Over the past seven years and since the death of Micho Russell, the celebration of the musical heritage and the cultivation of the living tradition of Doolin continues to grow. Last year saw the opening of the Russell Cultural Centre by Minister Silé de Valera. Foremost in the traditional calendar in Doolin is the Russell Memorial Weekend - a festival of events each year organised by the Doolin community around the anniversary of Micho Russell’s death.

 The theme of this year’s weekend will focus on the folklore of the area. The weekend will commence on Friday with a lecture by historian, Michael McMahon. His lecture will deal with the folklore collector, Séamus O Duilearga, who came to the area in the 1930s; and in particular the recognition of the extraordinary amount of material given to the archives by Stiofan O Helaoire (1858-1944). O Duilearga published a book of stories collected from Stiofán O Helaoire. (Ó Duilearga, Séamus, 1981. Leabhar Stiofan Uí Ealaoire, Comhairle Bhéaloideas Éireann). A plaque will be unveiled by Tommy Munnelly to O Helaoire, John McMahon (1879-1949), John Carey, and other Gaelic storytellers from the Doolin area in the Russell Cultural Centre. Music and song will follow.

 Events continue on Saturday with the annual concert and whistle recital followed by a wine reception and an informal session of music, song and dance. Shaskeen will play for the Céilí on Saturday night and The Four Courts will play for afternoon set dancing on Sunday. Music continues throughout the weekend in McDermott’s, McGann’s and O’Connor’s.  On Sunday, the annual anniversary mass will be held at Doolin Church in memory of the many musicians and individuals who have enriched our heritage by what they have kept alive.