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11 Sept 2025
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11 Sept 2025
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Photo Willie Donnellan
Drumshanbo was buzzing on Sunday night as the 35th Joe Mooney Summer School kicked off with a packed opening concert and a wave of musical energy. The annual celebration of traditional Irish culture began with a rousing performance by CUAS—a powerhouse trad group bringing the wild soul of West Kerry to the Leitrim stage.
Formed in 2023, CUAS features Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich (accordion, vocals), Nicole Ní Dhubhshlaine (concertina, flute), Niamh Varian-Barry (fiddle, viola, vocals), and Kyle Macaulay (guitar, bouzouki). Their spirited set fused raw tradition with fresh rhythm, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for a vibrant week ahead.
Earlier in the day, festival-goers gathered for Aifreann An Lae in St. Patrick’s Church, followed by a wreath-laying at the grave of Joe Mooney—the local figure whose memory inspired what has become one of Ireland’s best-loved summer schools.
Classes and workshops officially begin Tuesday, July 22nd, with hundreds of musicians, dancers, singers and learners arriving from across Ireland and beyond. The programme includes daily sessions in fiddle, flute, concertina, whistle, bodhrán, sean nós, set dancing and more—led by over 40 top-class tutors.
The week also features céilithe, recitals, junior sessions, talks, open-air dancing and a traditional guided tour on Friday. Highlights include the Grand Traditional Concert, the launch of the Shouldering the Tradition Leitrim music tunebook, and evening céilithe with bands like Swallow’s Tail, Pipers Cross and Salamanca. Céilithe: Mon–Wed €10 / Fri–Sat €12
For full programme and registration: www.joemooneysummerschool.com
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