On this Saturday night, September 13th the first in a monthly series of talks and concerts will be held in the heritage centre in Scartaglin at 8pm sharp.
The Handed Down series is the brainchild of World Fiddle Day, Kerry organiser and musician, PJ Teahan, Castleisland.
It will run on a monthly basis from now and right up to World Fiddle Day of May 2015. There will be something for everyone at each of these gatherings. For example, the topic on Saturday night’s opener is: Scartaglin and its Music, Fleadh Cheoil and Musicians.
The guest speaker is the highly accomplished musician, teacher and TV presenter, Paudie O’Connor. Paudie’s late father, Patsy was from Ballintourig and his mother, Kathleen Marshall is from Kilsarcon.
“Paudie competed in the Scartaglin Fleadh Cheoil on several occasions and collected many tunes there and, as he travelled to sessions, with Denis McMahon, fiddle and box player.
We see this as a fitting homecoming for the Dublin based musician who was quick to support this fund raising night,” said PJ Teahan.
“We will hear great music from Paudie and his wife Aoife Ní Chaoimh and brilliant guitarist Paul De Grae. There will also be an audio recording from Ned O’Connor’s kitchen in Scartaglin from away back,” said Mr. Teahan.
Committee member Mick Culloty has the honour of playing the first tunes of the series at 8pm sharp. He will be joined by Harp-maker (the instrument) and Dublin man, Tomas MacUileagóid on fiddle. Tomás first visited Scartaglin in August 1989.
The line-up will also include: Paul Sexton on flute. Paul has family links to the late fiddle player, Francie Davy O’Connor, Dromulton. Denis O’Connor will join them on Banjo. Denis has played in and around Scartaglin for four decades with such men as the late Jerry McCarthy, Francie Davy, Mikey Duggan and Patcheen O’Connell.
He is also half responsible for the Sunday After Mass CD with his fiddle playing, musical partner, Con Moynihan. Their CD is rated by none other than Jack Roche of Rockchapel as one of the finest examples and upholder of the music of Sliabh Luachra.
For a truly ‘Scart Night’ we will hear songs from Timmy and Mag of the OC Trio and they will be joined by Jackie Dan Jerry O’Connor who played for years with their late father, the fiddler, Dan Jeremiah O’Connor.
And! There’s more than a whisper of a session in the village after! This is a World Fiddle Day fund-raiser. This will be one heaven of a night in Scart. The event also got a very favourable mention on Peter Browne’s ‘Rolling Wave’ RTE Radio 1 programme on Sunday night.
Tickets will be available at the door only and on a first come basis. Adult admission is €6. Children U-12 will get in for €3.
