'Celtic Neighbours'

The CarnegieUK Trust has available a documentary which describes the work of 'Celtic Neighbours'. A sample of the documentary is available to view online and the entire multi-media package can be ordered from the Trust. The documentary describes a rural action research programme to address issues of isolation, service delivery and community planning in remote and peripheral areas against a cultural backdrop and in a conference gathering.

'The documentary was filmed at the 'Ceangal' Conference, which was hosted by our
RARP partners 'Celtic Neighbours' in November last year. The 'Ceangal'
(Connections) Conference was the first of three planned annual events. The aim
of these events is to combine elements of conference, cultural showcase and
gathering of grassroots workers. This conference was hosted by Ealann na
Gaeltachta and took place in Gaoibh Doire, West Donegal. It showcased examples
of some of the most exciting arts and cultural activity taking place in the
Gaelic world – both Ireland and Scotland – and in Welsh-speaking communities in
Wales.'

This is part of the Trust's larger Rural Action Research Programme (RARP)

Famous Seamus the country boy

There is an excellent article on Seamus Heaney, who found much of his inspiration from his rural upbringing, in the Daily Telegraph.

Walk on the wild side

What a breath of fresh air A Dander with Drennan was when it screened on BBC2. Not watching much television this was a definite must see every Monday evening but now it is sadly finished. I do hope that the BBC are right this minute busy planning a follow-up series of Willie Drennan and his friends. Seeing Willie stumble on top of Slemish Mountain while trying to maintain his composure playing the lambeg drum was enough to get rid of those Monday blues. If like me, and my friends, you are suffering withdrawl symptoms you can always view excerpts from the show on You Tube or catch up with Willie's band, Nae Goat's Toe.

I'm a Dapper Dan man!

To be honest, the last time I attended the Annual Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park in 2003 I was far from impressed. This was shortly after the release of the magnificent, O' Brother, Where Art Thou?, and maybe my expectations were a little bit too high, given that the soundtrack to the film is equally good. Despite this, myself and a group of friends ventured back on Friday evening and I am very pleased to be able to say that the event and the music has improved dramatically. Not having any prior knowledge of any of the bands we were all agreed that we had seen something special in the Lovell Sisters and it would not surprise me if they become major stars of the bluegrass scene in the future. Also impressive were Sunnyside who seemed so happy just to be 'here back' in Omagh. Apparently they have been a big hit at prior shows. This Czech Republic bluegrass outfit provided some great music and laughs.