Russell Memorial Weekend 2005
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 February Doolin Co. Clare
Friday
25th Feb
2005
 8-30pm
Rambling House; a night of music, song, and dance. Sandwiches and refreshments served.
Saturday
26th Feb 2005

2pm
Concert with Master of Ceremonies, Kieran Hanrahan RTÉ, featuring Tony McMahon, Christy Barry, Steve Cooney, Chris Droney, Edel Fox, Geraldine McGowan, Frank Custy's Group, John Considine, and many more.
Followed by wine and food reception
Tickets €10 at the door
Sunday
27th Feb 2005

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

3pm
Set Dancing, music by the Four Courts Céilí Band

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

 The Russell Memorial Weekend Committee acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council, and Smithwicks in making the Micho Russell Memorial Weekend 2005 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

Russell Memorial Weekend 2005

Photo of Gussie Russell by Brenda Fitzsimons of the Irish Times

Gussie Russell (1917 – 2004)

The 11th annual Micho Russell Memorial Weekend is taking place in Doolin starting next Friday 25th at 8-30pm with a Rambling House - on a wintry evening who should draw in but… those who can make a night of music, song, and dance, a night to remember at the Russell Cultural Centre. Sandwiches and refreshments served.

 On Saturday 26th at 2pm a concert with musician and broadcaster, Kieran Hanrahan RTÉ, will feature many musical highlights. Renowned Ennis accordion player, Tony McMahon, joined by flute and tin whistle player Christy Barry, are amongst the performers. The veteran concertina player Chris Droney will be on stage. Edel Fox recently nominated TG4 Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana 2004 will also delight audiences on the concertina, singer Geraldine McGowan, founder of the well-known band Oisin, is taking a break from a busy European tour schedule with her band to be in Doolin for the weekend.  It will be followed by a wine and food reception for all attending. Tickets €10 at the door

.The Micho Russell Memorial Weekend Committee is this year honouring the late Gussie Russell who died on May 18, 2004. To celebrate his life-long service to traditional music, the committee has invited Brenda Fitzsimons, photo journalist with the Irish Times, to provide a photo of Gussie to the Doolin community, which will be for permanent display. A presentation will take place at the concert on Saturday.

 On Sunday the 27th Feb at 12 pm the Anniversary Remembrance Mass for Micho Russell will take place at Doolin Church to the accompaniment of hymns and songs from the Doolin church choir. It will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Russell grave, songs of farewell, and tunes to raise the dead.

 Events for the weekend are rounded off at the sessions in O’Connors’, McGann’s, and McDermott’s. Set dancing will be help at 3pm at the Russell Cultural Centre, music by the Four Courts Céilí band. Tickets at the door but they can also be purchased in advance from Peter Griffin, Lisdoonvarna.