartaglin Heritage Centre and Cian Heffernan, Cork County Council Arts Officer. Back row: Cllr. Danny Healy-Rae; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer; Cllr. Michael Gleeson, Cllr. Niall Kelleher, Cllr. John Joe Culloty, Mayor of Killarney and Cllr. Timmy Collins, Deputy Mayor of Cork County Council. ©Photograph: John Reidy

TWO recently launched initiatives aim to nurture and promote the charm, music and talent of the Sliabh Luachra region like never before.

The Sliabh Luachra Music Trail idea will seek to add to the ever-growing, year-round programme of events while hitching its plans to some of the already well-established and independent music festivals on both sides of the Cork / Kerry border.

‘The Trail’ was established in 2013 with the aim of promoting, preserving and celebrating this area’s unique musical style and repertoire. It was officially launched by the then Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, TD at the Ballydesmond Community Hall on March 7th. of this year.

The Sliabh Luachra Young Musicians’ Award is a new idea that aims to recognise the achievement and support the further musical development of talented, young, traditional musicians from the area.

Applications will be invited from young musicians between 16 and 23 years of age who have been nominated by one of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail partner organisations.

The competition is now open and the winner will be announced at the Sliabh Luachra Young Musicians Awards ceremony in October.

The Sliabh Luachra Music Trail Master Class Series will be held at venues in Cork and Kerry from this September. Forming part of the project’s education initiative, the Master Class Series will provide promising young musicians access to top class tuition.

At the launch of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail in Scartaglin were: Cian Heffernan, Cork County Council Arts Officer; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer; Cllr. John Joe  Culloty, Mayor of Killarney and Cllr. Timmy Collins, Deputy Mayor of Cork County Council.  ©Photograph: John Reidy
Attending the launch of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail in Scartaglin were: Cian Heffernan, Cork County Council Arts Officer; Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer; Cllr. John Joe Culloty, Mayor of Killarney and Cllr. Timmy Collins, Deputy Mayor of Cork County Council. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The first in the series is taking place on Saturday, September 6th in the Sliabh Luachra Heritage Centre, Scartaglin.  Renowned music tutors, Nicky and Anne McAuliffe will be on hand to deliver the programme.

The mission of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail is to create a year-round calendar of events in the region. It aims to bring together festivals and venues throughout the area to attract visitors with an interest in the music and culture of the region.

This initiative is led by the Arts Offices of Cork and Kerry County Councils with assistance from IRD Duhallow.

Upcoming events on The Sliabh Luachra Music Trail include:  A concert in the Sliabh Luachra Heritage Centre on Thursday night, July 24th and on Thursday, August 28th; at Scully’s Festival, Newmarket Co. Cork on August 9th, 10th and 11th and the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival in Castleisland from October 24th to 27th.

Scartaglin Master Class bookings can be made by contacting Bridie Garvey on 086 3390789 or bridiegarvey@gmail.com. For more information you’re advised to see:  www.sliabhluachra.ie and www.sliabhluachra.ie/youngmusiciansaward