Leitrim Singers Circle

Subject: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,Jackie Boyce
Date: 31 Aug 12 - 05:47 AM

Leitrim Singers Circle is to have its first singing session on the 2nd September in Forde's Bar, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim. (starts 5.00pm)
Our guest singer is Fionnuala Maxwell (all Ireland champion, recording artist and composer) We are expecting a large turn out of local singers and will be joined by Sligo, Boyle and Cavan Singing Circles.
Anyone wanting an enjoyable evening of song (and Jim Bainbridge will be playing waltzes on the box during the break)you are are all welcome.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,eoín o'buadhaigh
Date: 31 Aug 12 - 05:50 AM

for more information, google 'Leitrim Singers Circle' see Living Tradition.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,George Henderson
Date: 31 Aug 12 - 11:35 AM

See you there Jackie.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Sep 12 - 09:40 PM

i missed it, when's the next one on

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 29 Dec 12 - 12:26 PM

The next meeting will be on Sunday January 6th at 5 pm at Forde's Inn in Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim, and our guest singer will be Mai Hernon of Gurteen, Co Sligo- all welcome to sing, recite or just listen. We work alternative months with a singing session in the Market House, Blacklion, Co Cavan- also at 5pm on the first Sunday of February, ie the 3rd. This is not a pub, so it's tea and cakes this time! For clarity, the following Drumkeeran session will be back in Forde's pub on March 3rd

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 12 - 01:38 PM

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 16 Feb 13 - 03:03 PM

Next meeting will be at 5pm on Sunday 3 March in Fordes pub, Drumkeeran- all welcome.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Feb 13 - 01:46 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 21 Apr 13 - 07:25 AM

Next meeting will be at Fordes Inn, main street in Drumkeeran at 5pm
on Sunday May 5th- all singers welcome. To be followed by our 'sister'
session at 5pm on June 2 in the Market House, Blacklion, Co. Cavan (almost the last building on the left before the border bridge).

Early information re the John McKenna festival in Drumkeeran's Community Centre and four pubs- June 6-9 2013 inclusive. This is mainly homage to the great local flute player, who recorded in the USA many years ago(look out for the forthcoming double CD of his work). There are MANY excellent local musicians, in particular on flute and fiddle. There will also be a singing session in Forde's at 3pm on Saturday June 8, hosted by myself and Jackie Boyce, who is organising a revival of the 'Singing Match' tradition after many years, there'll also be visiting singers, one being the grand Scots ballad singer Janet Weatherston of Edinburgh.
More later....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 13 - 05:19 AM

Thanks for that- we enjoyed the last one!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 02 May 13 - 01:06 PM

The singing match at Fordes in Drumkeeran is not a competition but an acknowledgment in the form of a small plaque for those folk who turn up to contribute to the planned evening of songs- it's
scheduled 3pm-5 but will probably go on quite a bit longer, as many excellent singers are expected, from Ireland (mainly) Scotland and England & maybe beyond...
All welcome to contribute of course

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 02 Jul 13 - 12:37 PM

Highly successful song session at Forde's in Drumkeeran as part of the
John McKenna Festival a couple of weeks ago. A review of the festival will be in the next issue of Living Tradition magazine, out later in July.

Incorporating the first non-competitive 'singing match' held in Ireland for many years. Also the first 'Face to Face singing competition in Ireland, which resulted in a points win for Alan Woods of Mohill, Co Leitrim over Janet Weatherston of Edinburgh. The competition is based on the annual event held at the Birtley folk club in Durham every Christmas...

No meeting of the Leitrim Singers Circle on July 7- next one will be on September 1st at Fordes in Drumkeeran at 5pm.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 19 Jul 13 - 05:40 AM

Singers in the Cavan/Leitrim area please note that there will be no bi- monthly meeting of the Cavan singers in Blacklion on August 4- next Leitrim Singers meeting will be in Fordes of Drumkeeran on Sunday September 1 at 5pm

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 19 Sep 13 - 05:34 AM

Singing sessions resumed at Forde's of Drumkeeran on September 1st, and the next one will be in the same place at 5pm on Sunday November 3rd. This one will feature one of Scotland's finest ballad singers, Heather Heywood from Ayrshire.
Singers will be aware that we run in alternate months with the Cavan Singers, also meet at 5pm on the first Sunday of alternate months in the Market House, near the border bridge in Blacklion village. This session was cancelled in August because of local events- to confirm the October 6 meeting, please call Carol Corrigan on 0792 791 3421....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 03:40 PM

A reminder that on Sunday January 5, the Leitrim Singers Circle will be host to a singing session in Forde's pub, Main Street, DRUMKEERAN, co Leitrim. Special guest will be Sean Mone, one of Ireland;s best satirical singers. If you haven't neard the one about the pimple on David Trimble's bum, make a note of this major event in the history
of Co Leitrim....

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,Jackie Boyce
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 07:10 AM

Leitrim Singers Circle are to have their first session of the year at 5.00pm on Sunday 5th January in Fordes pub, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim.
Our guest singer is to be singer/songwriter SEAN MONE (the one and only) So far there is a lot of interest, so anyone who wishes to come along (whether to sing, play an instrument, give us a story/rhyme or just to enjoy the evening) you are more than welcome!
A great way to wind down after Christmas and the New Year (and it's free) You can see 'Leitrim Singers Circle' on facebook for details.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 06:47 AM

OK- this man is a knockout- wish I was in Ireland- is that a song title?

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,George Henderson
Date: 23 Dec 13 - 12:50 PM

Robbie's first Friday is on in Spancil Hill in 3rd. Hope to make it a round trip and get up but weather and family could get in the way.

Compliments of the season to all Leitrim folk.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 03 Jan 14 - 06:10 AM

Next meeting of the Leitrim Singers Circle will be at Forde's pub, Main Street in Drumkeeran, about 25km north of Carrick on Shannon. It'll be at 5pm on Sunday January 5th wit Sean Mone songwriter and singer from Keady, Co Armagh as guest (see him on Youtube) All singers/ reciters very welcome...

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 06 Jan 14 - 06:27 AM

On possibly the worst afternoon of this awful spell of gales & rain, the Leitrim Singers Circle would like to thank all the singers who made this meeting at Forde's in Drumkeeran such a success yesterday! Our guest, Sean Mone was at his best, and with singers from Derry, Donegal, Sligo and Boyle among other places, a lovely session of songs was had, with a few tunes from Breege Duffy, Helen Grehan and myself in the interval. Thanks to all who attended- next meeting will be on March 2 at 5pm. The Cavan Singers, who meet in alternate months to us will have their next session at 5pm on Sunday February 2 in the Market House, BLACKLION, the last building on the left before you cross the border bridge. NB- not a pub, so bring your own drink!

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Jan 14 - 05:12 AM

Leitrim Singers next meeting is on March 2, but we work in alternate months with the Cavan singers, and their next meeting will be this coming Sunday February 2 upatairs in the Market House in Blacklion, Co Cavan at 5pm. NB -This is not a pub, and tea etc will be available, but bring your own drink if required. The Market House is almost the last building on the left before crossing the border bridge to Belcoo.
Special guest will be Rosie Stewart.

Subject: RE: Leitrim Singers Circle
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 23 Feb 14 - 01:07 PM

Leitrim Singers' Circle are due to meet on Sunday 2 March. The last meeting with Sean Mone attracted about 50 folk on a filthy evening, so we'd hope for a good turnout. However, we have to postpone this meeting - it will probably happen at 5pm on 16th March in Fordes Inn, Drumkeeran, the usual venue- more when we are sure of this but the 2 March meeting is definitely OFF

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...

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: 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: 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: 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
Date: 03 Jul 14 - 03:19 PM

this Sunday- clashing with the Willie week?

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,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,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: 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: 04 Apr 15 - 09:49 AM

seeabove- all welcome

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,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: 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,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: 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 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: 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 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
Date: 04 Jul 15 - 01:41 PM

refresh

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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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