All roads lead to the Bofield Seisiún

TRADITIONAL TALENT Some of the young Bofield CCÉ musicians who take part in the weekly Gort na mBó Seisiún.

Every summer, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s local groups all over Ireland take part Seisiún, a celebration of the country’s rich cultural tradition. The idea is an invitation to all, visitors and locals, to follow a music trail offering evenings of song dance and storytelling at venues north, west, east and south. In north Mayo, the Bofield/Gort na mBó Seisiún has been up and running for 16 years, 12 of these in the Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass.
A truly family event, Seisiún is much more than just an evening of music, it’s a chance for all to take time out and share songs, stories, dance, poetry, and recitation, as well as experience local hospitality and traditional entertainment.
The Gort na mBó Seisiún format is a two-part show. It begins it the intimate surrounds of the theatre with its rich acoustics, where a formal presentation is to be staged. The audience is transported by the sweet strains of the Irish harp, or the soulful plaintive sound of the uilleann pipes. The three U-18 groups of the Bofield/Gort na mBo Comhaltas play a selection of céilí band tunes and groupa ceoil selections, which they have perfected over the winter months in preparation for Fleadh Ceoil. The Bofield Senior Band bring this section of the evening to a close leaving the audience with high expectations for part two.
After the traditional ‘cupan tae’ and indulging in the freshly made, mouth-watering scones and buns from the kitchen of the Fr Peyton Centre, audiences are treated to scenes reminiscent of the old Irish rambling house. The latter part of the night’s entertainment takes the shape of a warm and friendly informal presentation in the foyer, where ‘ceol agus craic’ is the order of the evening.
In a very relaxed atmosphere all patrons can join in a feast of local entertainment. Audience members are encouraged to take part and are very willing and eager to get involved. Story telling and yarns punctuate the music.
Seisiún was once hailed as the area’s best kept secret, but at this stage the secret is well and truly out. Visitors find their way on a Thursday evening to the small picturesque village of Attymass, nestling in the foothills of the Ox Mountains. As news of some of talent on show spreads, some the performers have been lucky enough to be invited to perform at the UN in Geneva.

The Bofield/Gort na mBo Seisiún runs at the Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass, every Thursday evening at 9pm until the end of August.