Eighth annual Packie Duignan Weekend

The 8th annual Packie Duignan Traditional weekend takes place in Drumshanbo this weekend from Friday 24 until Sunday, January 26.

Packie (1922-1992) was born in Roscommon close to the Leitrim border. He started to play the tin whistle at a young age and then progressed to the concert flute. His playing was very much influenced by John Mc Kenna’s Flute playing and a lot of his repertoire came from Mc Kennas recordings.

Packie spent a lot of his later years playing in the Drumshanbo area. The weekend in his memory will get off to a lively start in Gunnings/Conways on Friday 24 at 9.30pm with an open music session. All musicians welcome.

Saturday starts off with music workshops on Flute with Orla Ward, whistle with Niamh Ward, bouzouki with Sven Paetz, fidddle with Brid O’Keeffe. Registration in Aras Padraig at 2pm. Workshops from 2.30 to 4pm. Cost €10 per person. (Participants must be able to play a few tunes on their instrument.)

Tutors will teach tunes which were played by Packie. The workshops will be followed by a youth session from 4.15 - 6pm in Berry Tavern, High Street. Musicians. singers, dancers welcome.

At 9.30pm the annual flute gathering gets underway in Berry’s. We are looking forward to a big line-up of flute players and musicians with all other instruments are also welcome.

To conclude the celebrations on Sunday in memory of Packie and his wonderful flute playing, the popular ‘Boxty Brunch’ gets underway at 12.30 in Henry’s, followed by a slan abhaile session and again everyone is welcome.