The South Roscommon Singers Weekend takes place this weekend, the 27th to 29th of October, in Lecarrow and Knockcroghery. The organisers are expecting a large attendance of singers from all around Ireland, as well as from the UK and elsewhere.
Most of the activity will be taking place in Knockcroghery village, but the singing will begin just over the road in Coffey’s of Lecarrow.
There will be special guests from Scotland, England and Ballinasloe, as well as local Guests of Honour, Vincent and Pat Pierse.
The programme is as follows: On Friday, October 27th, from 4 pm to 7 pm the focus is on Coffey’s, Lecarrow for a Gathering Session and Pizza Party. This will be followed at 8 pm in Murray’s, Knockcroghery for a Singing Session with special guests and a presentation to Guests of Honour, Vincent and Pat Pierse.
On Saturday, October 28th (from 2 to 6 pm) attendees will gather in Ned’s Bar, Knockcroghery by a Singing Session with special guests, and from 8 pm that evening it’s back in Murray’s for some Rugby Songs and Sporting Ballads.
On Sunday, October 29th, from 2 to 6 pm it’s Murray’s Bar once again and from 7 pm the festival moves to the Railway Depot at the Station House for the grand finale – Comic Songs and Storytelling Session.
Special guests
A number of special guests will be in attendance. One such guest is Di Henderson, a well-known and respected traditional singer from the industrial north-east of England who adds contemporary material to her repertoire, which enriches the tradition anew.
Then there is Janet Weatherston, who comes from a farming family in Scotland. She started singing in public with songs she learned from her mother, grandparents and extended family. Her singing has since been influenced by a long association with many of the well-known Scottish Traveller families.
Leah Clarke is another special guest and is a fine example of the young singers and musicians from the new wave traditional/folk scene that’s been sweeping this country and elsewhere in recent years. Leah, from Ballinasloe, is a fine interpreter of contemporary folk and traditional material and is a regular with her guitar at the local Folk Club in her native town.
