FÉILE AN FHÓMHAIR - Donegal

8TH. ANNUALDonegal Bay andBlue Stacks FestivalFÉILE AN FHÓMHAIRSEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 5PRESENTED BY DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL CULTURAL SERVICES2008FREE PROGRAMMEwww.donegal.ie

BA MHAITH LINN BUÍOCHASA GHABHÁIL CHUIGTracy Ferguson, Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon.Paddy Clarke, Tí Linn, Ionad Chultúrtha Sliabh Liag.Margaret Cunningham, An Cláchán, Glencolmcille.Conor Malone, The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey.Gerry Gillespie, Pat Quigg Halla Mhuire GhleannChoilm Cille. Elizabeth Temple, Salt Hill House,Mountcharles. Ethna Sneddon, Mountcharles.Stephen McCahill, Ardara Heritage Centre. EduardDewael, Rose Clarke, Coxtown Manor. Johnny Boyle,Highlands Hotel, Glenties. Brendan O’Reilly, DiceyReilly’s, Ballyshannon. Mags Lough, John Gillespieand Bernadette Samson, Rural Schools Co-Ordinators. Barney McLaughlin, Ballyshannon.Mandy Blinco, Ballyshannon Carnival Parade. ChantalMcCormick, Jym Daly, Sheenagh Gillen, Fidget FeetAerial Dance Company. Emer Keon, PJ Branley, ErneEnterprise Development Company Ltd., EvonneFerguson, Megan Armitage Donegal MusicEducation Partnership. Kate and Joan Newman,Summer Palace Press, Kilcar. Denise Blake.Cover Photo: ‘Ariel’, Paul MarleyUna Campbell, Máire Ní Chasaide, Ceardlann nagCroisbhealach. Liam Ó Chuinneagáin, OideasGael. Laurel Swift, The Gloworms. Claire andFiona at Seirbhís Iompar Tuaithe Teo., Cill Chartha.Fergus Cleary. Sister Concepta, Ballyshannon.Seamus Heaney. Paul Keegan, Faber and Faber Ltd.Amanda Crawford and Christian Carbin, DonegalDrama Circle. Clement Gallagher. KathleenRafferty. Marcel Otten, Man-made Images,Mountcharles. Fiona Melly, David Gallagher,Killybegs Community Carnival. CaoimhínMacAoidh, Rab Cherry, Cairdeas na bhFidléirí.Shaun Hannigan, John Cunningham RegionalCultural Centre, Letterkenny. Patricia McBrideand Niall Cranny, An Grianán Theatre. JohnMoore Crane Hire, Letterkenny. Matt Britton,Photographer.Damien Edwards, David Meade, Leslie Long,Patsy O’Kane, Tommy McLaughlin – Sound,Lighting, Production.Paul and Clíona, marleydesign.FUNDERS & PARTNERSbalorartscentre

CLÁR CONTENTSDRÁMAÍOCHT AGUS IMEACHTAÍ AMUIGH FAOIN SPÉIRTHEATRE CARNIVAL SPECTACLE2CEOL MUSIC 12BUSANNA FESTIVAL BUS SERVICE 22IMEACHTAÍ DO PHÁISTÍ, TAISPEANTAIS, LITRÍOCHTCHILDRENS EVENTS, VISUAL, LITERARY24BOOKÁIL BOOKING 31DIALANN LAE DAY BY DAY DIARY 32RÉAMHRÁ INTRODUCTIONWelcome to the eighth year of the Donegal Bay and BlueStacks Festival. An initiative of Donegal County Council’sCultural Services Department, the Festival seeks toprovide a colourful and exciting context for enjoymentof the arts in all their manifestations in the south of thecounty.Among the highlights of this year’s event are theFestival’s traditional music programme, featuring thecream of the county’s younger players including thisyear’s TG4 Young Musician of the Year, Martin Tourish,Ciarán Ó Maonaigh who won the same award in 2002,Theresa Kavanagh and Aidan O’Donnell and theperformance programme which features four brandnew works created this year by Donegal writers, actors,directors and choreographers - Little John Nee’s ‘DeadRooster Blues’, Fergus Cleary’s ‘Fergus Cleary WritesAgain’, Chris Ndaya and Theophile Guessala’s ‘WaitingTo Be Irish’ and Mirrorball Theatre’s debut production,Joe Brennan’s ‘Stone Soup’.Following last year’s particularly well receivedperformance, the Festival will commence this yearwith a concert by the newly formed Donegal ChamberOrchestra, featuring the cream of young string playersfrom across the county. The Festival’s enviable literaryprogramme includes a celebration of National PoetryDay in association with Poetry Ireland and anotherafternoon at Coxton Manor curated by Denise Blake ofthe Errigal Writers Group – poets featured will includeFrancis Harvey, Kate and Joan Newman, Pat Boran andMary Montague.We extend a big Donegal welcome to all of our visitingartists including City Theatre Dublin touring TheWoman In Black, UK-based traditional musiciansThe Gloworms and Luke Daniels, the multi-nationalensemble that is The Afresh Band and all of the manyvisiting performers who will travel to Donegal toparticipate in the Festival Carnival Parade and FidgetFeet Aerial Dance Company’s performance of Invoke.Tá dhá seó againn fosta a bhfuil urraithe ag Ealaín naGaeltachta, ‘s iad sin dhráma nua le rince agus ceoldárbh ainm Ádhbh agus Éabha le Ríonach Ní Néill agusDarach Ó Scolaí and taispeántas saothracha ealaínea d’eascair as an dtóghra Dinnseanchas a d’eagairCeardlann a’ gCroisbhealach le Nuala Ní Dhómhnaill,Brenadette Cotter agus pobail ghrúpa ó pharóisteGhleann Choilm Cille, Chill Chartha agus Teileann.Guímid fáilte rompu uilig go Dhún na nGall.We are delighted that for the first time, through thegenerous support of our Festival partners SeirbhísIompar Tuaithe Teo. (SITT) , audiences in rural areas ofSW Donegal will be able to travel to a selection of Festivalevening events courtesy of SITT’s FREE Festival BusService. Musician and raconteur Fergus Cleary will alsoentertain daytime passengers on selected routes overthe course of the Festival. Please see Pages 22, 23 forfull Bus Service details and look out for Bus logo onSelected Events.Finally, the Festival would like to sympathise with thefamily and many friends of Emma Insley, who performedregularly with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Company, andwho died tragically on August 20, 2008. Ar dheis Dé goraibh a hanam.

Theatre, CarnivalDrámaíocht, Carnabhal

THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHAL 3DONEGAL DRAMA CIRCLECarthaginiansby Frank McGuinnessTHURSDAY - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25 - 27Leghowney Hall, Leghowney 8.30pm ¤10/¤8Described by the author as ‘my elegy to the deadand the living of Derry ’, Carthaginians dealswith the memory of the events of Bloody Sundayamong a diverse group of characters, each ofwhom has been touched in a different ways by thehorror of what unfolded on that fateful day.Distinguished by its of cocktail of scenes wherevivid heartbreak and loss are interspersed withdeadly wit and dark humour - in particular theinfamous play within a play, a hilarious pastiche ofRepublican drama entitled The Burning Balaclava– Carthaginians had classic status stamped uponit from the moment of its premier on the Abbeystage in May 1988. Its stature was confirmed in aseminal production by Druid Theatre Company,directed by Frank McGuinness, which was rapturouslyreceived in Derry in March 1992, twentyyears after the event.This Donegal Drama Circle production is directedby Art Kavanagh. The cast includes CarolineFaulkner, Rachel O’Connor, Amanda Crawford,Christian Carbin, John Kerrigan, Conor Frieryand Sean McLoone.McGuinness’s theatrical skill, as he lures you intohis world where moments of heightened tragicpoetry can be juxtaposed with the coarse comedy ofa pub quiz, is breathtaking’ The Guardian.Memorable theatre born out of a terrible outrage.City Tribune ( Galway )A very fine, moving and occasionally beautiful play.Sunday PressNB Over 16. Strong Language / Adult Content.

4 THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHALFergus Cleary Writes AgainWritten and Performed by Fergus ClearyTHURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25Balor Arts CentreBallybofey 8.30pm ¤10/¤8Following the immensely successful ‘An Audiencewith Fergus Cleary’, ‘Fergus Cleary Writes Again’ isa further exploration of the former Donegal Personof the Year’s eventful career as a psychiatric nurseat St. Conal’s Hospital Letterkenny and his moonlightingexploits as a musician in local Donegalshowbands in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.Laced with nostalgia, sadness and lots of sidesplitting comedy, this is a play populated by a hostof colourful characters (the majority of whom aresadly no longer with us). Fergus is a consummatestoryteller and natural performer and his honest,delicate and very funny record of Donegal over thepast 50 years is both a valuable social documentand a great night’s entertainment.The show was premiered at the Regional CulturalCentre Letterkenny as a highlight of this year’sBealtaine Festival and was equally well recievedat the recent Earagail Arts Festival. ‘Fergus ClearyWrites Again’ is directed by Anne Kelly of theLifford Players.Right from the very opening lines it’s evidentthat much laughter pervaded through St. Conal’s,despite its foreboding exterior…there was sadnessand sorrow within those walls but the stories toldthrough the words and actions of Fergus Cleary lendus another more cheering, and often side splitting,view. Donegal Democrat (An Audience withFergus Cleary)

THE ABBEY LAUGHSPJ GallagherTUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30The Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon8.30pm ¤15PJ Gallagher is fast becoming one of Ireland’s bestlovedcomedians. Following the huge success of hisrole as Jake Stevens in the hilarious and sometimesoutrageous hit TV show Naked Camera, PJ rarely hastime to be himself these days as he prepares for yetanother run of the massively popular series.PJ Gallagher is a Vicar Street regular, can often beseen with Jason Byrne on various TV and liveperformances, has toured with Des Bishopand has appeared at the Cat LaughsFestival in Kilkenny.Following his hilarious appearances earlierthis year on The Miriam O’CallaghanShow and Tubridy Tonight, Gallagher’sstar just continues to rise.Gallagher’s encounters with theunsuspecting public are not onlyhilarious but also crackle with witand edgy energy. Sunday TimesNB: Over 18s. Strong Language/Adult Content.THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHAL 5

6 THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHALWaiting To Be IrishThe Modal Citizen ProjectWEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1Madden’s Bridge Bar (Upstairs)West End Bundoran 9.00pm ¤5In it, two African immigrants to Ireland discusstheir situation and engage in some hilariousand thought-provoking roleplay as they wait– interminably - for their applications to beprocessed.The Waiting To Be Irish project is an initiativeof Donegal County Council’s Cultural ServicesDivision. The play will also be performed in anumber of second level schools in SouthDonegal, over the course of the Festival.Waiting To Be Irish is a new play devised andperformed by Cameroonian actors, Chris Ndayaand Theophile Guessala. The work was premieredto enthusiastic audiences at The Abbey Centre,Ballyshannon and at the very successful Melting PotFestival in Ardara in May. The play was directed byLetterkenny-based actor and director, Declan Birney.The Modal Citizen Project is a multi-mediaevent incorporating a series of short films withan accompanying musical score, performedlive by a four piece ensemble. The films, thework of Bundoran composer / director MarkGegan, explore a variety of themes from humanrights to the new colonialism. The live musicalaccompaniment is a heady mix of flamenco,electronica, Balkan-influenced jazz and funk.

THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHAL 7CITY THEATRE DUBLINThe Woman in BlackAdapted by Stephen Mallatratt, from the Novel by Susan Hill.WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1The Balor Arts Centre Ballybofey8.30pm ¤20The classic ghost story thriller, now in its 19thyear on London’s West End, arrives in Donegal…Just don’t go alone !Beyond the Nine Lives Causeway, Eel Marsh Housestands tall, gaunt and isolated, surveying the endlessflat salt marshes. Here, Mrs Alice Drablow lived -and died - alone.Young Arthur Kipps, a junior solicitor, is ordered byhis firm to travel up from London to attend her funeraland then sort out her papers. His task is a lonelyone, but Kipps is quite unaware of the tragic secretswhich lie behind the house’s shuttered windows. Heglimpses a young woman, dressed all in black, at theback of the church during Mrs Drablow’s funeral,and later, in the graveyard. Who is she? Why is shethere? Why has no one else seen her? The localscannot or will not give him answers. So Arthur hasto wait until the woman slowly reveals her identity tohim - and her terrible purpose.Relying on atmosphere, on what is shadowy, heardand sometimes only half-seen, The Woman In Blacksucceeds from the outset in creating an atmospherethat is ghostly and tension filled in the extreme.This City Theatre Dublin production, directed byMichael Scott, was previously seen in Dublin’s TivoliTheatre in 1998 where it ran for 14 weeks. The castincludes Simon Coury and David O’Meara.A thrilling ghost story that has you jumping out ofyour seat with fright…A brilliant thriller that is amust-see. London Theatre Guide.A marvellous exercise in spine-tingling tension,spun from perfectly paced storytelling and stagecraft.The Independent.Deliciously old-fashioned popular entertainment atits best. Daily Telegraph.Please Note . Not Suitable for Children. 16 +

LITTLE JOHN NEEDead Rooster BluesWritten and Performed by Little John NeeTHURSDAY OCTOBER 2The Heritage CentreArdara 8.30pm ¤10/¤8The ‘Derry Boat’ man makes a welcome return tohis native county with a new show that has alreadydrawn enthusiastic responses from summer festivalaudiences in Galway and Donegal.Dead Rooster Blues sees our hero being invited toperform the grand re-opening of an isolated singinglounge, “The Mothers Arms”, high in the hills ofDonegal. However, as the internet buzzes withrumours of guest appearances by everyone fromBruce Springsteen to Daniel O’Donnell, how will Johnsatisfy the diverse demands of the resulting fullhouseof hill farmers, bikers, rockers and Daniel fans?And most importantly, will he get the girl ! ? In short,another wonderfully imaginative blend of theatre,music and hilarious comedy from a master performer.8 THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHALA native of Glasgow and Donegal, Little John Neenow lives in Galway where has just completed avery successful Theatre Residency for his local Cityand County Council. To-date he has written andperformed a series of ten highly successful shows,most of which centre on the Donegal experience ,including The Derry Boat, Rural Electric, Country andIrish, Limavady My Hearts Delight and most recently,The Mental, an acclaimed piece set in St. Conal’sHospital, Letterkenny.Little John Nee does for the craggy rocks of the NorthWest what Dylan Thomas did for the lush valleys ofWales. The Irish Times.A master of storytelling. The Guardian.I don’t think I’ve seen anything this funny in years.Sunday Independent.

THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHAL 9RÍONACH NÍ NÉILL & COMPÁNTAS CIOTÓGA&E - Ádhamh agus ÉabhaRíonach Ní Néill Darach Ó Scolaí Morgan CookeDÉ HAOINE FRIDAY 3Ú DEIREADH FÓMHAIRHalla Mhuire Gleann Choilm Cille 8.30pm ¤10/¤5San seó nua seo, tá an damhseóir Ríonach Ní Néillag obair leis an scríbhneoir Darach Ó Scolaí agusan ceoltóir, aisteoir Morgan Cooke. Ag plé le téamaÁdhamh agus Éabha, is meascán beoga agusspraoiúil í de dhrámaíocht, rince agus ceol.Is rinceoir agus córagrafadóir í Ríonach agus ílonnaithe i nGaillimh anois taréis na blianta saGhearmáin leis an chompántas idirnáisiunta BremerTanztheater, chomh maith leis na compántaisíÉirinneacha Rex Levitates agus Daghdha.Scríbhneóir, drámadóir is ealaíontóir é Darach ÓScolaí. Bhuaigh drama dá chuid - Coinneáil Orainn- Gradam Stewart Parker BBC NI i 2006. Is ceoltóiragus is aisteoir é Morgan Clarke a oibriónn gorialta le TG4 agus le Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe.Buaileann sé fosta le banna cheoil an jazzamhránaí Mary Coughlan .Ádhamh agus Éabha / Adam and Eve is a newshow created and performed by Galway-baseddancer and choreographer Ríonach Ní Néill.In this lively exploration of opposites - menand women, love and hate, happiness andhard times – Ríonach has worked with StewartParker Award-winning playwright Darach ÓScolaí and with actor musician Morgan Cooke,to create an Irish language-based performancethat is both highly entertaining and accessibleto all. The production been funded by Ealaínna Gaeltachta.

CARNIVAL BALLYSHANNONGlitterand GlowSATURDAY OCTOBER 4College Street Castle Street The Port Ballyshannon 7.30pm10 THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHALThe core of this year’s Carnival Parade hasbeen created by two Donegal companies,Inishowen Carnival Group and Fidget FeetAerial Dance Company.Joining them will be Whirligig fromBallyshannon, Falcarragh’s Cosa MateaFalcaragh, Killybegs Carnival Group, ImeldaPeppard , Cillian Rodgers , Aiden and NaomiPeppard from Easkey, South Sligo, StreetwiseCommunity Circus Belfast and the fabulousFanzini Brothers from Costa Ciarraí.Young performers from Coláiste ColmcilleBallyshannon, Magh Éne College Bundoran,Donegal Youth Service, Ballyshannon/Bundoran Neighbourhood Youth Projectand Killybegs Youth Samba Band will bringtheir own distinctive style and energy to theproceedings and over a hundred children fromprimary schools in Ballyshannon and Bundoranwill also participate.Local adult groups participating will includeBallyshannon Drama and Musical Societies,Erne Enterprise’s Ballytour, the Abbey ArtsCentre dancers, the MARDI multi-cultural andthe Donegal Asylum Seekers Fáilte Project.The Parade’s Artistic Director is Mandy BlincoThe Parade is a project of Erne EnterpriseDevelopment Company, assisted by DonegalCounty Council and The Arts Council.The most impressive street event I havewitnessed in Donegal…for the childrenlooking on, it must have been like wakeningfrom a dream only to see it continue beforeyour very eyes. The Donegal News.Please Note. Parking Restrictions andTraffic Diversions will be in place along theParade Route from 6.30pm – 9.30pm.Please co-operate with Parade Stewards,An Garda Síochána and Civil DefencePersonnel at all times. Warm Clothing isadvisable. Enjoy the Parade.DISCO CARNIVALÉDicey Reilly’s Market StreetBallyshannon 11.00pmEnjoy a Post-Parade Party in aCarnival style. Dancing ‘til late.

THEATRE, CARNIVAL DRÁMAÍOCHT, CARNABHAL 11FIDGET FEET AERIAL DANCE COMPANYInvokeSATURDAY OCTOBER 4Dicey Reilly’s Market StreetBallyshannon 9.30pm FREEInvoke is an audio visual experience designedby Fidget Feet founder member Jym Daly,creating an atmosphere in which beauty,mystery and fun can be invoked. The eventis a moveable feast which can be changedand adapted to suit the context in which ishappening, which, in this post Carnival inDonegal environment means it will feature asparkling mix of trad. music, hip hop, rapping,singing, Irish dance and contemporary dance.Ag cuimhnigh Emma InsleyI flew high,my course a whisper in the air,a breeze flicking through ivy.(Buile Shuibhne, Irish 9th. c. Translation by Seamus Heaney.By kind permission of The Author.Sweeney Astray, Faber and Faber Ltd., 2001.)

MusicCeol

MUSIC CEOL 13FESTIVAL OPENING CONCERTThe DonegalChamber OrchestraDirector, Orsolya Szabó ViolinTHURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25The Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon 8.00pm ¤10/¤5The Donegal Chamber Orchestra was founded in2006 by Hungarian violinist Orsolya Szabó andSpanish cellist Víctor Yélamo - the ensemble’sArtistic Director - as part of the outreachprogramme of the County Donegal VEC MusicEducation Service Partnership.The ensemble features the best young classicalstring players from across County Donegal andis dedicated to helping students and youngmusicians achieve the highest level of excellencein performance.To-date, the Orchestra’s performance record hasbeen impressive. Most recently, the ensembleplayed two concerts as part of the Earagail ArtsFestival, where audiences were hugely impressedwith their virtuosity, while prior to that theyprovided the orchestral accompaniment forthe Donegal Music Education Service promoted,Bealtaine Festival performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’at St. Eunan’s Cathederal, Letterkenny. They havealso completed a series of masterclasses and publicperformances with internationally acclaimed SmithQuartet violinist, Darragh Morgan.Among the composers featured in the Programmefor this Festival Opening Concert will be AntonioVivaldi (Concerto for Violin in D minor), WilliamBoyce (Symphony No. 1 in B flat), Georges Bizet(Suite from Carmen), Gabriel Fauré (Pavane)and Henry Purcell (Suite from The Fairy Queen).

14 MUSIC CEOLTRAD CEOL DEN SCOTH Ó DHÚN NA NGALLCiarán Ó Maonaigh Aidan O’DonnellTheresa Kavanagh Luke DanielsDÉ DEARDAOIN 25Ú MEÁN FÓMHAIRTHURSDAY 25 SEPTEMBERTí Linn Sliabh League Cultural Centre An Teileann Teelin 8.30pm ¤10/¤8Ciarán Ó Mhaonaigh from GaothDobhair – TG4 Young Musicianof the Year 2003 - and AidanO’Donnell from Dunkineely, haverecently released a stunning newCD, ‘Fidil’, and are rapidly forging a reputation forexhilarating and challenging music that draws onthe rich heritage of their native place.If you enjoy the fiery Donegal fiddle styles of theO’Doherty’s, the O’Beirn’s and the Cassidy’s, you’lllove this. mustrad.org.ukBold interpretations of classic tunes from the likesof John Doherty, Francie Mooney and VincentCampbell ...these duelling fiddlers hit the groundrunning. The Irish Times.Theresa Kavanagh is a risingstar of Donegal fiddle playing.A student of the late FrancieMooney, she released herdebut CD , ‘The Seventh Veil’,in 2006. Earlier this year,Theresa performed at theCeltic Connecrtions Festival inGlasgow and was a featuredmusician in Donal Lunny’s‘Mo Bhealach Féin’ suite , the highlight of the recentEaragail Arts Festival.Nuair a éistim le fidléireacht Theresa Kavanagh,cluinim ceol ealaíonta baininsneach.Tá a cuid ceolbinn is fíor in achan nóta. Maighréad Ní Mhaonaigh.BBC 2 Young Traditional Musician of the yearwinner Luke Daniels hails from Berkshire ,England. He has performed with Dé Danann andwith the Riverdance band and has more recentlybeen making a name for himself as a composer,working in both the traditional and classicalidioms. His Oxford Folk Festival commissionedwork, Islands, was alsoperformed at the GlasgowRoyal Concert Hall as partof this year’s CelticConnections Festival.As for fleet fingered virtuosity, he can take hisplace alongside the likes of Andy Cutting, MáirtínO’Connor, Sharon Shannon and Jackie Daly.The Living Tradition.An emerging new force to be reckoned with.The Guardian.

MUSIC CEOL 15AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING AND SONGLen Graham and Jack LynchFRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26The Resource Centre HallPettigo 8.30pm ¤10/¤8SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27The Heritage CentreArdara 8.30pm ¤10/¤8An unrivalled evening of songs, tall tales andcraic from two internationally acknowledgedmasters of the art.Len Graham is one of Ireland’s best knowntraditional singers who has gained internationalreputation, not only for his inimitable singingstyle, but also for the breadth of his knowledgeof Irish folk music. He has appeared at numerousIrish and international Festivals, as well as onradio and television and in 2002 he was awardedthe TG4 Traditional Singer of the Year Award.His association with the late John Campbellbrought storytelling and song to a world audience.Their work together over twenty years made asignificant contribution towards creating a deeperunderstanding of shared cultural traditions duringmany years of conflict in the North of Ireland.Jack Lynch is firmly rooted in the seanchaítradition, as explored in recent times by the late greatEamon Kelly and John Campbell, both of whom heshared a stage with.He works regularly with the National Museum andhas appeared at local arts and storytelling festivalsthroughout Ireland and abroad, including theSmithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC, theSidmouth Folk Festival and the Edinburgh StorytellingFestival.An accomplished actor, Jack appeared in RoughMagic’s recent award-winning production of TheTaming of The Shrew. His television and film creditsinclude Ballykissangel and When Brendan Met Trudyas well as Roddy Doyle’s The Snapper and The Van.A magical world of nods, winks and dry subtlewitticisms….the match of anything for sheerimagination and vitality . HotpressJack Lynch is one of the best storytellers and comicactors that we have. In DublinLen Graham is one of the most majestic singers onGod’s earth. FolkROOTS

16 MUSIC CEOLKILLYBEGS COMMUNITY CARNIVAL NIGHTThe Rare GrooveOrchestraSUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28Fawlty’s Bar & LoungeMain Street Killybegs 9.00pm ¤10This Donegal / Derry ensemble is steeped ina fusion of heavy funk, jazz and carnivalesquerhythms and beats. The musicians haveperformed with an impressive array of artistsand bands such as Chuck Berry, Riverdance,Paul Brady, Primal Scream, Republic of Loose,The Drifters, Mirenda Rosenberg, Georgia,The Dead Flags, Henry Mc Cullough andThe Stone Rangers.The 10 piece line up features a brass section,vocals, guitars, bass, hammond organ, drums andpercussion. Taking inspiration from various artistsand genres, RGO have created an intoxicatingblend of jazz, funk, soul, blues, reggae andhip-hop, reworking material from bands such asNirvana, Radiohead, The Police as well as fromjazz maestros like Miles Davis and John Coltrane.The band play support to Asian Dub Foundationas part of the Sea Sessions Festival in Bundoranthis September.

Tel. 071 9851086

18 MUSIC CEOLTRAD CEOL DEN SCOTH Ó DHÚN NA NGALLMartin TourishLuke WardJames ByrneIan SmithDÉ MHAIRT30Ú DEIREADH FÓMHAIRTUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBERAn Clachán The Folk VillageGleann Choilm Cille 8.30pm ¤10/¤8Earlier this year, Ballybofey man Martin Tourishwas the first piano accordion player to beawarded the coveted TG4 Young Musician ofthe Year Award and the second young Donegalmusician to be so honoured. He recorded a verywell received debut album, Clan Ranald, withbazouki player Luke Ward in 2005 and nowhe’s about to publish a volume of more than100 traditional tunes – mostly polkas, slidesand mazourkas – that were commonly playedin East Donegal at the turn of the last century.‘There is a great vibrancy in a lot of this musicand it really changes peoples’ ideas of the rangeof traditional music played here in Donegalall those years ago’, he said recently, ‘theEuropean influence was strong and anythingthat went on in a far away place seemed verygrand and great at the time !’Ian Smith is a Scottishmusician and songwriterwho has lived for many yearsin the Rosses area of WestDonegal. A stalwart of thelocal traditional and folkmusic scene, Ian also worksTionscanmh Lugh, the Gaoth Dobhair-basedtraditional music promotion agency who’smost recent project, a musical celebration ofDonal Lunny’s Donegal connections, was anenormous success. He released a CD of his owncompositions, Restless Heart, in 2002 while in2004 he recorded The Keadue Bar with fellowScotsman, fiddle player Stephen Campbell.Glencolmcille fiddle playerJames Byrne is one of theleading lights of the Donegalfiddle playing tradition. Ahugely respected playerhe is acknowledged as amajor influence by all ofthe emerging younger stars of the tradition.A founder member of the very successfulCeol sa Ghleann traditional music project, hereleased the critically acclaimed CD The Roadto Glenlough, with Peter Carr and DermotMcLaughlin, in 1990. He is also featured,alongside Vincent Campbell and the late ConCassidy and Francie Byrne, on the acclaimedCladdagh Records Donegal fiddle compilation,The Brass Fiddle Vol. 1.

MUSIC CEOL 19THE FESTIVAL HEADLINERMary McPartlanMáirtín O’ConnorCathal HaydenSeamie O’DowdTHURSDAY OCTOBER 2The Abbey Arts CentreBallyshannon 8.30pm ¤15/¤10Galway based Leitrimsinger Mary McPartlan’scurrent release, ‘PetticoatLoose’, was recordedlast year in Galwaywith Máirtín O’Connor,Brendan O’Regan , FrankieGavin, Johnny RingoMcDonagh, SeamieO’Dowd and the ConTempo String Quartet - theensemble in residence at University CollegeGalway. It has been described by The IrishTimes as ‘ a bristling, blistering successor to hersolo debut’ while the prestigious UK folk musicmagazine FolkROOTS declared Mary ‘Ireland’sgreatest singer since Dolores Keane’.None of Mary’s fellow musicians will requireextended introductions to Donegal audiences,especially if they are regular patrons of the annualBallyshannon Folk and TraditionalMusic Festival.Máirtín O’Connor is probablybest known as the boxplayer who, together withJackie Daly, helped createthe distinctive sound ofseminal traditional band DéDanann. Highly successfulsolo recordings in recentyears include A ConnachtMan’s Rambles, Perpetual Motion and The RoadWest, in which he has always displayed a fondnessfor exploration and innovation in his music. Thishas also led him to work in a wide variety of musicalcontexts including recordings and live performanceswith the Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, The Waterboysand many more. He was the winner of the inauguralTraditional Musician of the Year Award in 1995.Pomeroy fiddle and banjoplayer par excellenceCathal Hayden is a foundermember of the hugelypopular traditional band,Four Men and A Dog. Healso performs regularly withfellow Tyrone virtuoso ArtyMcGlynn and has latterlybroadened his musical horizons to include film andtheatre scores, such as the extremely well receivedJoseph Locke biopic Hear My Song and the hugelysuccessful Marie Jones’ play, The Blind Fiddler.Virtuoso guitarist SeamieO’Dowd is a former memberof Sligo traditional bandDervish who, as well aforging a successful solocareer, now works regularlywith, among others, MáirtínO’Connor, Liam Óg O’Floinn,Matt Molloy and JohnnyRingo McDonagh.

20 MUSIC CEOLCAIRDEAS NA BHFIDLÉIRÍ THE 26TH. ANNUALDonegalFiddlersGatheringFRIDAY – SUNDAYOCTOBER 3-5The Highlands Hotel GlentiesThe Highlands Hotel, Glenties is the venuefor the annual Donegal Fiddlers Gathering.Organised by Carideas na bhFidléirí, thisevent has become one of the highlights of theIrish traditional music calendar. The Gatheringis a vibrant celebration of the Donegal style offiddle playing and it includes a programme ofinformal sessions, a star-studded showcaseconcert of Donegal music and a programmeof fiddle masterclasses in the Donegal style onSaturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 1.30pm(Booking 071 9852144).GALA CONCERTSATURDAY OCTOBER 4Highlands HotelBallroom 9.00pmOne of the main focal points of the weekendwill be the Donegal Fiddlers concert onSaturday night. The true greats of Donegalfiddling will once again be celebrated and theconcert will feature performances by manyof the leading local players includingJimmy and Peter Campbell from Glenties,Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Aidan O’Donnell(see P. 14), Melanie Houton from Inishowenand special guest Eddie O’Gara withMichelle Laffer, fiddle.Eddie O’Gara, from the parish of GleannChoilm Cille, is in his late 80s and is amelodeon player with a fine repertoire oflocal tunes and a lovely oldstyle of playingthem. He emigrated to England in the 1940’sand has lived there ever since. However, hemaintains strong links with home and with themusic and is a regular visitor back to Donegal.Eddie’s late brother Paddy was a very finefiddler with a great store of tunes and lorewho performed at the Cairdeas na bhFidiléirífiddlers’ weekend in Glenties in the past.Tickets for Saturday night’s concert will beavailable at The Highlands Hotel on the nightof the performance. Tel. 074 9551111.Táimid faoi mhór-chomaoin ag leithéidí agusClann Uí Dhochartaigh, Na Casadaigh asTeileann, Neilly Boyle as an gClochán Liath,Danny O’Donnell as Mennbanad, HughGillespie as Baile Bó Feich agus a lán, láneile atá imithe uainn anois mar go dfhág siadina ndiaidh dúinne uilig, an toidhreachtcheolmhar iontach saibhir seo.Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. Altan.

MUSIC CEOL 21EVE OF CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONThe Afresh BandThe GlowormsFRIDAY OCTOBER 3Dicey Reilly’s Market Street Ballyshannon 9.30pm ¤10The stunning Afrocentric Reggae sounds ofBelfast-based Zimbabwean band The Afreshcollide with the sassy, stomping London céilidhedance rhythms of The Gloworms, one of thehottest acts on the current UK folk music scene.The Gloworms are, Laurel Swift on fiddle, JonBrenner on accordion and Colin Cotter on banjoand stompbox. The band’s sound reflects a widerange of ideas and influences from contemporarydance music to a strong interest in the roots of theEnglish folk tradition.Selected by MOJO magazine as one of their Top 10Folk Albums of 2007, their debut CD, Running Joak,is an intoxicating mix of polkas, jigs, rants, waltzes,step-hops and double hornpipes. Alongside Martinand Eliza Carthy, Billy Bragg, Paul Weller, ChrisWood, Sheila Chandra and Transglobal Underground,The Gloworms are also part of Simon Emerson’sImagined Village folk supergroup project whichtopped the bill at the recent CambridgeFolk Festival.What a big and satisfying noise from sucha small number of people!...an incessantlyrefreshing audio party. FolkROOTS.Comprised of musicians from Zimbabwe,Slovakia, Poland and Ireland, The Afresh Bandare both a product and a reflection of the waythis part of the world has changed in recenttimes. Their joyful African reggae sound, playedout on electrified thumb pianos, marimbas andother traditional African instruments as well ason more conventional brass, guitar and drums, isa universal invitation to get down and dance thenight away.The Afresh are Gabriel Makamanzi andNorman Muza from Zimbabwe on mbiras,marimbas, percussion and vocals, brothersJan and Peter Uhrin from Slovakia on drumsand bass, Krzystof Malinski from Poland onsaxophone with Chris Todd from Ballyclare onguitar. All of the band members now live andwork in Belfast.

22 BUSANNA FESTIVAL BUS SERVICEThe Festival andSeirbhís IompairTuaithe TeoDonegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival is delightedto forge this unique partnership with rural busservice company Seirbhís Iompair Tuaithe Teo(SITT) which will facilitate audiences travellingto a selection of Festival evening shows. We willalso bring the Festival spirit on to the bus in theform of the one and only Fergus Cleary who willentertain passengers on a selection of routesover the course of the Festival.Seirbhís Iompair Tuaithe Teo is a Community RuralTransport Company managed by a voluntary Board ofManagement, based in Kilcar and serving the communityin South West Donegal. The aim of the service isto advance social inclusion by providing affordabletransport for people who live in towns and rural areaswhere there is no alternative public service.Passengers who hold a Free Travel Pass can use theirpasses to travel free on any of the services. SITT buseswill also collect and drop back passengers directly fromtheir homes. This is arranged by booking a seat throughthe SITT Office the day before expected travel date.To Book your Seat Tel. SITT on 074 9738913 before1.00pm, the day before you travel. If you are Booking toTravel to a Festival Event, your Booking secures both yourBus Seat and your Festival Event Admission.

BUSANNA FESTIVAL BUS SERVICE 23FREE Return Bus Service to Selected Festival Events.Busanna, saor in aisce, chuig rogha d‘Imeachtaí an Féile.ARD CHEOL TRAIDISIÚNTA LECiarán Ó Maonaigh,Aidan O’DonnellTheresa Kavanagh,Luke DanielsTHURSDAY DEARDAOIN,25 SEPTEMBER 25Ú MEÁN FÓMHAIRTí Linn, Ionad Chultúrtha Sliabh Liag,Teileann 8.30pmBUS 1 - 7.30pm Killybegs, outside Sweet News;7.45pm Cill Chartha, Kilcar outside Mace Shop;7.50pm An Charraig, Carrick outside Garda Station;8.00pm Tí Linn, Ionad Chultúrtha Sliabh LiagBUS 2 - 7.30pm Malin Beag, Main Street;7.40pm Caiseal, Gleann Choilm Cille, Biddy’s Bar;7.50pm An Charraig, Carrick Garda Station;8.00pm Tí Linn, Ionad Chultúrtha Sliabh LiagFéach Clár na Féile, Lch 14. Festival Programme P. 14.STORYTELLING AND TRADITIONAL SONGLen Grahamand Jack LynchSATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27The Heritage Centre Ardara 8.30pm7.30pm Glenties Community Centre;7.40pm Clooney; 7.45pm Narin;7.50pm Portnoo PO; 7.55pm Kilclooney, Dolmen Centre;8.00pm Ardara, Heritage CentreFéach Clár na Féile, Lch 15. Festival Programme P. 15.ARD CHEOL TRAIDISIÚNTA IS AMHRÁNAÍOCHTMartin Tourish Luke WardJames Byrne Ian SmithTUESDAY DÉ MHÁIRT30 SEPTEMBER30Ú MEÁN FÓMHAIRAn Clachán The Folk VillageGleann Choilm Cille 8.30pm7.40pm Cill Chartha, Kilcar, outside Mace Shop;7.45pm An Charraig, Carrick Garda Station;7.55pm Caiseal, Gleann Choilm Cille, Biddy’s Bar;8.00pm An Clachán, Gleann Choilm CilleFéach Clár na Féile, Lch 18. Festival Programme P. 18.MUSIC, THEATRE AND COMEDYDead Rooster BluesCreated and Performedby Little John NeeTHURSDAY OCTOBER 2The Heritage CentreArdara 8.30pm7.30pm Glenties Community Centre; 7.40pm Clooney;7.45pm Narin; 7.50pm Portnoo PO; 7.55pm Kilclooney,Dolmen Centre; 8.00pm Ardara, Heritage CentreFéach Clár na Féile, Lch 8. Festival Programme P. 8.‘Wheels On The Bus’with Fergus ClearyMusician, storyteller, comedian and former DonegalPerson of The Year Fergus Cleary regales passengerson the new Seirbhís Iompar TuaitheTeo (SITT) bus routes around SouthWest Donegal with stories, songs andanecdotes, in his own inimitable style.Climb aboard at any point along theroute, and join in the fun.TUESDAY DÉ MHÁIRT 30 SEPTEMBER30Ú MEÁN FÓMHAIR9.55am Malin Beag; 10.00am Malin Mór; 10.05am Caiseal,Gleann Choilm Cille; 10.15am Mín an Aoire, Meenaneery;10.25am An Charraig, Carrick; 10.30am Cashlins Crossroads;10.35am Cill Chartha, Kilcar; 10.50am Na Cealla Beaga,KillybegsFRIDAY DÉ HAOINE 3 OCTOBER3Ú DEIREADH FÓMHAIR10.15am Ardara; 10.30am Rosbeg; 10.45am Narin;10.50am Clooney; 10.55am Ballykillduff;11.00am Kilclooney; 11.10am ArdaraSATURDAY DÉ SATHARN 4 OCTOBER4Ú DEIREADH FÓMHAIR10.30am Caiseal, Gleann Choilm Cille; 10.40am Mín an Aoire,Meenaneery; 10.45am An Charraig, Carrick; 10.50am CashlinsCrossroads; 10.55am Cill Chartha, Kilcar; 11.10am Na CeallaBeaga, Killybegs; 11.15am Bruckless; 11.25am Dunkineely;11.45pm Donegal Town

Childrens Events, VisualArts and LiteratureImeachtaí do Pháistí,Taispeántaisí agus Litríocht

CHILDREN, VISUAL ARTS, LITERATURE PÁISTÍ, TAISPEÁNTAISÍ, LITRÍOCHT 25MIRRORBALL THEATRE COMPANYStone Soupby Joe BrennanTUESDAY – WEDNESDAYSEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 1Primary Schools in South andSouth West Donegal.Mirrorball Productions present a delightful fablefor children. Stone Soup tells the tale of a villagenestled beside a river, surrounded by green andfertile lands. The villagers work together in peaceand harmony to ensure a bountiful harvest thatthey share. Then comes a year when the cropsfail and hearts harden. Lus na Gréine, who singsand tells stories for the village, is given nothing.Can she melt the hearts of the villagers with astone? Stone Soup is another magical tale fromthe author of An Grianán Theatre’s acclaimedtouring show, The Witchin’ Well.Mirrorball are a new theatre company basedin Ramelton, Co. Donegal. These are the firstperformances of their first production! We wishthem well!‘An hour of absorbing and innovative entertainment.’The Irish Times (‘The Witchin’ Well ‘)For Children aged 7 and under. 45mins.CUIREANN NA FANZINI BROTHERS I LÁTHAIRCannonball!THURSDAY – FRIDAYDEIREADH FÓMHAIR OCT 2 - 3Touring Primary Schools in Southand South West Donegal.SATURDAY OCTOBER 4Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon3.00pm ¤3.00 Children,accompanied by an Adult.Following last year’s tremendouslysuccessful Deathwish tour,Ronaldo and Guido Fanzini,those crazy West Kerry Italians,return to Donegal with a brandnew, massively entertaining comedy circus show,Cannonball ! Come along and join in the fun asthe boys attempt their most ambitious and mostdangerous stunt ever, the human Cannonball !Bailigí timpeall, bailigí timpeall uilig is bígíbéaloscailteach nuair a fheiceann sibh na héachtannado-chreidthe a bhfuil na deartháireacha seo asIarthar Chiarraí sásta tabhairt faoi. An bhfuil siadamaideach nó chalma thar aon chreidiúint? Is cumacé acu i ndáirire mar go gcuireann siad seó iontachgreannmhar is fíor craiceáilte i láthair d’óg is aosta.40 nóiméad / Oiriúnach do Pháistí 5 +Waiting ToBe IrishMONDAY – FRIDAYSEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 3Touring Second Level Schools in South andSouth West Donegal.Waiting To Be Irish is a new play devised andperformed by Cameroonian actors, Chris Ndayaand Theophile Guessala. In it, two Africanimmigrants to Ireland discuss their situation andengage in some hilarious and thought-provokingroleplay as they wait for their submissionsto be processed. The play will be followed by ashort audience discussion, facilitated by directorDeclan Birney and the performers.

26 CHILDREN, VISUAL ARTS, LITERATURE PÁISTÍ, TAISPEÁNTAISÍ, LITRÍOCHTEXHIBITION - NEW WORKBrigid CorcoranSEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 31Helen Allingham Gallery Abbey Arts Centre BallyshannonMonday – Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm, 7.30pm – 9.30pm FREEOFFICIAL OPENINGTHURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25 7.00pm All Welcome.Cave, Bundoran. Seaweed, Annagry. EasnaimhBrigid Corcoran is originally from Dublin but has been living and working in NorthLeitrim for the past decade. A graduate of the Leitrim Sculpture Centre she hasparticipated in many solo and group exhibitions and worked on various private and publicsculpture commissions. From her studio space at the Centre she works in stone, wood,mixed media and photography. She holds a Degree in Fine Art and a Higher Diploma inCommunity Art Education. Her work is in private collections in Ireland and Portugal.For this exhibition Brigid has created a new body of work in sculpture and digitalphotography, inspired and informed by walks along the West Donegal coastline.Her vivid photographic prints capture the vibrancy of colour and light, while the abstractsculptures represent her intuitive responses to natural forms common to the local landand seacapes.

CHILDREN, VISUAL ARTS, LITERATURE PÁISTÍ, TAISPEÁNTAISÍ, LITRÍOCHT 27TIONSCNAMH AGUS TAISPEÁNTAS DE CHUID CEARDLANN NA gCROISBHAEALACHDinnseanchasTHURSDAY – WEDNESDAY DEARDAOIN – CHÉADAOIN25Ú MEÁN FÓMHAIR – 1Ú DEIREADH FÓMHAIRAislinn Chill Chartha KilcarOideas Gael Gleann Choilm CilleDhá Theaspeántas ar oscailt don Phobail idir10.00am agus 4.00pm, i rith na seachtaineagus idir 2.00pm go dtí 5.00pm Dé Satharnis Dé Dómhnaigh.Open 10.00am –4.00pm Weekdays.2.00pm –5.00 pm Saturday and Sunday.Cead Isteach Saor in Aisce. FREE of Charge.FÁILTE roimh chuile dhuine.Oscailt Oifigiúl Exhibition OpeningsWednesday Dé Chéadaoin 24ú Meán FómhairAislinn Chill Chartha Kilcar ag a 6.00pmOideas Gael Ghleann Choilm Cille ag a 8.00pmSeard atá sa ‘Dinnseanchas’ ná an mbealoideasatá taobh thiar de logainmneacha nó an slí mara chuireadh ainmneacha ar bhailte beaga, bailtefearainn is láithreacha ar leith ar fud na tíire.Ó thús na bliana seo, t’an file Nuala NíDhómhnaill agus an t-ealaíontóir BernadetteNí Choitir ag obair le mhuintir Ghleann CholmCille, Teileann agus Chill Chartha lena chabhrú leonua shaothracha dhearcealaíon a chruthú, is iadbunnaithe ar an dinnseanchas áitiúil seo. Anois,tá’n taispeántas speisialta seo á chur i láthairag Ceardlann na gCroisbhealach chun deis athabhairt don phobail na nua-shaothracha seo afheiceáil don gcéad uair.Rannpháirteach sa toghra tá Dympna Towell,Carmel Butler, Christine Daly, KathleenMcGinley, Teresa Ní Chasaide, CarolineMolloy, Séan Ó Beirne, Séan Ó Maitiú,Séan Ó Brádaigh agus Seosamh Ua Gallachóir.Poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and artist BernadetteCotter have, since early this year, engaged withmembers of the Glencolmcille, Teelin and Kilcarcommunity who have an interest in their ownlocal Dinnsheanchas or ‘Lore of Place’. As wellas collecting and compiling Dinnsheanchas,participants have been encouraged to transformtheir stories into a visual form. This exhibitionis an opportunity for the project participants tocelebrate and share the results of their work thusfar with the wider community.

28 CHILDREN, VISUAL ARTS, LITERATURE PÁISTÍ, TAISPEÁNTAISÍ, LITRÍOCHTEXHIBITIONThe Final FrontierTUESDAY – SATURDAY TO NOVEMBER 3012.00NOON – 6.00PMMan-made Images Photo Gallery Mountcharleswww.man-madeimages.euWith the naked eye, we can only but wonder about the beauty of the worlds around us.The Final Frontier, however, gets us closer that ever before to the essence of that beauty.This is an exhibition of photographs of the Universe - planets, galaxies, nebulas, newstars – as taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, the European Space Station and theNASA Space Shuttle missions. The images chosen are the result of in-depth researchleading to a spectacular and hugely informative exhibition.The Final Frontier will run until December at Man-made Images - the first galleryoutside of Dublin, dedicated exclusively to the art of photography.

CHILDREN, VISUAL ARTS, LITERATURE PÁISTÍ, TAISPEÁNTAISÍ, LITRÍOCHT 29NATIONAL POETRY DAY CELEBRATION INASSOCIATION WITH POETRY IRELANDFrancis HarveyKate NewmannJoan NewmannEva StevkovaLucia SpacirovaTHURSDAY OCTOBER 2The Garden Rooms Salt Hill HouseMountcharles 8.00pm ¤10/¤8Celebrating Ireland’s first official NationalPoetry Day - an initiative of Poetry Ireland tomark its 30th. anniversary – local poets FrancisHarvey, Kate Newmann and Joan Newmann arejoined by Donegal-based Slovakian violinists EvaStevkova and Lucia Spacirova in the wonderfulseaside setting of Salt Hill House and Gardens,Mountcharles.Just last year, Dedalus Presspublished Donegal Town poetFrancis Harvey’s CollectedPoems, bringing together workfrom his four previous collectionsalong with a spellbinding bodyof new work. A poet with an deep love for thenatural heritage of Donegal, among the manyprizes he has won are The Guardian/WorldWildlife Fund Prize, The Irish Times YeatsSummer School Prize and a Peterloo Poetry Prize.Kate Newmann is co-founderof the Kilcar-based SummerPalace Press, the North West’sonly dedicated poetry publishinghouse. Her most recent collection,Belongings (with Joan Newman),was published last year by ArlenHouse. She has been Director ofBelmullet Writers’ Festival and in2007 was Writer-in-Residencefor the Louis MacNeice Centenary Celebration inCarrickfergus.Alongside Seamus Heaney and the late JamesSimmons, Joan Newmann was a member of thePhilip Hobsbaum Belfast Group which was at thecentre of the poetry renaissanxce in Northern Irelandin the 1960s. Her most recent collections includeThin Ice (Abbey Press, 1999 ), Belonging ( ArlenHouse, 1999, with Kate Newmann ) and Prone (Summer Palace Press, 2007). In 2004 , she wasawarded the Samhain International Poetry Festival’sCraobh na hÉigse Award. She recently read at theJohn Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh.Violinists Eva Stevkovaand Lucia Spacirovaare both graduatesof the UniversityKonzervatorium,Bratislava. Evaperformed with the European Symphony Orchestrafor five years while Lucia was tutor of violin and guitarat the Slovakian Music School. Regular performersat the Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s on-goingclassical music concert series, Eva and Lucia alsotutor in violin with the Donegal Music EducationPartnership.

30 CHILDREN, VISUAL ARTS, LITERATURE PÁISTÍ, TAISPEÁNTAISÍ, LITRÍOCHTTHE SUNDAY READINGPat BoranMoya CannonMary MontagueMembers of Donegal Writers GroupMembers of Bundoran Writers GroupSUNDAY OCTOBER 5Coxtown Manor Laghey Donegal2.30pm ¤15/¤10 Booking Essential087 6486079An afternoon of Readings in the wonderfullyatmospheric surroundings of Coxtown Manor,hosted and curated by Denise Blake, a foundermember of the Errigal Writers Group.Pat Boran is a poet andbroadcaster from Portlaoise,now living in Dublin. Therecipient of the 1989 PatrickKavanagh Award and the 2008Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Prizefor Poetry, he has published four collections ofpoems as well as his latest for Dedalus Press, Newand Selected Poems (2005-2007). Other recentpublications include an updated edition of hispopular writers’ handbook, The Portable creativewriting workshop. He presented The PoetryProgramme on RTE Radio 1 from 2006-2008 andhe continues to be a regular contributor to thestation’s popular Sunday morning show, SundayMiscellany.Pat is Managing Editor of Dedalus Press and amember of Aosdána.Moya Cannon was born inDunfanaghy and now lives inGalway. She has publishedthree collections of poems,her latest, Carrying The Songs,is published by the awardwinningOxford based, Carcanet Press. Her debutcollection, Oar (Salmon Publishing, 1990 ) wasreprinted by The Gallery Press in 2000 followingthe success of her 1997 collection, The ParchmentBoat. Moya has been an editor of Poetry IrelandReview and writer-in-residence at Trent University,Ontario, and at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris.A member of Aosdána, she has won both theBrendan Behan Memorial Prize and the LawrenceO’Shaughnessy Award for Poetry.Mary Montague grew up inCo. Fermanagh and taught formany years in Derry. She isa member of Errigal Writers,Letterkenny. Her first collection,Black Wolf on a White Plain,was published by Summer Palace Press in 2001.Her newest collection, Tribe, has just beenpublished by Dedalus Press.Pat Boran’s poetry is amongst the most tantalizingbeing written in Ireland today. Fortnight.(Pat Boran is) One of our most exciting andrewarding contemporary Irish poets.The Irish ExaminerThe intensely lyrical musings on life, landscapeand love stir the heart, disturb the settled thought… and soothe the soul. Like her fellow Northerner,Seamus Heaney, Moya Cannon digs deep with thepen. The Irish Examiner.Tribe is an elegy for a lost paradise, a Song of Songsfor squirrel, fox and raven, whale, wolf and gannet,and ultimately it raises serious questions for us andgenerations to come. Eva Bourke (Author of, TheLatitude of Naples.)

Booking BookáilFor all Festival events, tickets will beavailable for purchase at the venue onthe evening of the performance. To avoiddisappointment, however, please plan toarrive at the venue at least 20 minutes beforethe advertised showtime. Should you wish,you may also book certain performances inadvance at the following venues…Booking at The Abbey Arts Centre,Ballyshannon. 071 9851375.For Donegal Chamber Orchestra,PJ Gallagher, Máirtín O’Connor MaryMcPartlan, Afresh + The Gloworms at DiceyReilly’s and National Poetry Day Readingsat Salt Hill House, Mountcharles.Booking at The Balor Theatre, Ballybofey.074 9131840 For Fergus Cleary and TheWoman in Black.Booking at Tí Linn, Teelin 074 9739077For Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Aidan O’Donnell.Theresa Kavanagh, Luke Daniels.Booking at The Heritage Centre, Ardara.Tory Island087 2868657 (11.00am - 4.00pm) For Oileán Thoraigh LenGraham Jack Lynch and Little John Nee.Booking at Forge Resource Centre, MeenlaraghBloodyPettigo. 071 9861924 For Len GrahamForelandGolaIslandDerrybegJack Lynch.LoughLaghaOweyIslandKincasslaghBookáil ag An Cláchán, AranmoreAnnagaryThe AnagaireGleann Choilm Cille. 074 9730017RossesLeabgarrow BurtonportAilt an ChorráinLough AnureAranmoreDo Martin Tourish, Luke Ward,IslandOileán Árainn Mhór DungloeAn Clochán LiathJames Byrne and Ian Smith.InishbofinMiddletownBunbeg An Bun BeagFalcarraghGortahorkMt. ErrigalGweedoreGaoth DobhairRannafast DunlewyDún LúicheCrolly LoughNacungLough AnureLough CraghyDoocharryFintownAdvance Tickets for Carnival Night withthe Rare Groove Orchestra are also availablefrom Killybegs Community Carnival,C/O Melly’s Café, Killybegs.Tel. 074 9731093For General Information on The Festival,please contact The Festival OfficeTel. 074 9121968, 074 9724467.USEFUL CONTACTSFáilte Ireland Tourist OfficeDonegal TownMan-made Images GalleryMountcharlesÁislann Chill CharthaKilcarOideas GaelGleann Choilm CilleHalla MhuireGleann Choilm CilleCoxtown Manor HotelLagheyCeardlann na gCroisbhealachAn FalcarrachDonegal Craft VillageDonegal TownDunaffFanadHeadHeadStephen Bennett GalleryCarn, Ardara FanadSheep HavenKindrumHorn Head Downings Lakeside Centre CaravanPortsalon PortsalonCamperDowningsRosapenna Park BallyshannonTawnyDunfanaghySheephavenMarbleTheHillBlue BayStack Carrigart Centre,Carraig AirtMulroyRay Drimarone, LetterbarrowBayAn Fál CarrachKerrykeelCreesloughThe Breesy CentreRathmullanCashelard, Ballyshannon.MilfordInchThe Highlands HotelLoughFernLough GlentiesRameltonBeaGlenveagh Dorrians Imperial 5 HotelNational ParkBallyshannonGort an ChoirceAltanLoughGlendowanLetterkenny* Hostel Accomodation.NewmillsDunaffThe Gunsof DuncreeNewtowncunninghamManorcunninghamCarrigansBOOKING BOOKÁIL 31St.JohnstownMalin HeadClonmanyMagherbaneLoughSwillyCarnaghanInch074 9721148074 9735928074 9738376074 9730248074 9730111074 9734575074 9165594074 9722225 /Portaleen9722015 Malin074Ballyliffen9541652Carndonagh071 9852822InishowenPeninsula 074 9735564 Quigley's*Buncrana071 9858188 *FahanBurnfootBurtDrumfreeMuff074 Bridge 9551111End071 9851147 DerryA 5BallygormanPointGlengad HeadCuldaffRedcastleCuldaffMovilleMovilleKinnagoe BayInisHStrooveGreencastlePortnoo ClooneyMassNarinRosbegGlentiesKilclooneyKilreanArdaraBlue StackMountainsBrockagh/CloghanBallybofeyStranorlar Lifford StrabaneCastlefinnKillygordonMallinBegSlieveLeagueGlencolumbkilleGleann Cholm CilleTeileannDonegal BayBundoranFrossesMurvaghBallintraLoughEskeMeenaneeryLeghowneyKillybegsCarrickInver MountcharlesCill Chartha BrucklessDonegalVenue TownsDunkineelyDrimaroneRossnowlaghBallyshannonLagheyCashelhardPettigo

DIALANN LAE DAY BY DAYEVENTSWEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24pageDinseanchas Exhibition Opening Áislann Chill Chartha 6.00pm 27Dinseanchas Exhibition Opening Oideas Geal, Gleann Choilm Cille 8.00pm 27THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25Bridget Corcoran Exhibition Opening The Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon 7.00pm 26Donegal Chamber Orchestra The Abbey Centre Ballyshannon 8.00pm 13Fergus Cleary Writes Again Balor Theatre Ballybofey 8.30pm 4Carthaginians, Donegal Drama Circle Leghowney Hall 8.30pm 3Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Theresa Kavanagh,Aidan O’Donnell, Luke Daniels Tí Linn Teelin 8.30pm 14FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26Carthaginians, Donegal Drama Circle Leghowney Hall 8.30pm 3Len Graham, Jack Lynch Resource Centre Hall Pettigo 8.30pm 15SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27Carthaginians, Donegal Drama Circle Leghowney Hall 8.30am 3Len Graham, Jack Lynch The Heritage Centre Ardara 8.30pm 15SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28Rare Groove Orchestra Fawlty’s Bar & Lounge Killybegs 9.00pm 16MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29Tea Dance Dorrian’s Hotel Ballyshannon 2.30pm 17Céilí na Féile The Heritage Centre Ardara 9.00pm 17TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30‘Wheels On The Bus’, Fergus Cleary Malinbeg – Killybegs 9.55am-10.50am 23Comedy Night PJ Gallagher Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon 8.30pm 5Martin Tourish, James ByrneIan Smith, Luke Ward Glencolmcille Folk Village 8.30pm 18WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1The Woman in Black Balor Arts Centre Ballybofey 8.30pm 7Waiting To Be Irish /The Modal Citizen Project Madden’s Bridge Bar Bundoran 9.00pm 6

THURSDAY OCTOBER 2pageMáirtín O’Connor, Mary McPartlanCathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd Abbey Arts Centre Ballyshannon 8.30pm 19Francis Harvey, Kate & Joan NewmannEva Stevkova, Lucy Spacirova Salt Hill House Mountcharles 8.30pm 29Dead Rooster Blues, LJ Nee Heritage Centre Ardara 8.30pm 8FRIDAY OCTOBER 3‘Wheels On The Bus’, Fergus Cleary Ardara/Narin/Ardara 10.15am – 11.10am 23Ríonach Ní Néill, Dara Ó Scolaí Halla Mhuire Ghleann Choilm Cille 8.30pm 9Donegal Fiddlers Gathering Highlands Hotel Glenties (informal) 9.00pm 20Gloworms, Afresh Band Dicey Reilly’s Ballyshannon 9.00pm 21SATURDAY OCTOBER 4‘Wheels On The Bus’, Fergus Cleary Glen – Donegal Town 10.30am–11.45am 23Cannonball ! Fanzini Bros Abbey Centre Ballyshannon 3.00pm 25Glitter and Glow Carnival Parade Castle Street The Port Ballyshannon 7.30pm 10Donegal Fiddlers Gala Concert Highlands Hotel Glenties 9.00pm 20Invoke Dicey Reilly’s Ballyshannon 9.30pm 11Disco Carnivale Dicey Reilly’s Ballyshannon 11.00pm 10SUNDAY OCTOBER 5Donegal Fiddlers Gathering Highlands Hotel Glenties (informal) 2.00pm 20Pat Boran, Moya CannonMary Montague Coxtown Manor Laghey 2.30pm 30TAISPEÁNTAISÍ / EXHIBITIONSBrigid Corcoran New Work P.26Helen Allingham Gallery Abbey Arts CentreBallyshannon 10.00am – 4.00pm , 7.30pm – 9.30pm.Monday – Sunday September 25 – October 31Dinnseanchas P.27Aislinn Chill Chartha Kilcar agus Oideas GaelGleann Choilm Cille10.00am – 4.00pm, i rith na seachtaine.2.00pm – 5.00pm Satharn, Dómhnaigh.10.00am – 4.00pm Weekdays.2.00pm – 5.00 pm Saturday and Sunday.Thursday – Wednesday September 25 – October 1The Final Frontier P.28Man-made Images Gallery Mountcharles12.00pm – 6.00pm Tuesday – Saturday(Closed Sun , Mon) To November 30FÉILE NA NÓG / EVENTS IN SCHOOLSCannonball ! The Fanzini Brothers P.25Touring Primary SchoolsThursday – Friday October 2 – 3Booking 074 9724467Stone Soup Mirrorball Theatre P.25Touring Primary SchoolsTuesday – Wednesday September 30 – October 1Booking 074 9724467Waiting To Be IrishChris Ndaya Theo Guessala P.6Touring Second Level SchoolsMonday – Friday September 29 – October 3Booking 074 9724467

Donegal Bay andBlue Stacks FestivalCARNIVALSPECTACLETHEATRELITERARYMUSICVISUAL ARTSEVENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLEFÉILE AN FHÓMHAIRSEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 5design: www.marleydesign.com