Bringing Dan O’Connell’s of Knocknagree back to life for an hour or so in front of an audience is the task in the safe hands of one of Sliabh Luchra music’s most devoted students, Matt Cranitch.
He’ll do so at Scartaglin Heritage Centre at 8pm sharp on this Saturday night, January 28th as part of the ongoing Handed Down lecture series.
This is the first Handed Down night of 2017 and the topic is sure to take patrons on a trip down memory lane.
Loved to Meet
“It was to Dan O’Connell’s Bar in Knocknagree that a generation and more of Sliabh Luachra musicians, set dancers, singers and followers loved to meet on Friday and Sunday nights,” said series co-founder, PJ Teahan.
“Like many more of these venues it is sadly now gone. Matt has rare interviews and footage and will remember his times there as well when he used to travel back there with Mikey Duggan.
The Problem of Women’s Lib
“Special guests are: Benny McCarthy of Danu; Colm Guilfoyle and Roisin Cronin – who is a grand daughter of Dan O’Connell’s.
“Our young musicians are sisters, Caoimhe and Eimhear Flannery and our guest singer is Dave Buckley from Coolnagerah now living in Barrow.
“Rumour has it that The Man from Kanturk, Jackie Daly will join us for the final set which will include Ann Keane and Eily Buckley with a half set as it used to be danced at Dan Connell’s,” said PJ.
The event starts at 8pm pin sharp and you’re asked / warned even to please be seated by five minutes to 8pm.
As an appetiser, have a look at this clip of the late Dan O’Connell talking about set dancing – a noble art for which his house was renowned and ‘The Problem of Women’s Lib’ – according to Dan. Watch with a click on the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPetwrSS1hk
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