Trad fans set for a major Gathering in Killarney
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TOES will be tapping all the way to Killarney for the 13th Gathering traditional festival which is set to take place at The Gleneagle Hotel from February 22—26.
Highlights of this year's programme include the Saturday night céilí with The Kilfenora Céilí Band, performances by Danú, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Jackie Daly and The Raw Bar Collective.
"This festival is firmly established as one of the most popular celebrations of Irish song and dance," said festival chairperson John O'shea. "It has grown in strength since its inception way back in 1999 and incorporates a finely tuned mix of concerts, céilís, sessions, workshops and master classes."
"Every year we welcome visitors from as far afield as Canada, the US and all over Europe, it is such a rarity to have so much talent under one roof. This is the must attend trad event of the year."
As well as The Kilfenora Céilí Band, the toe-tapping tunes for the ever popular Gathering Céilís will be provided The Mountain Road Céilí, Uí Bhrian, Johnny Reidy and Swallows Tail.
The line-up of concerts also includes The Duets Living Legends Concert and The Singers Concert as well as performances by Seán Tyrell, Ronan Browne and Kevin Glacken; Gerry Harrington and Billy Clifford; Edel Fox and Jack Talty; Colin Farrell, Martin O'neill, Peter Browne and Tony Byrne; Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch and Paul de Grae; The Alan Kelly Gang; Conal O' Grada, Colm Murphy, Benny Mccarthy, Dave Sheridan and Nell Chronin; Paddy Cronin and Gearoid Dineen.
The Showcase concerts, first introduced last year, make a welcome return to this year's festival. These concerts give new and emerging performers the opportunity to perform in front of specially invited festival organisers and agents from right across Europe.
Meanwhile, set-dancing workshops for beginners, advanced dancers and children will take place throughout the weekend, while the instruments and singers masterclasses take place all day Saturday.
For those interested in learning the ancient ways of Sean Nós Dancing this workshop will also take place on Saturday. The renowned impromptu Gathering sessions will take place throughout the weekend. For more information log onto to www.thegathering.ie. For special accommodation packages or for ticket sales call The Gleneagle Hotel on 064 6671550.
