THE THIRTEENTH edition of the Concertina Cruinniú, an annual festival celebrating the concertina, will take place in Miltown Malbay from February 14-16, 2025.
Organised by Oidhreacht an Chláir and supported by the Arts Council, the event promises a weekend filled with music, culture, and learning for all ages and abilities.
The festival, a community-driven and non-commercial event, offers a wide range of activities including concertina classes, lectures, recitals, and informal sessions. These activities cater to both students and the general public, encouraging participation at every level.
Concertina enthusiasts can take part in classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings and join afternoon sessions to practice their skills in a friendly, supportive environment. A supervised Junior Session will also be hosted on Saturday afternoon, while an adult session will provide an additional space for participants to explore their craft.
The weekend will feature a number of fascinating lectures and recitals, starting on Friday evening with the Clare launch of Ceoltóirí Chualann: The Band that Changed the Course of Irish Music. Presented by Peadar Ó Riada, this lecture will be followed by a musical performance featuring Peadar Ó Riada, Eamon McGivney, and John Kelly (The Drole). On Saturday afternoon, Dr Clare Keville will deliver a lecture on the concertina music of Gerdie Commane, and later, a special intimate concert will take place at The Listening Room featuring Noel Hill, Jack Talty, and Sorcha Costello.
The festival’s highlight event will be the Gala Concert on Saturday night at 8.30pm in the Community Centre, where the renowned group GARADICE—comprising Eleanor Shanley, Pádraig McGovern, Dave Sheridan, and John Mc Cartin—will perform for the first time in Miltown, with special guest Tom Morrow. This exciting performance will be preceded by a set from Liam O’Brien, Déirdre Hurley, and Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill.
In addition to the lectures and concerts, the Concertina Cruinniú will feature free public sessions throughout the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, there will be open Junior and Intermediate sessions led by Bríd O’Donohue & Liam Browne, and Bernie Geraghty & Aoife Kelly, respectively. An adult session will also be hosted at Friel’s Bar, led by Claire Keville & John Weir. On Sunday, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, a unique gathering featuring songs and tunes with Tim Dennehy, Róisín White, Martin O’Malley, Pat O’Connor, Eva Carroll, and John Canny will take place at The Forge at the Players Bar.
