Micho Russell Memorial Weekend 2002
Friday 22 to Sunday 24 February Doolin Co. Clare
Friday
21st Feb
2002
 8-30pm
Presentation of the video "The Musical Heritage of North Clare"
featuring Micho Russell, Paddy & Johnny Killourhy, Brud Petty and many others, introduced by piper Eugene Lambe, followed by music, set dancing, singing and sean nós dancing,
Saturday
22nd Feb 2002

2-30pm
Concert with piper Liam Óg Ó Flynn, accordionist Joe Burke with Ann Conroy, fiddler Paddy Canny, the singer/songwriter Kate Purcell, Kieran Hanrahan presenter of Céilí House and many others.
Tickets at the door. Adults €8, Children and OAPs concession. Followed by Wine Reception
 

10-30pm

Set dancing & Céilí. Music by the Four Courts Céilí Band Tickets €8 at the door.
Sunday
23rd Feb 2002

12pm
Anniversary Remembrance Mass at Doolin Church mass sung by the Doolin Choir followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Russell grave

3pm

Afternoon Set Dancing, music by the Four Courts Céilí Band

Workshops in tin whistle, flute, fiddle run throughout the weekend

Sessions throughout the weekend in McDermott’s, McGann’s, and O’Connor’s

 The Micho Russell Memorial Weekend Committee acknowledges the financial support Smithwicks in making the Micho Russell Memorial Weekend 2002 possible.


Further Information: email: info@michorussellweekend.ie or telephone +353 (0)65- 7074595, 7074168, 7074328, 7074133

Text © John Doorty, 2005 , Photos of Micho Russell © Ilsa Thielan, 2005 © Micho Russell Memorial Weekend Committee, Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland

 
 
The Micho Russell Memorial Weekend is taking place on the Friday 22 to Sunday 24 February in Doolin Co. Clare. The name Doolin, which has been synonymous with traditional music for the past 40 years, together with the name, Micho Russell probably one of it most famous exponents, are celebrated over the weekend.  The appeal of this festival since the death of Micho Russell in 1994 has been gathering momentum thanks to the work of the local committee and the support of the local pubs, guesthouses, and restaurants. In the last few years the new Russell Cultural Centre has provided a much needed concert-style and céilí venue and this is now the home to many of the events.

 On Friday evening there is a video presentation entitled, "The Musical Heritage of North Clare" (1980, Producers: Eugene Lambe, Dick Grant). This is an opportunity to see some rare video footage of Micho & Gusie Russell, Paddy & John Killourhy, Brud Petty, Paddy Phadraic Mhicil, and many others. The video will be introduced by piper, Eugene Lambe. The interest of the video will be obvious to locals who knew some of these many characters, but it will also appeal to visitors and locals alike who are curious about the musical tradition of Doolin and North Clare. It will be followed by an informal concert with set dancing, singing and sean nós dancing.

 The line up for the memorial Concert on Saturday at 1pm promises some guest appearances and some great entertainment.  Piper Liam Óg O Flynn is probably making his first appearance on stage in North Clare since he appeared with Micho Russell in 1984 for the Ennistymon ’84 visual arts festival. Also playing on Saturday 23 is accordionist Joe Burke with Ann Conroy, singer/songwriter Kate Purcell, fiddler Paddy Canny and many others. Hosting the concert will be Kieran Hanrahan, presenter of Céilí House.  All are welcome. Tickets at the door. 

 The Four Courts Céilí Band are playing for two céilís; one on Saturday at 10-30pm and another on Sunday at 3pm.  An addition to this year’s events are workshops in tin whistle, flute and fiddle which will run throughout the weekend. Tuition will be available to all from beginners to advanced.