An education programme to preserve and pass on the magic of the local music tradition is one of the main pillars of the Sliabh Luachra musician-in-residence is an initiative by Kerry, Cork and Limerick County Councils to help bolster the massive efforts to grow the unique music culture.
Eoin Stan O’Sullivan has held the position since 2018 and he is currently fulfilling a new plan that began in April of 2022.
In May and June of this year Eoin operated school concerts in primary and secondary schools around the county and the events were funded under the local live performance scheme from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Kerry County Council.
The series featured Kerry based musicians Greta Curtin, Conor Moriarty, Bryan O’Leary, Noreen O’Shea, Mike Coult, Matt Griffin and also Leah Murphy and Conor O’Sullivan from Cork.
In June Eoin released a new album by accordion player Pat Fleming to promote Sliabh Luachra-related music and there are also albums available by Bryan O’Leary, Maura O’Connor and Emma O’Leary. The music from label has found many fans and features on Irish music radio shows around the world.
Eoin will also launch a book of classic tunes from Sliabh Luachra aimed at teachers, students and anyone starting play the local repertoire.
In October, at the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival, Eoin hopes to release another new CD from an exciting Kerry trio featuring concertina, fiddle and guitar, while in November, the Handed Down Series in Scartaglin will showcase some young musicians Eoin has met through his school visits.
Killarney’s best loved news and advertising service. Call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
