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The Gathering Traditional Festival casts its spell

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THE 18th Gathering Traditional Festival returns bigger and better than ever. From concerts, to céilí’s and more sessions than ever there will be music around every corner of the Gleneagle Hotel this weekend.

This five-day festival running from today February 22 until February 26 attracts trad fans from the US, Britain, France, Germany and all over Ireland. Previous highlights of the festival have included legends of Irish traditional music Danú, Mike McGoldrick, Buttons and Bows, Téada plus a whole lot more!

Also a festival favourite the céilí’s return and this year will take place in the Gleneagle Hotel Ballroom and feature Uí Bhriain, Neily O’Connor, Striolán Céilí Band, Five Counties Céilí Band and Johnny Reidy. The schools outreach programme will once again visit schools, in the lead-up to the festival, showcasing the Sliabh Luachra tradition of music and set dancing.

The 2017 festival is packed full of concerts and sessions including on Thursday Aidan Coffey, Geraldine O’Callaghan, Mick Daly, John Brosnan, Mike Brosnan, Geraldine Breen and Mary Conroy.

On Friday there will be a trio of trio’s featuring The Casey Sisters (Nollaig Casey, Máire and Mairead Nic Chathasaigh), Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney and Bríd Harper and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Gerry O’Beirne and Dónal O’Connor; Saturday Afternoon Boruma Trio and Piper’s Union; Saturday Evening Dervish and Full Set; Sunday Scattering Concert John Carty Festival Band including John, James and Maggie Carty, Dermot Byrne, Jim Higgins, Shane McGowan and Goitse.

For those who love a late-night session this year’s programme of events is jam packed! Highlights include Derek Hickey, Jack Talty, Liam Flanagan and Caoimhín O’Fearghail, The Rising featuring Dean Griffin, Séan Kelliher, Steven O’Leary, Cian O’Sullivan and Thomas Barrett plus a whole lot more!

Budding musicians or even those looking to enhance their skills can partake in the schedule of gathering workshops and masterclasses including fiddle, accordion, concertina, harp, flute, set dancing, séan nós and singers masterclass.

Festival passes cost just €55 and include entry to all concerts and céilís. Tickets to individual concerts and céilís are also available and range from €10 to €25. For more information visit www.thegathering.ie
 


 
And the story goes: Seanchai Ray O’Sullivan enthralls students at Gaelscoil Faithleann, Cill Airne, as part of the 18th Annual Gathering Traditional Music Festival outreach programme.
PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

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Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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