With young musicians from all four corners of the county, backed up with a selection of the finest household names in traditional music, all of whom feature on the Music Generation Mayo tutor panel, the audience were treated to a wealth of entertainment including jigs, reels, slow airs, song and a good splash of humour courtesy of Céilí House presenter Kieran Hanrahan. Singers on the day included Claremorris native and All Ireland Winner Anthony Kavanagh as well Dr.Katie Sweeney who represented Co.Mayo Music Education Partnership.
Duets were performed by Jillian O’Malley (flute) and Paul McDonald (accordion), Seamus Tiernan (accordion) accompanied by Maria Lynn-McHugh (piano) and guests were treated to a wonderful rendition of Lord Mayo courtesy of Emer Mayock and John Kilkenny. Caoimhe Kilkenny silenced the audience with a lilting slow air on the whistle while the MGM tutor panel group, John Kilkenny, Emer Mayock, Dawn Doherty, Tom Doherty, Stephen Doherty, Des Cafferkey and Mary Finn concluded events to rapturous applause from the audience.
Céilí House producer Peter Browne made reference to their experience in Castlebar, “We were very impressed with the music and song we recorded for Céilí House as well as the enthusiasm of the musicians who will be teaching for MGM. The high standard and wide variety of music on offer bodes very well for the work of Music Generation in Co. Mayo. We were also very pleased with the welcome we received in the Linenhall Arts Centre.”
Befitting to the occasion the recording featured two of Mayo’s finest young Ceílí bands, Tiarna Mhaigh Eo and The Rollings Waves Band under the guidance of John McHugh (Foxford) and John Kilkenny (Belcarra) respectively. Tiarna Mhaigh Eo scooped first prize at Fleadh Ceol na h-Eireann in Cavan in 2011 in the Céilí Bands 15-18 age-group, returning the Mrs. Crotty Cup to Co.Mayo for the first time since 1965. The Rolling Waves Band are well known around Mayo having earned first prize under Grúpaí Cheoil, 12-15 age-group, at Fleadh Ceol na h-Eireann 2010 and for making numerous appearances locally, most recently at the Mayo International Choral Festival.
Speaking of the event, Co-ordinator for Music Generation Mayo, Kate McKeon commented, “We were absolutely delighted with the level of participation from musicians countywide, highlighting the great musical resources, expertise and goodwill that exist in Co.Mayo. The high quality of musicianship that has been fostered among these young players is both a credit to themselves and the first class teaching they have experienced. With Music Generation Mayo we aim to build on this legacy and ensure that more young people have access to high quality music education services.”
The Music Generation Mayo / Céilí House programme will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One on Saturday June 2nd at 9.00pm – please visit our Facebook page to see more photographs of the recording on the day. The programme will be made available as a podcast from the Céilí House website.
