Trad festival aims to break world record
Gort’s annual Cooley-Collins Trad Festival will take place from October 24-27, the Bank Holiday weekend.
This is the Festival’s 30th anniversary and the organising committee will mark the occasion by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the ‘largest Irish band’. At least 250 musicians will be needed for this and musicians from all age groups are being invited to participate. The tunes will be kept simple and participants will just be required to know Rattlin Bog, Maggie in the Woods and the Kerry Polka.
The Festival will be officially opened at Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort, at 8pm on Friday, October 24, followed by a céilí with the Johnny Reidy Céilí band at 9.30pm.
Saturday is the ‘big band’ day and those wishing to take part need to register by emailing [email protected]. This promises to be a great family event. It’s taking place at Sullivan’s Hotel at 4pm.
On Sunday there will be Mass at Gort church at 12pm followed by prayers at Kieran Collin’s graveside.
From 4pm to 7pm there will be a concert at Sullivan’s Hotel.
Performers will include members of the local Comhaltas, Charlie Piggott, Eugene Lamb, Des Mulcair, Charlie Harris, Pauline Callanan, Matt Keane and Sean Tyrell and the Gavin School of Irish Dancing. Joe Skelton will be MC.
On Monday at 12pm there will be prayers at Joe Cooley’s graveside in Peterswell.
Throughout the weekend there will be trad sessions in pubs and hotels. Check out www.cooleycollinstradfest.com for more information.