Con Curtin Festival Launched in Brosna Tonight

2014 London / Kerry Person of the Year, Shelagh O’Connor pictured with her husband, Peter Middleton in her role as chairperson of the Con Curtin Traditional Music Festival 2019. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The Con Curtin Traditional Music Festival 2019 will be launched in Brosna at The Three Counties Bar, Brosna at 8pm tonight, June 14th.

The launch will include a unique photographic exhibition created by the children of Knocknaclarig and Brosna national schools.

In keeping with the theme of the festival this year ‘Returning Home to Brosna’ the children were asked to portray their homeland in photographs. Over 50 photographs have been selected and will be on display in the exhibition.

Thought and Creativity

“You can see that immense thought and creativity has been put into each one”, said photographer Paudie Kelly. “They really reflect the love the children have for their townlands and villages, the standard is exceptional,” he added.

Paul Walsh, of Kerry U-20s fame, from Brosna will be on hand to give out Certificates of Achievement to all the children.

Fiddles Tuned After

“Following the exhibition the fiddles will be tuned and we look forward to a rousing evening of Sliabh Luachra music celebrating the much loved and missed, Con Curtin, with Brosna Comhaltas and talented local musicians to whet the appetite for the festival itself which will take place from 28 th June to 1st July,” said the newly elected festival chairperson, Shelagh O’Connor.

“A packed weekend of music, song and dance is planned and the concert kicks off the festival weekend on Friday 28th June with the headline act of Don Stiffe, Jack Talty and Damien O’Reilly supported by Brosna Bucks, and Greta Curtin and friends.

Great Music Trail

“We will see a music trail of great musicians in the four bars all weekend. On Saturday morning music workshops will be delivered by a group of talented musicians: Jack Talty, Damien O’Reilly, Éamonn O’Riordan, Brian Mooney and Connie O’Connell.

Tom Roche, historian and author will provide a workshop on the history of Brosna.

Wren Boy Parade

“This year we are hosting a wren boy parade through the village culminating in performances on stage in the square. Everyone is enougaged to attend and to participate in what promises to be an afternoon of fun, music, song and dance. A Fiddle recital of Sliabh Luachra music will commemorate Con Curtin with a traditional mass at 7.30pm.

“Brosna like many villages has been hard hit by emigration and policies that impact on rural communities. The Minister of State for the Diaspora, Ciarán Cannon, will address the community on Saturday at 6.00pm and the many visitors from far and near who are returning to Brosna for the festival. Invited guests include local TDs, newly elected councillors and Kerry County Council officials.

Céili with Donie Nolan

“A Set Céili on Sunday with Donie Nolan’s Taylor’s Cross band is followed by a singing evening with the renowned Nora Butler. On Monday a walk in Mount Eagle is planned followed by a scattering of musicians,” Shelagh concluded.

In this podcast (link at top of page) the recently elected chairperson Shelagh O’Connor enthuses about the challenge her role brings and the excitement being generated by the rapidly approaching festival.

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