An tSean Bhearic Falcarragh

by Sean Hillen

Probably never in the annals of musical history has a Ukrainian saxophonist-cum-accordionist, a classical violinist and an Irish bodhrán player come together as a highly-entertaining trio.

But they did this week at a celebratory Yuletide event at Garradh Colmcille in Falcarragh attended by women, men and children representing diverse nationalities including Canadian, South African, American, Irish, Ukrainian and English.

This unique occasion featured musicians, Reuben O’Conluain, Irish-language professor and cultural enthusiast, multi-instrumentalist Yuriii Hryhoriev and talented Olena Korotka, a classically-trained orchestral violinist from the now militarised region of Kherson in southern Ukraine.

The proceedings ranged from delightful musical renderings including traditional Irish tunes as well as Ukrainian folk songs such as ‘Chervona Ruta’ and ‘Cheremshyna,’ to contemporary ballads such as Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah,’ and ‘Until I Found You’ by Stephen Sanchez, with a few festive seasonal songs including ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas‘ tossed in for good measure.

Nimble dancers also took to the floor, shaking their booties in carefree abandon to the lively rhythms of the instruments played so wonderfully.

Many congratulations to Armen Galstyan, a refugee from Odessa, for organising the musicians, and local community activist at Pobal le Chéile, Rosemary Grain, and her enthusiastic support team for hosting the event so well.

For me, and I’m sure for many others attending, the event highlighted the interconnectedness of people across borders illustrating how humanity, regardless of language, skin colour, religion or nationality, is one and the same entity, each element dependent upon the other for peace, progress and prosperity.

From 18th century blind Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan to songs by contemporary musicians such as James Taylor, Tom Waits, Sting and Richard Thompson – a feast of entertainment was provided by talented Donegal duet, Ian Smith and Martin Crossin Friday evening.

The two artists – the former from the Rosses and the latter from Milford – received a standing ovation as they opened a packed weekend of activities as part of the annual arts and cultural festival at An tSean Bheairic (The Old Barracks) in the quiet coastal town of Falcarragh. The festival today (Saturday) features a sean-nos singing competition for children, a sean-nós dancing exhibition and workshops and a céilí mór (an Irish traditional dance). On Sunday evening there will be a multi-media presentation on Irish Republican martyr Wolfe Tone hosted by Paddy Cullivan.

Scottish-born Smith a fine guitarist and songwriter with a wide repertoire, has produced a number of CDs including ‘Restless Heart.’ In addition to work by other musicians, he performed some of his own songs Friday evening including ‘Grafton Street,’ about a homeless man on Dublin’s busiest shopping street. Belfast-born Crossin is both a skilful multi-instrumentalist and a master maker of handcrafted uilleann pipes. His rendition on tin whistle of the plaintiff Irish tune, ‘The Lonesome Boatman,’ was superb.

Leading traditional sean-nós dancers Frank and Eileen Sweeney added to the celebratory mood of the evening when they accompanied Smith and Crossin with a rousing performance on the floor.

Once a disused police barracks originally constructed in 1890, An tSean Bheairic was renovated 25 years ago and transformed into a vibrant community centre with its own library, cafe, gift and craft shop and heritage centre. It also hosts a wide range of conferences, workshops and seminars and is a Fáilte Ireland Visitor Information Point.