East Galway music in the spotlight in Ceolaireacht
TG4’s music documentary series ‘Ceolaireacht’, now in its fourth season, returned last Sunday night with a trip to Tyrone. This Sunday, March 15, the focus is on the music of East Galway.
Presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin will meet musicians including Claire and Breda Keville, Máirín Fahy and Patsy Broderick, Páraic Mac Donncha, Conor Connolly, Seán Moloney, Eoin O’Neill and Claire Egan, as she learns about the strong local tradition and distinctive musical character.
East Galway doesn’t always get the same attention as places like Sliabh Luachra, Donegal, or West Clare, but the area has a powerful tradition, with tunes being passed through families and communities, while older players continue to influence younger generations.
‘Ceolaireacht’ is presented by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, herself an accomplished fiddle player and singer, and it shines a light on the musicians and communities keeping the tradition alive in places that are sometimes overlooked.
Doireann is visiting South Dublin and North Kerry for other episodes, highlighting the trad scenes in these places and exploring if regional styles, so long a trademark of Irish music, still exist today. Guests on the Dublin programme will include Peter Browne and Natalie and Maitiú Ó Casaide, while guests from North Kerry will include Anne and Nickie McAuliffe and Michelle O’Sullivan. There will be others too, reflecting the range and diversity of Ireland’s musical scene.
The East Galway episode is on TG4 this Sunday at 9.30pm and also on the TG4 player.