This article is from page 36 of the 2009-08-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
THEY came from Holland, the UK, ths USA and even Japan to hear the music in the air in Feakle over the last week. The Feakle Music Festi- val enjoyed sell-out events and big crowds supporting the workshops and enjoying the sessions.
A musical adaptation, by Sean Tyrrell, of the famous poem “The Midnight Court’ composed by Brian Merriman, performed fittingly on the shores of Lough Graney, went down a treat and later that evening there was a second concert with re- nowned musicians Tony Mac Mahon and Steve Cooney.
The musical style of east Clare was what brought musicians and music
lovers from all over, and many were returning for the umpteenth time to enjoy the festival programme and the beauty of the area.
This year the festival celebrated the role of dance and particularly the influence of dance teacher Kathleen Moloney from Glendree.
And one of Ireland’s foremost com- posers, Shaun Davey was on stage for the Friday night recital in the parish church.
“It was a good week and people turned out in good numbers. The festival is as much a_ draw as it’s ever been and every year there’s something more to enjoy,” said lo- cal publican and festival committee member, Gary Pepper.