Pat Swan memorial concert in Cashel this weekend
The excitement is building around the town of Cashel with Comóradh Pat Swan almost here!
The late Pat Swan of Nenagh was a celebrated céilí drummer, singer and stonemason and this is the second year that the festival is being held in Pat’s honour.
On Friday night next, November 15th, at what is expected to be a full-house, the audience will be entertained by tutors Enda Seery, Bríd Harper, Michael King, Paul Clesham, Theresa O’Grady, Mickey Curran, Máire Ní Chéileachair and Ger Naughton. The Trad Youth Orchestra from Clonmel, which brings together talented young people from Tipperary and Waterford under the expert guidance of Clara Mannion from Dungarvan, will continue to entertain the crowd with their fantastic arrangements.
For those lucky enough to have already seen Cnoc na Gaoithe, the all-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Champions, you’ll know what a treat is in store when they take to the stage in Brú Ború! As if all of this is not enough, a host of prize-winning young Tipperary musicians will then entertain this lucky audience, including Jack McPartlin, Lucia McPartlin, Keelan McGrath, Lauryn Walsh, Darragh Carey Kennedy, Conor Harnett, Cathal Ryan, Síofra Thornton and Cathal Greene. Also among the local is Bláithín Kennedy, who played in the Comhaltas Tour of Ireland in recent weeks, so it is fantastic to have her back playing.
As hosts of Comóradh Pat Swan, we are delighted that a group of musicians from our local Comhaltas branch here in Cashel will be taking to the stage with our fantastic branch tutors, John Harnett, Clare Quinn, Susan Strappe, Jamie Strappe and Fergus Bogue.
Of course, we will have a few songs from Pat’s beloved wife, the celebrated singer, Nóra Butler. Ensuring that all will run smoothly on the night will be Fear an Tí Eoin McMahon.
The night won’t end there! There will be a singing circle in Brú Ború following the concert and with all those talented musicians in town, there’s bound to be a session, or two or three, or even four to keep you entertained 'til late.
On Saturday, November 16th, our tutors will be busy passing on their expertise to the many students who will attend our workshops. We are very lucky to have such esteemed tutors teaching at our workshops with Enda Seery, tin whistle; Bríd Harper, fiddle; Michael King, flute; Paul Clesham, concertina; Theresa O’Grady, banjo; Mickey Curran, button accordion; Máire Ní Chéileachair, singing and, of course, in honour of Pat Swan, we have céilí drums tutor, Ger Naughton. Intermediate level from 10.30 to 12.30 and advanced level from 2 to 4pm, all at the Brú Ború Cultural Centre.
There will be more sessions on the Saturday night featuring our tutors and other local musicians. There will be a Seisiún Mór in the Brú Ború Cultural Centre on Sunday afternoon to finish off what promises to be a most enjoyable weekend.
For more information on Comóradh Pat Swan or to book tickets for the concert or workshops, please phone Brú Ború at 062 61122 or email info@bruboru.ie. Follow us on Facebook at Craobh Caiseal Mumhan for all the latest news and updates!
Being a tourist town, there is no shortage of cafés, restaurants, bakeries, take-aways, coffee shops, pubs, gift-shops, home stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, etc, both in the town centre and on the outskirts of the town, so come and enjoy the town, the music, the singing, the dancing, the food, the drink, the shopping, the craic and you’re sure to be back for Comóradh Pat Swan 2020!
If you can’t wait til then, come back and celebrate with us in the summertime when CCÉ Caiseal Mumhan will be hosting Fleadh Cheoil Thiobraid Árainn from May 13th to 17th 2020! We would like to thank all our sponsors for their contributions to our festival. We are compiling a list, which we will publish as soon as it is complete.