Pádraig O'Keeffe Weekend - Castleisland

The 27th Annual Padraig O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival takes place this Bank-Holiday weekend October 25th – 28th in Castleisland, Co. Kerry. 

This festival is a tribute to the late fiddle player, Padraig O’Keeffe who was born in 1887 at Gleantan in Castleisland.

Padraig went on to become one of the most important and influential fiddle players of the 20th century and spent more than 40 years travelling from house to house giving lessons.
Among his famous pupils were Denis Murphy, his sister, Julia Clifford and Johnny O’ Leary.

His music was collected in 1947 – 1949 by Seamus Ennis and later by Seamus Mac Mathúna.

He is considered one of the most influential players of the Munster style in the 20th century.

Padraig O’Keeffe died on February 22, 1963, but his music and teaching have lived on throughout the Sliabh Luachra area. 

The decision to recognise his huge influence on fiddle playing was taken 30 years after his death when the first Padraig O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival was held in October 1993. 

This year’s programme of events include the following :

Friday, October 25th

7 p.m. – Pádraig O’ Keeffe as remembered from three of his pupils : Paddy Jones, Madia McQuinn Sugrue and Martin O’ Connor. This will be presented by Matt Cranitch and will be followed by a session - River Island Hotel

Saturday, October 26th

10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Master Classes St. Patrick’s School, College Road on Fiddle, Accordion, Flute, Concertina, Uilleann Pipes and Singing. Intermediate and improvers/advanced levels catered for. Tutors will include Connie O’Connell, Peter Browne, Paudie O’ Connor, Brian Mooney, Liam O’ Connor, Eammon O’ Riordan, Derek Hickey and Emma O’ Leary - €20

2 p.m. – Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Recital featuring Matt Cranitch, Aidan Connolly, John Daly, Paddy Jones, Caoimhe Flannery, Connie O’ Connell, Madia Sugrue, Emma O’ Leary, Aoife Ní Chaoimh and Gerry Harrinton – Crown Hotel - €10.

4 p.m. – Singing Concert in Harnett’s Bar, Castleisland featuring Niamh Parsons, Ger O’ Donnell, Mickey Mac Connell, Tim Dennehy and Catríona Ní Cheannabháin – Free.

5 p.m. – Album Launch : Dylan Carlos, Cein Sweeney and John McCairtin – The Crown Hotel – Entry Free.

6 p.m. – Album Launch : Aidan Connolly, John Daly & Jack Talty in Brownes Back Bar – Entry Free.

8 p.m. – Téada & Seamus Begley in Concert in the River Island Hotel With Special guests: Derek Hickey, Macdara O'Faolain, Catherine McHugh, Jimmy Crowley, Nicky and Anne McAuliffe. Presentation to honour the two on the Gradam Ceol Award. Doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets from www.eventbrite.ie/e/teada-and-seamus-begley-patrick-okeeffe-festival-castleisland-tickets-69316779353

Sunday, October 27th

3 p.m. – Set Céilí with Taylor’s Cross Céilí Band – An Ríocht

8. p.m. – Jackie Daly Lifetime Achievement Concert A concert celebrating the music of Jackie Daly with his friends from Sliabh Luachra and beyond. Jackie has made an invaluable contribution to the music of Sliabh Luachra and has been spreading its creed all over the world with 50 years. He has been a lifelong friend of The Padraig O'Keeffe Festival and we are delighted to honour him at this years festival. The 'Dedication to the Music of Sliabh Luachra' award will be presented to Jackie at the Sunday night concert. Joining him on stage will be many of his musical companions including Matt Cranitch, Buttons and Bows, Paudie O Connor with songs from Niamh Parsons.

Bank Holiday Monday, October 28th

3 p.m. – Poetry Extravaganza with Gabriel Fitzmaurice – The Crown Hotel

For Festival Enquires/Information please visit www.patrickokeeffefestival.com