Féile na Samhna 2015
The 5th annual Féile na Samhna will take place in Swinford during the October bank holiday weekend (October 24th to 26th).
Singing workshops
Singing workshops for adults and children will take place on Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm. Séamus and Úna MacMathúna will teach adults and older teens in Teach Ui Chonaill (opposite AIB on Main Street) and Emily Rooney will teach children and younger teens in Swinford NS. The workshops are free. For booking and information email cceswinford@gmail.com
On Saturday afternoon at 2pm Séamus MacMathúna will officially open the Féile in the Gateway Hotel. Séamus is one of Ireland’s best known Irish traditional singers. An accomplished and impressive musician, he has been credited with archiving and preserving much of our traditional heritage for generations to come. He had the honour of being declared Ard Ollamh of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this year.
The Journey
Following the official opening there will be a wonderful afternoon of music, song poetry and conversation as Basil McDonnell hosts a panel of local and visiting artists.
The theme is “Traditional Music in Swinford – The Journey – exploring and celebrating the local heritage of music, song, dance and poetry and the overseas connections.” This should be very interesting and entertaining and everybody present will be welcome to join in if they wish. Refreshments and a traditional session to follow.
One of the highlights of Féile na Samhna is the re-enactment of “The Rambling House” which will start at 5pm on Sunday 25th Oct. Singers, dancers, musicians and storytellers from all over Mayo and further afield will entertain visitors and traditional fare, e.g. homemade bread, boxty and jelly and custard will be served. We had a marvellous evening at the Rambling House last year in the Gateway and expect it to be as good and maybe even better this year. Drop in for a visit anytime during the evening. Let us know if you would like to sing, dance or play music etc. Beidh fáilte romhat. (Admission free to all events).
Oíche Amhránaíochta Another lovely annual event of Féile na Samhna is the Singers Club or Oíche Amhránaíochta which will take place as usual on the Saturday night beginning at 8.30pm approx and will be held in the upstairs meeting room of Campbell’s Lounge. Anyone who has a song to sing, a poem to say or a story to tell will be welcomed as will anyone who just wants to come along and listen!
Pipe Band recital
The local Midfield Pipe Band will give a recital outside the Parish Church on Sunday 25th after last Mass and march downtown to play on Main Street. We are very proud of them and we thank them for the support they show us each year
Historical Walk
Monday26th.
11.00am: Finish the weekend with a thoroughly enjoyable and educational historical stroll around Swinford with Michael Comer followed by a cuppa in the Gateway.
