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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