Leitrim Singers Circle

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 09 Oct 18 - 02:40 PM

sorry about that- should have given the ebsite

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 08 Oct 18 - 02:06 PM

Ballinaglera was 567 October 2018.

Not much on the www ...

@jb - where do you go for "what's on" info?

Best I can find is the FB page for the flute\whistle player Lorraine Sweeney
https://m.facebook.com/lorraine.sweeney.14

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Oct 18 - 11:09 AM

refreshments

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Oct 18 - 01:52 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 04 Oct 18 - 01:38 PM

No the LSC is not reviving- I'm back to Scotland soon & Jackie is fine just now, but still fighting ill-health.

   Davitt's of Drumkeeran is still a likely spot for a session but next weekend the main attraction is at Ballinaglera, where the fine flute player Sean Gilrane organises a great weekend of traditional (mainly Leitrim) music.
Ballinaglera has two pub/grocers and a community hall- the pubs are among the finest in the Northwest _ skerry Rynn's and Mulvey's.


The village is on the east side of Lough Allen, between Drumshanbo and Dowra, so if you're anywhere near it's a great weekend!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 18 - 11:57 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 02 Jun 18 - 09:39 AM

For details of the singing sessions as well as the many music sessions & times, see www.johnmckenna.ie

- Leitrim local musicians at their best- 12euro for Friday concert but no other charges

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 28 May 18 - 01:48 PM

There seems to be a little doubt about the revival of the Leitrim Singers' Circle.

To clarify, myself & Jackie Boyce are putting on one more meeting as part of the John McKenna festival      www.johnmckenna.ie

It's on Saturday 9 June featuring Fiona & Jim Byrne - Fiona is a daughter of that great Ayrshire singer, Heather Heywood, and a fine singer in the family tradition- Jim's a handy lad on the guitar as well as no mean singer himself!   It will be 5pm on the 9 June in the lovely old Davitt's pub in Drumkeeran, between Manorhamilton and Drumshanbo.

There will also be a singing & music event at 3pm on the Sunday 10 June at the Arigna Mining Experience, on the site of one of the Arigna mines, where John McKenna worked in his youth.

This is to pay homage to miners of the world and all are welcome to contribute songs, poems jokes, tunes etc

No charge for either event & there is a cafe at Arigna- all welcome!

Plenty of great music all weekend in the four pubs as well!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,Trevor Sheridan
Date: 05 Mar 18 - 10:36 AM

Sad news Jim. What a shame there was no one willing to take it on.
Although I've never been, it did sound like a great session

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 28 Feb 18 - 07:49 AM

One or two folk have asked about LSC. Well, it lasted five years at the lovely Davitt's pub in Drumkeeran.

However, the last meeting was in early December- neither Jackie Boyce nor I could guarantee to attend regularly and although we'd hoped someone might take it over, there were no offers, so the inevitable happened.

Thanks to all who contributed to many memorable sessions- both Jackie & I hope to still be involved in the John McKenna Traditional Festival in early June.

I am not planning any visits to folk clubs & festivals this year although you never know!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 16 Jun 17 - 06:22 AM

Lovely John McKenna Festival session last weekend with Fiona & Jim Byrne. Fiona is daughter of that fine Scottish singer Heather Heywood, and it shows- great stuff from her and Jim, no mean singer/guitarist himself.

On Sunday our annual session of mining songs at the ARIGNA MINING EXPERIENCE went extremely well, attracting a good crowd. In a two hour session, only myself as fear an ti and guests Fiona and Jim did more than one song, with a few tunes as well
Back to Sundays at 5 for next meetings- first Sunday at Davitts of Drumkeeran.
July-    no guest

August- LINKUM DODDY from SW Scotland- Phyllis & Billy Martin from Dalbeattie and Tam & Agnes Wightman from Girvan. A four part a capella group paying us their annual visit-don't miss it!

September- PAT SMITH and NED CLAMP - songs, concertina, spoons and guitar. Organisers of the long established folk club in Llantrisant, South Wales- a very lively and entertainng duo who have taken Welsh traditional music all over the globe.
.... we are working on guests for the rest of 2017 & have some interesting Irish guests in mind!- more later on that

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim Bainbridge
Date: 26 May 17 - 01:33 PM

LSC news
       Charity event in aid of Caoimhe Connor's amazing attempt to paddle her kayak around the entire coast of Ireland in aid of 'INSPIRE' the mental health charity. A lovely evening with many singers and musicians produced 235 euro for the charity, as well as a lot of fun!

see Leitrim Singers Circle FB page

   Next meeting of our first Sunday singing session will NOT be on 4 June, it will be on SATURDAY June 10 at Davitts of Drumkeeran at 2pm, as part of the John McKenna Festival- all welcome

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 14 Nov 16 - 11:59 AM

Not much to do with the LSC but wonderful music sessions in Drumkeeran this past weekend. Featuring many local musicians and held in honour of over thirty visitors from Cape Clear Island, including musicians and singers in Irish and English.

Only wishing they'd stayed till our session in Ballinaglera next Sunday!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbrudge
Date: 13 Nov 16 - 03:50 PM

Just to say that we still run every first Sunday at 5pm Drumkeeran time, in Davitts pub in the village.
Dec 4th ROISIN WHITE- no introduction needed- if you don't know of Roisin, where have you been?
NB JANUARY SESSION WILL BE ON MONDAY JANUARY 2;
   (OUT OF CONSIDERATION FOR HEALTH NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY)

BEFORE that, a small gathering in the lovely old 'Skerry' Rynn's pub at Ballinaglera, a few miles north of Drumshanbo at 5pm Ballinaglera time on Sunday November 20- all welcome

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,patriot
Date: 03 Sep 16 - 12:04 PM

yes Mairead Walls (formerly McMahon) is an excellent sean nos singer and can be heard on the www. itma.ie website

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 01 Sep 16 - 08:50 AM

Sorry Felipa, this slipped my mind completely- but the answer was no, our Scottish friends LINKUM DODDIE sang nowhere else....Frank Davitts is a unique place!
It was a very enjoyable evening with many local singers including four of the five McKeaney sisters - we've now listed our guests for the rest of 2016 & working on next year now.
All meetings at Davitt's pub, DRUMKEERAN, County Leitrim at 5pm Irish time on the FIRST Sunday of the month except for October, when it will be the SECOND Sunday- this is so as not to clash with two other local traditional festivals.

September 4

MAIREAD WALLS fine traditional style singer from Toome in
             Co. Antrim

October 9
   
GRACE TOLAND, excellent singer from Donegal with BRIAN DOYLE- another
                grand Donegal-based singer and fiddle player- we don't JUST sing- a few tunes and the odd story, monologue or joke are all part of our traditional mix!

November 6   

ANNA McMANUS, locally based member of the McKeaney sisters with a great repertoire of songs

December 4

ROISIN WHITE- highly respected singer and TG4 award winner from County Down, now based in Miltown Malbay

   before anyone comments, we hope to book some MALE singers in 2017!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 16 Jul 16 - 04:26 PM

It's more of a holiday for them- they're not professionals, we're taking advantage of their visit- I'll ask them about it though..

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: Felipa
Date: 15 Jul 16 - 05:12 PM

will your Scottish visitors be playing elsewhere in Ireland during their visit?

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 15 Jul 16 - 09:15 AM

lovely session (s) with Jimmy Crowley in June, an amazing CD launch on 3 July with the McKeaney sisters- great singers all of them- Rosie, Peggy, Anna, Mary and Kathleen....

Next meeting August 7th- featuring four singers from SW Scotland- Phyllis & Billy Martin from Dalbeattie, witn Agnes & Tam Wightman from Girvan- known together as 'LINUM DODDIE'

Should be another good session, have we let you down yet?- it'll be in Davitt's of Drumkeeran at 5pm

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 12:39 PM

Also at the wonderful Rynn's pub in Ballinaglera at 5pm on May 15- June session with Jimmy Crowley will be on the SECOND SATURDAY at 2pm instead of usual 5pm, but still in Davitt's of Drumkeeran- moved only because we are part of the John McKenna Traditional Festival in the village that weekend....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 18 Apr 16 - 12:35 PM

Fine night with lots of singers to support our special guest Scott Gardiner of Forfar at the April 3 session.
Next one will be on May 1

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 21 Feb 16 - 08:36 AM

Just keeping folk up to date- Feb 7 saw a lovely night in Davitt's pub, Drumkeeran, featuring Fiona and Jim Byrne.

Today at 5 we meet in Rynn's pub, Ballinaglera - another one here in about a month but TBA

Next Davitt's session will be on Sunday March 6 at 5pm Irish time and the following one, on April 3 (Same spot on the dial) will feature excellent bothy ballad singer SCOTT GARDINER on a rare visit from the east of Scotland.

May 1 as usual in Davitts but PLEASE NOTE the June session will be on SATURDAY June 11 at 2pm as part of the John McKenna Traditional Festival in Drumkeeran. Special guest JIMMY CROWLEY

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 21 Feb 16 - 08:36 AM

Just keeping folk up to date- Feb 7 saw a lovely night in Davitt's pub, Drumkeeran, featuring Fiona and Jim Byrne.

Today at 5 we meet in Rynn's pub, Ballinaglera - another one here in about a month but TBA

Next Davitt's session will be on Sunday March 6 at 5pm Irish time and the following one, on April 3 (Same spot on the dial) will feature excellent bothy ballad singer SCOTT GARDINER on a rare visit from the east of Scotland.

May 1 as usual in Davitts but PLEASE NOTE the June session will be on SATURDAY June 11 at 2pm as part of the John McKenna Traditional Festival in Drumkeeran. Special guest JIMMY CROWLEY

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 01:02 PM

The November 1 Leitrim Singers' Circle meeting of 1 November was just what such gatherings should be!
TIM DENNEHY was on top form, and responded to the assembly with a fine set of songs. A friendly, respectful bar like Davitt's is just the place for Tim & there were plenty of high class singers who added songs and stories & an old time waltz to the mix!
It'll be hard to follow this, but we will meet again on December 6th at the usual place!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 10:38 AM

Well in October, we postponed the usual first Sunday session (Oct 4)to the second Sunday (Oct 11) due to nearby festivals in Sligo and Ballinaglera. We then also put back our usual 5pm start for two hours due to the Ireland-France rugby match.
We then found out that there was an important (?) soccer match immediately after the rugby- it's tiddlywinks next Sunday.

Anyway, we moved into a private room at the usual pub, and it all went very well- thanks to the family and visiting singers!

Next meeting is back to normal at Davitt's of Drumkeeran on Sunday November 1st at 5pm- special guest
TIM DENNEHY of Miltown Malbay.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim Bainbridge
Date: 09 Oct 15 - 04:33 PM

Next Davitt's of Drumkeeran singing session will be postponed for two hours on Sunday 11 October. 7 pm instead of 5- the Ireland -France rugby match is the excellent reason for this- IT IS A ONE-OFF!!!

November gathering will be on the first Sunday of November, ie 5pm on November 1st, with special guest Tim Dennehy

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 27 Sep 15 - 04:38 PM

Lovely session at Rynn's this evening- Rugby on in the bar, so we used the wee room & a number of great songs were sung with the odd tune as well- visiting singers from Carrick on Shannon, Lanesborough, Tuam and Edinburgh- we'll do it again sometime- watch this space....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 11 Sep 15 - 02:44 PM

Just to say that the regular Davitt's singing session was held on Sept 4th, and was, I'm told, very enjoyable.

Next one is not on the usual first Sunday, October 4th but will be on October 11 just for that month. Reason is that Jackie Boyce is a guest singer at the Sligo Singers Festival Oct 2-4, and I am at Tenterden in Kent the same weekend. I will post a reminder re Oct 11th later in the month.

There is a song/music session at Stanford's pub in Dromahair village on 18 Sept (10 pm) and another at Rynn's pub on the R206 six miles north of Drumshanb, Co Leitrim. This will be at 5pm.ish on Sunday September 27.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 04:00 PM

JUst to confirm that the August 2 singing has been cancelled- too many other things going on- Irish August bank holiday weekend- next one will be September 6th.

However, a few miles east, at John Rynn's pub on the R207, 3 miles south of Dowra in Ballinaglera, there will be a singing/music session at about 5pm...ish on Sunday July 26th- all welcome

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 09:17 AM

Just to say thanks to all the singers from Belfast, Ardara, Dorset (!) Boyle and Sligo, amongst other places, who turned up to make this session at Davitts of Drumkeeran, an excellent event- our guest Rita Gallagher was on top form and we had a few tunes as well.
The pub was under a bit of pressure due to Francis Davitt being in hospital after an accident playing football, but still coped with a decent crowd- thanks!
Next meeting will be on August 2 - same time- same venue...

NB Part of the event was filmed and should be available soon by putting 'video singing sessions- facebook' into Google, Mozilla or whatever....thanks Sean- this may be of interest to others who like to see what happens at an Irish singing session- mind you this was a good one!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Jul 15 - 01:41 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 03 Jul 15 - 03:31 PM

This a belated apology to anyone who turned up for the advertised singing session with RITA GALLAGHER in June. It was scheduled as part of the McKenna festival Due to the untimely death of the chairperson, Packie McPartlan, on the eve of the festival, the whole festival was cancelled at short notice.

The singing session will now be held on the usual first Sunday of the month in Davitts pub in Drumkeeran July 5th at 5pm, with guest RITA GALLAGHER. WE thank Rita for her understanding and look forward to an excellent session. ALL WEKLCOME!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 20 May 15 - 05:08 AM

Can't really help Jim- a fair way from North Leitrim, but sites like folkmusic.net, mustrad.org, tradconnect or session.org give general information, if not always bang up to date there is normally a contact of some sort...

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,Jim I
Date: 19 May 15 - 05:55 PM

Any music in South Leitrim (Mohill/Cloone/Ballinamore) this coming weekend?

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 19 May 15 - 12:43 PM

Just to repeat that for the JUNE session only, the Leitrim Singers will gather in Davitt's pub at 2pm on SATURDAY June 6 rather than the first Sunday of the month,this being an hour earlier than usual.

This is because it is part of the John McKenna Traditional Weekend in Drumkeeran, commemorating the great flute player from the village.
The festival is mostly a musical gathering but the singing session will feature as guest Rita Gallagher of Donegal, one of Ireland's finest singers- don't miss it.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 19 May 15 - 12:37 PM

Can't say what the Birdsong session was like on May 6 as I wasn't present. However, the convivial Davitt's pub was apparently invaded by a crowd of noisy young folk. It's always a possibility when a session is run in an open bar, but I hear that Francis Davitt moved the session to a private family room & it was a great success...

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 07 Apr 15 - 09:31 AM

Yes Philippa- good for you- the website explains all- www.thebirdsongproject.com and also lists the formal concerts and singers club sessions all over Ireland in May.

I haven't been involved in this project, which is just a well as I have a previous booking at Girvan festival.

The Leitrim session will be excellent if it's half as good as the singing on Easter Sunday.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 06 Apr 15 - 09:59 PM

well, I see Jackie Boyce and Rita Gallagher are among the singers doing bird songs at a gig at Cultúrlann uí Chanainn in Derry in May, but us amateurs will be singing bird songs before then at Derry trad singing session (Tinneys bar, first Thurs of the month) as I gathr you will do at the Leitrim song session.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 06 Apr 15 - 09:18 AM

Just to report an excellent singing session in the very convivial Davitt's pub in Drumkeeran yesterday. We wondered whether it would work on Easter Sunday but needn't have worried- a fine crowd of singers from Boyle, Fermanagh, Belfast, Edinburgh (!) and even our own village turned up.
Next one is on Sunday May 3rd- it will be the 'Leitrim Thrush' session as part of the ITMA backed 'Birdsong Project' - see website for information.
The June session falls on the John McKenna Traditional Weekend in Drumkeeran and FOR JUNE ONLY will be held at 2pm on SATURDAY instead of Sunday..... that's June 6the with special guest RITA GALLAGHER from Donegal

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 09:49 AM

seeabove- all welcome

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 02 Mar 15 - 09:05 AM

Small crowd but good quality !! met after the rugby victory further !! - next one is Easter Sunday April 4 at 5ish- same venue, Davitts of Drumkeeran....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 24 Feb 15 - 03:10 PM

Next meeting will be in Davitts pub, Main Street, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim at 5pm on Sunday March 1st-

Anyone in the area should be aware that a separate singing session is held in The Clubhouse at Dromahair, 10 miles NW of Drumkeeran on the first Friday of every month at 10pm

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 05 Nov 14 - 12:12 PM

Glad to report that a decent crowd (about 25) turned up for the latest meeting of the circle at Fordes of Drumkeeran on Sunday November.
Len Graham was in excellent form, and gave us a selection of his songs- Len is well known at festivals & folk clubs in UK and beyond, so has plenty of material to choose from. The Leitrim Circle follow the standard Irish singers circle pattern of a guest singing only about ten songs at various points through the evening. I've heard Irish traditional performers being quite shocked at the UK folk club standard of two 45 minute performances!
Folk like Len Graham have no problem in either place, and the sheer quality of the man's singing continues to amaze.
Next meeting date doubtful, watch this space....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Oct 14 - 02:16 PM

Singing session this weekend in Forde's Pub, Drumkeeran

Sunday, 2nd November
5pm-8pm

special guest: Len Graham

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 14 - 03:19 PM

this Sunday- clashing with the Willie week?

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 02 Jul 14 - 04:57 PM

Next Leitrim Singers' Session will be on Sunday July 6 at Fordes of Drumkeeran at 5pm as usual.
There will be no meeting in August- next one after July will be on Sunday September 4- same time, same place

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 15 May 14 - 08:15 AM

Our singing sessions run every two months BUT as part of the John McKenna Traditional Weekend in Drumkeeran (June 6-8) there will be an additional singing session at Forde's pub in Main Street in Drumkeeran at 3pm (earlier than usual!!) on Saturday 7th. All welcome

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 22 Apr 14 - 08:52 AM

Just to confirm that the next singing session will be on Sunday May 4 at 5pm in Fordes pub, Main Street, Drumkeeran

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,Jim Bainbridge
Date: 17 Mar 14 - 11:00 AM

Well, our change of date became a change of venue as well when a post-funeral group arrived at Forde's just before our start time. So we went to Davitt's, across the road and had an excellent evening with about 25 folk there, including about 15 singers. We use Forde's as it has a separate room, but it worked very well at the back of the long bar in this lovely old pub, so... Next meeting should be Sunday May 4 in Forde's at 5pm- any venue/date change will be announced here!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 24 Feb 14 - 04:40 PM

Just confirming that our singing session will now be at 5pm on Sunday 16th March in Fordes pub, Main St, DRUMKEERAN, Co Leitrim and not the usual first Sunday.

This is because about 20 miles away in Swanlinbar, Co Cavan,on March 2 at 5.30, there is a singing session as part of the John Joe Maguire festival and many folk will head there. Also Jackie is off up north & I am at the Tiger folk club in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire so 16th is a better idea!! Its St Patrick's weekend & the Drumkeeran village parade will be on the same evening...