If you enjoy your viral videos then you have probably seen the two Irish lads who were invited to perform on stage with Adele.
Sligo doctor selling rare collection of 2,200 books
A well known retired doctor in Sligo is selling his rare collection of 2,200 modern first editions at an auction in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on Tuesday next, July 12.
Cairde to close with party
Sligo has been transformed into a kaleidoscope of colourful cultural happenings this week as visual artists, performers, musicians, comedians and writers continue to descend on Sligo town for Cairde Sligo Arts Festival.
The festival’s third annual open submission exhibition, Cairde Visual, opened on Tuesday evening at the Hyde Bridge Gallery and continues Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm until Friday July 22. This year’s show boasts up to 60 artworks from local, regional, national and international artists and features a great diversity of media.
More free cultural happenings tonight Thursday July 7 with Naomi Draper and Mark Garry’s “A Seed’s A Star” exhibition opening at The Hamilton Gallery at 6pm and then Illuminations, a literary wunderkammer of poetry, spoken word, music and performance taking place at The Book Mart at 8pm.
Illuminations will be a very special evening featuring the talents of internationally renowned writer Kevin Barry and award winning poet Paul McMahon is in-store but capacity is limited so come early.
If you missed the Lords of Strut earlier in the week, fear not as the comedy duo bring another fantastical hour of slapstick mayhem to Sligo tonight, Thursday, July 7, this time in the guise of a T.V talk show.
Join Seamus and Sean upstairs in McGarrigles at 10pm for “Tonight We Strut”, the action packed talk show that’s all talk and no action. Through the disaster and tornado of laughs watch a thrilling soap opera into the absurd, talking rocks, stupid gags, audience participation and dance routines so flash it could be the 80’s.
And all the way from Lithuania on Friday, July 8 is Dance Theatre Dansema for two interactive dance and circus performance for children aged 0–3 years.
Taking place at The Factory Performance Space at 12pm and 3pm, Colourful Games is beautifully crafted and exquisitely delivered, full of unexpected and colourful wonders, that invites children to explore, interact and discover new things both on and off the stage. Crawl, jump, grasp, drop. Smile, frown, share and make friends. All the playful games of babies and small children as they explore the world in their first few years of life.
On Sunday July 10, Park Fest marks the final day celebrations of Cairde Sligo Arts Festival and is a day-long event featuring music, theatre, storytelling, circus and art workshops with a range of food & craft stalls serving delicious goods in the beautiful ‘Peace Park’ – a secret gem in the centre of Sligo town.
The annual Park Fest, is without a doubt the highlight of the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival. Park Fest is one massive FREE celebration suitable for all ages and everyone is invited. Last year the event brought in crowds of over 3,000 people throughout the day which has become renowned for a great range of entertainment.
This year’s Park Fest line up includes music performances by Erdini, The Wranglers, The Mass Band with street theatre performances by The Raven Sisters and Caolan McBride. Bring your picnic blanket to Sligo’s Peace Park on Sunday July 10th and prepare for a feast of good food and entertainment from 12noon to 7pm.
For full information and booking log onto www.cairdefestival.com
Two-week festival promises the best of Sligo
A two weeks long festival, celebrating the best of Sligo, aims not only to bring in visitors but to encourage Sligo people to get out and enjoy themselves.
Inspired by the hugely successful Galway Arts Festival, The Sligo Festival will celebrate Sligo’s unique art and culture with a series of events running from Sunday, July 24 to Saturday, August 6.
The festival will provide a broad spectrum of theatrical and musical performances and other activities, both indoors and outdoors, and is a collaboration from many groups in Sligo including, Tread Softly, The Summer Festival, Sligo Races, amongst others.
But it is about “celebration, fun, craic and enjoying yourself”, according to the organisers.
It also seen as filling the gap left by the absence of the Fleadh this year.
Among the confirmed events are three days of concerts in the Stephen’s Street car park, including one of Kieran Quinn’s hugely popular theme nights, gigs from seasoned Galway group The Stunning and the fast rising Cavan rock band, The Strypes.
There will also be a series of outdoor performances from the Blue Raincoat Theatre Company and Speakers Corners to name just a few.
For more on this story, see this week’s Sligo Weekender newspaper – in shops now or subscribe to our digital edition. More information on our homepage, www.sligoweekender.ie.
Water tests results from beaches expected today
The results of the latest water samples from three north Sligo beaches are due around lunchtime today, Thursday, and it is hoped that bathing restrictions can be lifted.
A temporary ban on bathing at Rosses Point, Streedagh and Mullaghmore beaches was put in place on Friday after the level of intestinal enterococci in samples taken on June 20 showed non-compliance with nationally set standards.
The bacteria tested are indicators of faecal contamination, so as a precautionary measure the HSE advised a temporary prohibition on bathing.
Sligo County Council have said that the cause is unknown, however it is thought that the quality of water may have been affected by prolonged rainfall over the last week.
Sligo MEP calls for special deal for Ireland after Brexit
Politicians in the North West have reacted with dismay at Britain’s decision to exit the European Union.
News of the shock vote in favour of leaving the EU came through early on Friday morning last and immediately led to sharp falls on the stock exchange and to the price of Sterling falling to its lowest in over a decade.
The impact Britain’s leaving would have on Ireland was also a topic of heated debate. Sligo independent MEP Marian Harkin said that Ireland is entitled to and should receive special treatment.
She said that the exit vote “poses a significant challenge to the Irish government and to the European Project”.
She called for the government to immediately assess the result and take steps to reassure citizens and Irish business by engaging immediately with the British government on matters of common interest.
“This result is a reflection of the failure of the EU to convince the citizens of the UK that they benefit from EU membership but it also reflects voter disenchantment with the main political parties.
“The vote to leave poses a major challenge to Ireland’s economy as it emerges from the trauma of recent years and the EU owes Ireland special consideration in any conditions governing the exit of the UK,” she said.
In particular there could be no change to the free movement of people within Ireland and no reinstatement of border, controls which would adversely affect economies on both sides of the border, Marian Harkin stressed.
They were sentiments echoed by Sligo TD Marc MacSharry. He said “As a country sharing the only land border with the UK, there’s potential for serious economic harm to come to our country.”
He called on the government to establish an Oireachtas Committee to look at ideas for positive reform to pursue within the European Union.
He also wants all parties to work together “to build a consensus on reform recommendations within the EU, the Eurozone and our relationship with the North.
“In the age of new politics and the Government’s minority position, it’s important that there is a consensus on our national position as to how we would like the European Union to look moving into the future.”
And the Fianna Fail deputy gave the example of the banking inquiry – of which he was a committee member – as an example of what can be achieved through a cross-party approach.
Meanwhile, North West Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has echoed his party’s call to hold a United Ireland referendum, to allow Northern Ireland to remain part of the EU with Ireland.
Mr Carthy has said that Britain’s decision to leave the European Union means that a referendum on a United Ireland is now vital.
“The British Government has no mandate to drag the north of Ireland out of the EU.
It has no mandate to re-erect border controls between north and south,” said Carthy.
“Irish interests are being actively and gravely damaged by the decisions taken in England. The north of Ireland has voted to remain in the EU.
The British Government cannot now negotiate on behalf of people there to exit the European Union.
“A referendum on a United Ireland is now a democratic imperative and it is incumbent that the Irish Government and all Irish nationalist parties support this demand.”
Judge describes man (66) as ‘truculent’ neighbour
A 66 years-old Sligo man has been described by a judge as falling in the category of a “difficult and truculent” neighbour.
At the local district court, Chris Kelly of Hazel Grove, Maugheraboy, denied a charge of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour arising out of an incident with neighbours on May 14, 2015.
Pauric Fallon told the court that when he was passing by Kelly’s garden he (Kelly) asked him (witness) “what he was f—— looking at”.
He said something to the defendant about having some manners and the defendant then followed him up to his house and continued to abuse him and his wife.
He said Chris Kelly blamed the witness and his wife for “causing all the trouble on the street”.
Mr Fallon said this had been going on for a number of years and he had previously complained to the gardai and to the council about Chris Kelly.
“He said that we did not get on with our neighbours and something would happen”, Pauric Fallon said.
In reply to Tom MacSharry, solicitor for Kelly, he denied that he “antagonised” the defendant or that he “smirked at him”.
He said this had started when social welfare cheques for Chris Kelly had come to his (witness’s) house and he returned them to the social welfare office.
For more on this story, see this week’s Sligo Weekender newspaper – in shops now or subscribe to our digital edition. More information on our homepage, www.sligoweekender.ie.
Woodturner wins Etsy’s Best Irish Maker Award
This week a major international player in the craft world has awarded a woodturner from Riverstown the Best Maker in Ireland Award.
Matt Jones who works from his studio in Riverstown village, won a prestigious Etsy Regional Award as a direct result of his product designs and handcrafted gifts that he sells via his on-line Etsy Shop.
The Etsy Awards are a series of design awards created by Etsy to spread the word about the amazing talent their community of sellers have to offer.
Matt was one of thousands who entered the competition and sixty finalists were shortlisted. An expert panel of judges, formed from creative organisations in the UK and Ireland, then selected Matt as the Irish winner.
“It is great recognition”, said Matt “and I just returned from a trip to Coventry in England where I had been invited to demonstrate at a Woodturning Symposium, so it is all very positive.”
Matt has been selling his products direct to customers through his Etsy Shop since 2011. Visitors can access his shop through www.etsy.com/ie/shop/mattjonesturning.
“It is a very simple and easy to use shopping system”, says Matt, “and it’s particularly great to see the lovely reviews that customers send to the shop following receipt of their purchases. I have sold to customers all over the world, and in particular it attracts a lot of custom from the USA.”
Matt has won the opportunity to exhibit his work at TENT London during London Design Week.
“TENT London at The London Design Festival is a brilliant show to to be part of”, said Imelda, Matt’s wife who manages his business development, “so it is great that Matt will be representing Ireland there.
“Additionally thanks to funding assistance from the Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Liam Kiely, at Local Enterprise Office Sligo via the On-Line Trading Vouchers grant Matt will have his new website up and running any day now, which will further enhance online sales.”
Declan O’Rourke at the Hawk’s Well Theatre
On Friday July 8, Declan O’Rourke returns to the Hawk’s Well Theatre in what will be one of the musical highlights of the summer.
O’Rourke has achieved critical acclaim for his songwriting, singing and performance. Jon Pareles of The New York Times said there was virtuosity in his guitar playing, with “intricately contrapuntal picking and meticulous dynamics”.
A consummate and versatile performer, his songs and solo performances mesmerise. Declan plays to sold-out crowds in Ireland and, more recently, further afield. A consummate and versatile performer, his songs mesmerize regardless of whether performed solo, with a band, string quartet, full orchestra, or as a trio.
Declan’s debut album in 2004, ‘Since Kyabram’, debuted at no. 5 on the Irish Charts and scored double-platinum sales, earning him three Meteor Awards nominations including Best Male, Best Album, and Best Folk/Traditional Album, as well as landing him a recording contract with V2.
His debut album launch took place over three sold-out nights in Whelan’s, one of Dublin’s most popular music venues, broadcast live nationally on Today FM.
The debut single ‘Galileo (Someone Like You)’ has been recorded and performed by many artists, including singer Josh Groban who cut it for his album ‘Illuminations’.
O’Rourke’s second album ‘Big Bad Beautiful World’, released in 2007, also went Platinum in Ireland, debuting at no. 4. Support slots followed in the UK and Germany to the likes of Paulo Nutini, Teddy Thompson, The Cardigans, Divine Comedy and Badly Drawn Boy.
In 2010 he released his third studio album ‘Mag Pai Zai’ under his own label, Rimecoat Records. It topped the success of his first two albums, holding its own in Ireland’s Top 10 Album Charts for four consecutive weeks, and scoring ‘Album of the Week’ on BBC Radio Scotland and RTE Radio 1.
In late 2013, O’Rourke released ‘Mag Pai Zai’ in the United States, his first recording available Stateside. Distributed by the Orchard, the US version garnered critical acclaim from such national media outlets as the The Wall Street Journal, Spin, American Songwriter, Travel & Leisure, NPR’s World Café and USA Today.
Recently, Declan opened for and shared the stage with John Prine on some of his UK, Irish, and US dates, as well as performing on stage and TV with The Dubliners as part of their farewell tour after fifty years in the business. Declan has also recorded songs with English folk sensation Kate Rusby.
O’Rourke’s versatility live has resulted in successful appearances in concert halls, clubs and on television. He has played for three Irish Presidents, and the King and Queen of Sweden.
He appeared on two seasons of the popular music show Other Voices, as well as season five of BBC’s Transatlantic Session alongside Alison Krauss and Amos Lee.
Modfather Paul Weller was full of praise for Declan, describing ‘Galileo’ as “possibly the greatest song written in the last 30 years”.
And songwriting contemporary and oscar-winner Glen Hansard said of him: “Declan O’Rourke is one of the rare breed, he arrived fully formed, his songs, and delivery belie his age, and ours. He’s a timeless troubadour with a voice that breaks through all your defenses and gets to the heart of the matter. One of the true greats of our island.”
Tickets for Declan O’Rourke in concert are €20 (€18 for friends of the Hawk’s Well) with a special price of €10 for Under 18s. Book the tickets online at www.hawkswell.com or through the theatre box office on 071-9161518.
Cllrs Keaney, Casserly and Mulvey elected as chairpeople
County Sligo has three new chairpeople.
Cllr Hubert Keaney has been elected the new Cathoairleach of the Sligo County Council, Cllr Marie Casserly is the new mayor of Sligo Municipal District and Cllr Dara Mulvey was elected for Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District.
We have coverage from all three electees who gave impassioned speeches focusing on spending locally, supporting volunteer groups and earning more recognition for rural Sligo.
See all this and much more in this week’s Sligo Weekender newspaper. In shops now.
Cairde Sligo Arts Festival music line-up hits all the right notes
A great line-up of music at this year’s Cairde Sligo Arts Festival includes a special addition to the programme – Songs by the Sea – a new series of music at seaside locations in Sligo presented in collaboration with Bluestack Records.
