Féile na Samhna 2018
The 8th annual Féile na Samhna will take place in Swinford this October bank holiday weekend ( October 26th to 29th).
As in previous years it will be a great weekend of music, song, dance, recitation and storytelling. We will have pub sessions, workshops, talks and presentations with special guests, The Rambling House on Sunday evening and all the usual events. As this is the 60th anniversary of the Michael Davitt branch we are preparing a special presentation on the history of the branch and on Fleadhs and events over the years. We would really appreciate help from anyone who can give us information. If you have, or know of someone who has, photographs, memorabilia or stories of Comhaltas in Swinford please get in contact with any member of Swinford Comhaltas and we’ll be delighted to talk to you. You can email cceswinford@gmail.com or call/text 0877454032 or leave a message in Ray Lambe’s and we’ll contact you
Friday 26th : 8pm. This year at Féile na Samhna we will feature an extra event in addition to all our usual workshops, events and entertainment. On Friday night October 26th Mr John Maloney BA FSA FRSA, an archaeologist with family roots in Toomore, will give a talk – “A Career in Ruins – The Irish involvement in the archaeology of London” in Mellett’s meeting room. John is a highly experienced archaeological and cultural heritage consultant, project director, negotiator and communicator with nearly forty years’ experience. He worked for many years with the Department of Urban Archaeology, Museum of London. He was appointed Principal Excavations Officer and was involved with many major projects. In 1989 he was made a freeman of the City of London in recognition of his work. John was also involved in projects outside of London including at Stonehenge. This promises to be an informative and entertaining evening, beginning at 8pm and finishing with a cup of tea and a chat.
Saturday 27th: 11am to 1pm: Singing workshops – for children and adults with Marianne Knight and Sile Bn Ui Mhongáin
2.30pm: Fáiltiú and the official opening in the Gateway Hotel will be followed by a very entertaining afternoon, “Celebrating 60 years of Comhaltas in Swinford”. An afternoon not to be missed.
9pm : Oíche Amhránaíochta. Mary McPartlan ( Albums : The Holland Handkerchief, From Mountain To Mountain, Petticoat Loose ) will remember and sing songs of Margaret Barry followed by a night of singing, storytelling, recitation and caint in the Meeting Room at Melletts of Market Street.
Music sessions in pubs.
Sunday 28th
The Midfield Pipe Band will give a recital at the church after last Mass and then march down the town and finish with a recital on Main Street.
5pm: Everyone is cordially invited to “The Rambling House” in The Gateway Hotel. There will be a great party with music, singing and dancing, storytelling and recitation. Everybody who comes to visit and celebrate will be treated to a traditional Irish welcome with the best of traditional fare – we’ll even make boxty! The theme this year focuses on the 60th anniversary of our branch “THE DIAMOND JUBILEE”
Monday29th.
11am: Finish the weekend with an enjoyable historical stroll around Swinford with Michael Comer followed by a cuppa and a chat.
Contact cceswinford@gmail.com or 0877454032 for more information.
