Huge Mayo welcome awaits families to Erris Gaeltacht

A HUGE Mayo welcome awaits a delegation of eight families from Craobh Dhúiche Sheoigheach branch of Comhaltas when they visit the Erris Gaeltacht this weekend.

Craobh Iorrais or the Erris local branch of Comhaltas, in partnership with Gaeilge Iorrais, are organising a series of Irish language events as part of this special weekend. They are planning a fun and exciting Irish music gathering for families and young people from these two Gaeltacht branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Iorras and Sheoigheach).

A feast of traditional Irish music, sean-nós singing, dancing, storytelling and Irish language conversation is in store. Particular emphasis will be placed on these traditional arts and on providing opportunities for socialising in Irish for the youth and people of these Gaeltacht areas as we look to strengthen the musical and linguistic links between these two Gaeltacht branches.

Among the events planned from Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, for children and adults from both branches are a junior music and singing session which will be held in Áras Inis Gluaire, Béal an Mhuirthead on Friday from 7pm to 9pm.

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Club UISCE or fun, socialising and team building in Irish for young people takes place in Coláiste UISCE, Cuan Eilí on Saturday while storytelling and art workshop for parents and young children takes place in Solas ar an Eachléim.

A sean-nós singing workshop for young people with local singer Síle Uí Mhongáin, an accordion masterclass with renowned musician from Iorras Fiachna Ó Mongáin and a family music session at Tra Bhuí in Dumha Thuama, Saturday from 7pm to 9pm.

Afterwards, a special social evening for adults will be held at Trá Bhuí in Dumha Thuama on Saturday night from 9pm. There will be a music session with local musicians, a performance by Erris dancers, a céilí and a night of airneáin.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday morning with a guided walk on Lúb na Binne Buí, in Ceathrú Thaidhg.

Ferdia Ó Mongáin, Irish language officer, Craobh Iorrais said they are delighted to foster this link with a fellow Gaeltacht branch of Dúiche Sheoigheach and they are looking forward to a productive, enjoyable and Irish-language weekend.

Laoise Ní Dhúda, language planning officer, Gaeilge Iorrais said they are delighted to support this special Irish-language gathering.

“We hope that both the people of this region and the people of Dúiche Sheoigheach will enjoy the music and the unique culture of this Gaeltacht in each other's company.”

Jenny Mhic Cába, Chairperson, Comhaltas Dhúiche Sheoigheach said: “We are very happy to be visiting the Erris area. Erris is very famous for its music and singing. There is a great interest in the culture and language in Erris. The two areas are very similar to each other. We are really looking forward to spending the weekend there.”

The latest information and any updates will be shared on @gaeilgeiorrais social media.