Tour will visit the Oriel Centre, The Old Gaol, Dundalk, Co. Louth on  Saturday April 24th 2010

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann presents “In Session” with Danny O’Mahony and Michéal O’Raghallaigh
on Saturday  April 24^th 2010.

Download flyer here

March 26^th 2010 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann announce a significant new initiative to bring renowned traditional musicians to regional centres around the country on a regular basis, with

the first tour playing at Oriel Centre located in the Old Gaol Dundalk , on Saturday April 24^th. The “In Session” tour commencing in April, will feature acclaimed accordion player Danny O’Mahony and concertina player Micheál O’Raghallaigh.  These professional musicians will be supported by local Comhaltas musicians from the region, offering the audience a chance to enjoy not only established performers, but the best in up-and-coming talent from their very own doorstep.

Future  “In Session” tours will expand to include an increased number of regional venues around the country and will feature musicians of high-calibre, displaying the commitment of Comhaltas to providing performers of excellence to audiences countrywide, while at the same time providing a stage to lesser known and local young musicians.

Playing in the inagural “In Session” tour is Danny O’Mahony, an accordion player and music teacher of renown from Ballyduff in North-Kerry who is instantly recognised for his very distinctive and personal style on button accordion.  Danny has won both numerous junior and senior all-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann throughout the 90s, and has contributed to Comhaltas as a competition adjudicator, teacher and lecturer on the diploma course for traditional Irish music teachers (TTCT).  Danny, as well as currently teaching at the University of Limerick, is a presenter and producer of Traditional Irish Music and Song programs for Radio Kerry.

Micheál O’Raghallaigh is widely regarded as one of the finest concertina players of his generation.  He has recorded with many artistes and has produced two solo albums to critical acclaim.  He also recorded albums with the group ‘Providence’ and the three-in-a-row winning ‘Táin’ Céili Band.  He holds the distinction of being a member of two ‘three-in-a-row bands, the other being ‘Naomh Pádraig’ from his native county Meath.  He has toured Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, and is much sought after as a performer and tutor.

Tickets for the “In Session” Tour are now on sale from Oriel Centre The Old Gaol, on 042-9328887 . Tickets are priced at just €10 for adults.  There will also be €5 concession tickets and a limited number of €20 family tickets available.

This tour promises a feast of music with something to cater to everyone’s taste, be it connoisseurs or casual fans of traditional entertainment. So drop by your local Comhaltas Centre and enjoy the Ceoil agus Craic. Tickets will be in high demand so make sure to get yours early.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Èireann is the largest organisation involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.  It is a non-profit cultural movement which has been working for the cause of Irish music since 1951 with hundreds of local branches around the world.

ENDS

For further information contact Miriam Andersson at Limelight Communications on

(01) 668 0600 or email Miriam.Andersson@limelight.ie

Note to Editor

Concert Schedule

Date                                                                      Location                               Venue

Friday April 16^th Ennis                                     Cois na hAbhna, Ennis, Co.Clare

Saturday April 17^th Cashel                                   Brú Ború, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Friday April 23^rd Omagh                                 Dún Uladh, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Saturday April 24^th Dundalk                               Oriel Centre,The Old Gaol,  Dundalk

Sunday April 25^th Clontarf                                Clasac, Clontarf, Dublin 3

Oriel Cultural Centre – Dundalk

Invitation to Tender Oriel Cultural Centre invites artists from the Louth Meath Cavan, Monaghan and Armagh areas, to submit their ideas for a piece of art for permanent display at the Old Gaol, Carrick Rd. Dundalk.

Project Title : Oriel Cultural Centre

Organisation : Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann

Location: West Wing, Old Gaol, Carrickmacross Rd. Dundalk, Co Louth

Project Aim

To serve as a Regional Cultural Centre for the north eastern region serving the counties of Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Armagh.  The primary focus of the Centre will be the support and development of traditional arts initiatives within the region as well as strengthening the work of Comhaltas within the region.
Development of the Centre has been resourced by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and through the support of Louth County Council.

Description of Building

Detached 13 bay 2 story over basement. Former gaol built circa 1850.  Rectangular in plan, with square –plan full height tower to North West.  Pitched slate roof (pyramidal to tower) with clay ridge tiles.  Stone corbelled chimneystack and tooled limestone quoins and string course.  Moulded cast iron gutters on limestone corbelled eaves course with circular cast iron down pipes.
Hidden from the street by tall walls this former gaol is a valuable and interesting piece of social history.  Part of a complex of 4 buildings, its situation radiating with its twin building to the south, from the axis of the east main building signifies the quality of it s design.  Retaining much original fabric, it stands as a memento of 19^th century penal building.

Requirements

A piece of art in either 2D or 3D format.
The selected piece should be a permanent piece of work, which will reflect the history, current usage and /or a future vision for the building.
Tender to include the following information – design documents /sketches; description of materials; breakdown of associated costs.

Proposed Location of Piece

Internal or External

Budget:

8,000 euro (inclusive of vat) Budget does not include the installation of the artwork.

Completed proposals To Be Returned to

Ms. Kay Webster,
Reachtaire,
Oriel Cultural Centre,
Dundalk Gaol,
Carricik Road,
Dundalk,
Co. Louth.

Closing date for applications by 5.00pm Monday 30^th October 2009
Further Information Available by contacting
Kay Webster at  086 8521395.