INVITED GUESTS

NICHOLAS CAROLAN, Louth

A native of Drogheda, Nicholas is co-founder and Director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive in Dublin. A world-renowned authority on Irish traditional music and song, a writer, publisher, researcher and broadcaster, his face will be familiar to all as the presenter of the television series Come West Along the Road. Nicholas was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2007 by NUI Galway in recognition of his contribution to Irish Traditional Music and Song.

 

DAVE HOY, England

Dave is a strong supporter of the Inishowen singing weekend.  His wide repertoire of English and Irish songs, as well as his unique sense of humour, has always been appreciated in Clonmany.  Unassuming by nature, Dave will now be given the platform he deserves.

 

MAUREEN JELKS, Scotland

Maureen Jelks, born in Dundee and now residing near Kirriemuir, has told the tale of finding her voice at 40.  Always afraid to enter singing contests, she finally gathered up the courage.  So relieved to have survived being on stage and remembering the words to the songs, she wasn't even listening when the judges announced her as the winner.  Since then, Maureen has won many contests.  A finalist in the 'Best Singer in Scotland' competition hosted by the Traditional Music Awards, she was named an Ambassador for the Arts in Angus, Scotland in 2003.  Maureen is a member of The Tradition Bearers, a group that keeps old songs alive, and she sings several songs particular to Dundee.  She has recorded two solo CDs.

 

DONAL MAGUIRE, Louth

A native of Drogheda who has spent many years in England, Donal is primarily associated with unaccompanied singing, though he has other significant 'strings to his bow' including being recognised as one of the finest players of Irish dance music on mandolin and banjo, and a truly fine interpreter of contemporary material.  Donal has collected many songs both in Co. Louth and across the U.K.  Likewise, he has conducted many workshops, characterised by his relaxed, yet highly informative style.  Donal has recorded extensively.

 

DAN MILNER, USA

Born in Birmingham, England, partly raised in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, and long resident in New York City, Dan Milner has been involved in Irish song all his life as a singer, collector, organiser, writer and teacher.  His father had a good voice and a repertoire learned from his grandfather and other sources.  Dan's book is The Bonnie Bunch of Roses (Oak).  His new CD, Irish Pirate Ballads - published by America's national museum - will be launched during the weekend.

 

JOE MULHERON, Derry

Heavily involved in organising singing and other music events in Derry, Joe is widely renowned for his songwriting prowess.  His delivery embraces considerable gusto and his songs project a satirical, political slant on life in modern Ireland in pieces such as 'The Free State Adjudicator' and 'The Wee White Turban'.  Time spent in Joe's company is not easily forgotten.   .

 

MICHAEL QUINN, Armagh

Mick Quinn - Mick hails from Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh and has been a regular at Inishowen. He is one of the true gentlemen of the tradition and has enriched many a gathering with his storytelling and singing. Mick's recent debut CD - 'The Man that Shot the Dog' is already a classic.  He has had a major influence on many singers in the South Armagh and North Louth region.

 

EAMON O DONNCHADHA

Dublin-born Eamon fell in love with sean-nos on a trip to Connemara.  Now singing in that style, he is a three-time winner of the Corn Ui Riada, the most coveted prize in sean-nos.  This is Eamon's first trip to Inishowen.  His strong, yet mellow, singing as well as his powerful flute playing will add a new dimension to the weekend.

 

PETA WEBB, England

A Londoner with an Irish background, Peta formed her high-acclaimed vocal style through the influence of Irish traditional singers especially Margaret Barry, Sarah Makem, and Sarah and Rita Keane.  She believes firmly in in the importance of learning directly from traditional singers and has taken part in many collecting trips.  With Ken Hall, she now runs the Musical Traditions Club in West London, which has the policy of showcasing traditional singers.  Exploring the rich sounds of a cappella duet singing, and drawing on the American 'brother duets' of the 1940s as well as the British and Irish traditions, they are popular guests at festivals throughout Britain, Ireland and the USA.  Peta's role as a librarian at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, Cecil Sharp House, London, leaves her well-placed to deliver a lecture this year.

ACCOMMODATION

The Ballyliffin Hotel offers special b&b accommodation at €100 double and €60 single. The management also offers reasonably priced meals. Space is limited so early booking is advisable. 
Please contact the hotel directly.
e-mail: info@ballyliffinhotel.com
Tel. 074-937-6106 (Eire)
Tel. 353-74-937-6106 (International).

Other useful accommodation contacts:

Ballyliffin -
Trasna House Hotel (same contact information as Ballyliffin Hotel)
Pollan Beach Hotel, tel. 074 9378840, e-mail: pollanbeachhotel@eircom.net
Strand Hotel, tel. 074 9376107
Ard Donn Guest House (Robert Walsh), tel. 074 9376156
Carriagabrahey House (Anna Moffit), tel. 074 9376977
Castle House (Rose McLaughlin), tel. 074 9376600
Hillcrest (Molly Sweeney), Tel. 074 9376541
Kathleen McEleney, 074 9376541
Rosaor House and Apartments (Brian Harkin), 074 9376498

Clonmany -
Snowflake (Frances Cleary), tel. 074 9376242

Carndonagh -
Inishowen Tourism, tel. 074 9374933

Note: The Inishowen Singers' Circle will not be responsible for any travel or accommodation costs of those attending.  The telephone dialing country code for Ireland is "353".