The Joe Mooney summer school in Drumshanbo Co Leitrim must be one of Ireland's best kept secrets. It is so family friendly, local people give of their precious time to make it the wonderful week that it is. The same lovely people return year after year but sssssh dont tell anyone in case it becomes too big!
"The Joe Mooney summer school in Drumshanbo Co Leitrim must be one of Ireland's best kept secrets."
Not anymore
I've been there about 4 times, I think. It's hard to say - the years all seem to merge into one. But I've played some of my best music there. Drumshanbo, Feakle and Milltown. Each has its own 'humours'.
I've been 19 times and while the earlier years were very special ,this summer school has certainly grown over the years, in a good way. As you say its very, very friendly, family friendly, very easy to join a session, all welcome. Big egos are not welcome in Drumshanbo. Saturday and Sunday are spent saying hello to people you have met over the years, old friends. Classes are great with top class tutors. If they get too big the ever obliging committee will simply go and get another tutor. In the concertina this year with numbers in Larry Kinsella's popular class at 24 plus, another teacher Yvonne Griffin from Clare (who was on holiday with her family) was brought in. Quite simply she was one of the best teachers (apart from Larry) I have ever had. So credit to the committee.
So here's to 2009!
Yes Drumshanbo is fantastic. It won't be a secret for long. Check out feilefreaney.net another small festival in Graiguenamangh last week in September 2008
what a week I had in Drumshanbo at the set dancing class with Pat Murphy, the solo dances with Gerard Butler and of course my own solo dances in the pubs. well done to all the committee looking forward to next year already. sen nos dancer
Wonderful festival but I fear it will become a victim of its popularity. Swamped by teenagers and young children this year. And who is teaching these young people. Sorry to say I heard some horrible so called music played by these young people. Lets reclaim the pub sessions for the adults.
I agree, some very fast, horrible music but then young people will mature and slow down. Its in their nature to want to do everything quickly, I say let them get on with it, they are the future and I often hear quite horrible music played by adults too so give youth a chance!
Drumshanbo ,great week!
Drumshanbo ,great week!
The Joe Mooney summer school in Drumshanbo Co Leitrim must be one of Ireland's best kept secrets. It is so family friendly, local people give of their precious time to make it the wonderful week that it is. The same lovely people return year after year but sssssh dont tell anyone in case it becomes too big!
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by dÃlis
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
"The Joe Mooney summer school in Drumshanbo Co Leitrim must be one of Ireland's best kept secrets."
Not anymore
I've been there about 4 times, I think. It's hard to say - the years all seem to merge into one. But I've played some of my best music there. Drumshanbo, Feakle and Milltown. Each has its own 'humours'.
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by ragaman
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
Drumshanbo is a fantastic festival. I think often the smaller scale festivals work best. Gives a better opportunity for sessions and learning.
We're trying to do something similar in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan with our festival Scoil Cheoil na Botha (www.anbhoth.ie)
Like Drumshanbo, it's a smaller festival but one which brings the finest talent to the area
Hopefully it'll join the list of great smaller scale festivals!
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by ScoilCheoilnaBotha
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
I've been 19 times and while the earlier years were very special ,this summer school has certainly grown over the years, in a good way. As you say its very, very friendly, family friendly, very easy to join a session, all welcome. Big egos are not welcome in Drumshanbo. Saturday and Sunday are spent saying hello to people you have met over the years, old friends. Classes are great with top class tutors. If they get too big the ever obliging committee will simply go and get another tutor. In the concertina this year with numbers in Larry Kinsella's popular class at 24 plus, another teacher Yvonne Griffin from Clare (who was on holiday with her family) was brought in. Quite simply she was one of the best teachers (apart from Larry) I have ever had. So credit to the committee.
So here's to 2009!
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by MollyB
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
Yes Drumshanbo is fantastic. It won't be a secret for long. Check out feilefreaney.net another small festival in Graiguenamangh last week in September 2008
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by kk fiddler
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
All thanks to Nancy and her crew. Well done and here's to next year.
# Posted on July 29th 2008 by the blue eyed rascal
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
what a week I had in Drumshanbo at the set dancing class with Pat Murphy, the solo dances with Gerard Butler and of course my own solo dances in the pubs. well done to all the committee looking forward to next year already. sen nos dancer
# Posted on July 30th 2008 by the blue eyed rascal
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
Forgot to say thanks to all the musicians for the music. Couldnt have danced without it. Sean nos dancer
# Posted on July 30th 2008 by the blue eyed rascal
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
Wonderful festival but I fear it will become a victim of its popularity. Swamped by teenagers and young children this year. And who is teaching these young people. Sorry to say I heard some horrible so called music played by these young people. Lets reclaim the pub sessions for the adults.
# Posted on August 1st 2008 by mariaphilmurphy
Re: Drumshanbo ,great week!
I agree, some very fast, horrible music but then young people will mature and slow down. Its in their nature to want to do everything quickly, I say let them get on with it, they are the future and I often hear quite horrible music played by adults too so give youth a chance!
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by MollyB