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Click on the following Link to view the Cultural Tent Schedule
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Live Performances and Workshops |
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Think you know all there is to know |
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The Lenihan School of Irish Dance Jr Dancers |
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Ceol agus Craic That translates into Music and Fun, the trio of Maureen Cadden, James McInerney and Tim Derwalis |
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Mattie Connolly Mattie Connolly was born in New York City and moved to Ireland with his family when he was just six years old. He grew up in the Scotstown area of Co Monaghan in the midst of a very musical family. His mother, Mrs. Helena Connolly, was a noted fiddle player and it is her he credits in large part for his background in traditional Irish music. There was always a lot of Irish music played on various instruments in his house when he was growing up. |
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A workshop on old style Irish dancing |
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A workshop on the Irish Language |
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The Pride of Moyvane Ceili Band The Pride of Moyvane Ceili Band has been in existence for six years, featuring Margie Mulvihill (flute/whistle), John Reynolds (fiddle), Felix Dolan (keyboard), Patty Furlong (accordion) and Frankie McCormick (banjo). The band’s name comes from the name of a tune composed by the late Martin Mulvihill, well-known and loved teacher in the 70's and early 80's and winner of the prestigious National Endowment of the Arts award. Moyvane is also the village in North Kerry where Margie's Dad was born in and where Margie spent most summers and lived for a period of time when in her teens. |
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Lenihan School of Irish Dance Founded by Patricia Lenihan, the school is a leader in Irish dance for over 30 years. Students from age 4 and up, as well as adults, attend for pure recreation as well as for those who aspire to compete. Patty's Students have competed regional, nationally & have had the honor of qualifying to compete in the world championships held in Ireland. |
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Loretta Murphy & Deirdre Danaher Loretta Murphy began her musical journey on the button accordion, concertina and melodeon at the age of 7 as a student of Galwayman Pete Kelly, who taught hundreds of children in the Bronx and Long Island. She and her sister, Monica, were original members of the Shannonaires Ceili Band which competed and performed in the United States and Ireland, and was the first young people's group from the USA to compete at the All-Ireland music competitions held in County Kerry in the early 70's. Since that time, Loretta has taught group and private music lessons in Long Island, New Haven, Fairfield, and Monroe. Loretta has represented the USA four times in international competition. She has been a long-time member of Music In the Glen Band, the Shamrogues, and cohost for sessions and concerts with Joe Gerhard, Pat Stratton and PV O"Donnell at various locations throughout Connecticut. Deirdre Danaher is a three time All-Ireland Champion Harp winner at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil (International Irish music competition). She was also the recipient of an International Graduate Rotary Scholarship for a year’s study at the University College Cork, Ireland. Deirdre was also an original member of the Shannonaires Ceili Band, where she and Loretta first began playing together, and have remained close friends ever since. She has played at numerous Irish events in the tri-state area such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the United Nations, Gracie Mansion and for Irish Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAllese. She was given an award by The Irish Voice newspaper as one of the Top Irish Women in America for 2009. Deirdre frequently adjudicates at Irish music competitions. |
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The "Shamrogues"
The “Shamrogues” are the performance group of the Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society. The band members span three generations and come from all walks of life from Ireland and throughout Connecticut, brought together by their shared passion for the music which they enthusiastically perform in the time-honored traditional style of their ancestors. They are regular performers at all the major Irish festivals throughout the region, including the Connecticut Irish Festival, where members have won numerous individual awards in the musical competitions known as the “Feis”. They have been featured at the Stamford WorldFest and Harbor Yard Stadium in Bridgeport, and last St. Patrick’s Day made their television debut on Channel 12. They have also performed in New York City on St. Patrick’s Day with the Chieftains |
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Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band |
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Mighty Shamrogues Formerly known as the “Junior Shamrogues”, over the years these youngsters have deservedly acquired the status of Mighty Shamrogues, a title more befitting their stature and musicianship! Representing the future of Traditional music in Fairfield County, these youngsters have become a finely honed ensemble under the skillful tutelage of Loretta Egan Murphy. They have frequently upstaged the senior Shamrogues in performances at senior residences, schools and the GAC Family night and Cultural Night events. Several of them have won top medal honors at statewide competitions. |
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Exhibits |
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FEILE |
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RAY CORBY'S HANDMADE WALKING STICKS |
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FESTIVAL T-SHIRT EXHIBIT If you attended the festival in the past and can't remember which year, perhaps the |
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LENIHAN SCHOOL OF DANCE |
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GAELIC AMERICAN CLUB IRISH LANGUAGE GROUP |
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GAELIC AMERICAN CLUB GENEALOGY GROUP |
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CLAN na GAEL PLAYERS |
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FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY IRISH STUDIES PROGRAM |
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FIRST HIT - JAMES O'ROURKE |
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