Following on from a magnificent performance in the National Concert Hall last month (here), a great evening of music and song was had in Connolly’s Pub, Ballagh last Tuesday night (April 28th) when the Clongowes Wood College Traditional Irish Music group played their last session of the year. The group, led by Catherine Heslin, delighted the crowd with a lively selection of jigs and reels, Luke Clohessy gave a beautiful rendition of ‘The Parting Glass’ and the haunting strains of Inis Oirr filled the air.
The sad task of the night was to say goodbye to Eoghan McLoughlin, Tim Burke and Conor Breslin (pictured above with Shane and Catherine Heslin), who have been with the group for the past six years. The three students have made an invaluable contribution over the years both with their music and wonderful personalities. They will be greatly missed.
The C.W.C. Traditional Group, a student/teacher collaboration, has been playing together for over six years now. Originally founded by Catherine and Shane Heslin in 2008, it sought to create casual, informal traditional music sessions to bring students and teachers together to share their passion for trad music. With over 15 members the group has grown significantly over the years and it now also boasts the virtuoso skills of Mr. Noel Mason on the accordion and Mr. Stephen O’Hara on the fiddle.
The group has played in several of the school concerts but also do regular sessions in local pubs around the Clane area. They have even had the pleasure of playing with master uilleann piper and prominent Irish folk musician Liam O’Flynn.
We are all looking forward to the ‘Trad for Trocaire’ event in October…watch this space.
