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Swilly swells to the jigs and
reels
02.04.07
The Buncrana
Traditional Arts Festival, Ar Ais Aris, concluded
another successful run last night at various venues
throughout the seaside town.
Boosted by glorious sunshine, the halcyon days of
the Buncrana Fleadh were called to mind as music
streamed from local watering holes and the Swilly
itself swelled to the strains of jigs, reels, polkas
and slides. |
This was the second
year of the festival and followed the roaring
success of the inaugural outing in 2006.
Festival artistic director, Liz Doherty said she was
delighted with the turn-out for all the events again
this year.
"We were amazed at how things went last year, but
2007 has been an even bigger success. |
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Inishowen has come out
in force once again to enjoy some of the most
exquisite music around and we couldn't have asked
for better weather. It's been a brilliant weekend
and another one to remember," said Liz.
The central element of this year’s festival format
was once again the recognition of Buncrana’s wealth
of musical talent. The names are well known and
include Dinny McLaughlin, P.V. O’Donnell, Liz
Doherty, Ciaran Tourish and Dermot Byrne of Altan,
Kevin Doherty and the Pyros who reform for the
occasion. But the festival is also an opportunity to
nurture and showcase the region’s young rising
stars.
This year’s format included the popular ‘Best of
Budgen’ concert, Singers’ Day Out, Tribute to PV
O’Donnell, Ceili Mor in the Plaza, musical
workshops, recitals and a pub session trail.
Even Taoiseach Bertie Ahern managed to get in on the
act on Thursday when some of the organising
musicians took to the stage at the Market Square in
his honour.
Meanwhile, Buncrana Town Mayor, Cllr. Joe Doherty
praised the organisers’ ‘exceptional programme’ of
events and said Ar Ais Aris left the town “bursting
with people, music, dance and pride”. |
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