Sharon Shannon in concert at the Strand Theatre on Friday night last as the Clancy Brothers Festival got into full swing. | Photo: Anne Marie Magorrian
The 2010 Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival was again successfully staged in Carrick-on-Suir last weekend, with organisers confident that the event has now bedded itself into the south east’s festival schedule.
The festival, now in its third year, won praise from Tipperary South TD and Minister of State Martin Mansergh, who officially launched the event at the Nano Nagle Centre on Thursday last.
“It is entirely appropriate that this Festival should be associated with the Clancy family, who did so much to promote Ireland and its music both here and abroad, forming a very special bond with the United States in particular,” said Minister Mansergh.
“With their appearance on the Ed Sullivan in New York in 1961 show catapulting them to success and stardom, the Clancy Brothers played a huge part in opening up Irish folk music to a mass audience. Ciarán Mac Mathúna and the Late Late Show rapidly popularised their work in Ireland.”
The passing of Liam Clancy last December saddened many across the world of folk music, but no-one felt his loss greater than his family and the people of Carrick, he added. “Liam is a much missed son of Carrick-on-Suir,” said Minister Mansergh.
Some €4 million is being invested in festivals throughout the country by Fáilte Ireland this year, with Clancy Festival organisers receiving €6,000, surely a figure they’d be keen on improving for 2011.
The significance of heritage and culture wasn’t lost on the Government and State agencies when it came to Carrick-on-Suir, he added.
“Through funding to the Arts Council and to various arts centres and theatres around the country, including the Strand Theatre here, the Government is striving to prove the importance of music and the creative arts to communities and industry alike,” said the Minister.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.
