This article is from page 8 of the 2012-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
FOR 10 years now, the posters for the Nell Galvin Festival have indicated the return of school for children around West Clare.
For adults, it has proven to be a recession-friendly festival and summer school that has brought the season to a positive close.
This year, the weekend events promise to be better than ever as the festival in honour of the Moyasta concertina-player celebrates its tenth anniversary.
This year, all of the music classes will be on site at Garihy’s Bar, as the publican has renovated the old shop to make way for new classrooms.
All classes are free, as are all the concerts and events, making it a purse-pleasing event for all visitors.
New committee secretary Tim Thompson said there would even be a free cup of tea and coffee and sand- wiches for those attending the festival beginning on Friday night.
The highlight of this year’s festival will be an outside stage, which was secured with some help from Leader.
“There will be music inside and outside at the same time, and if the weather is as good as promised, there will be a great atmosphere,” said Mr Thompson.
“There is also a huge line-up of music on Sunday night, with a major concert finale planned,” he added.
The secretary attributed the success of the festival to the many sponsors who have remained loyal over the decade. “We really have to thank the sponsors. In these tight times, they are still helping us out,” he said.
The festival is dedicated to Nell Galvin, who was born Ellen McCarthy in Ballydineen, Knocklough in 1887. In 1937, she became the first Clare woman to broadcast traditional Irish music on 2 RN, later to be called Radio Éireann.
During those years, she married Patrick Galvin from Moyasta and had three sons and two daughters. Nell and her late son Stephen later played as guests with the Kilfenora Céilí Band.
She played with some of the greats, including Willie Clancy, John Kelly, Dr Bill Loughnane, Mrs. Crotty and Sean Reid.
Ms Galvin died on September 5, 1961, aged 74 years.