ONE of the longest running Thursday night sessions will be celebrated in a feature length radio documentary and podcast.
‘The Long and the Shortt of it – A Thursday Night in Feakle’ is the new documentary by Scariff Bay Community Radio.
Musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers from the very beginning of the sessions which kicked off in the 1970s feature in the documentary along with younger children and present adult players.
Recorded at Shortt’s Pub from September to December 2023, the documentary is produced by Clíodhna Donnellan. An official launch will take place at 8pm on Thursday 15th February, in Shortt’s Bar where a short audio-visual trailer will whet the appetite for the hour long documentary which will air on Scariff Bay Community Radio at 1pm Sunday 18th February.
The longer version of the documentary will be available as a three part podcast series. The first two episodes will be available to download on all podcast platforms from Monday the 19th of February 2024, and the third episode will be available from Thursday 22nd February 2024.
Mountshannon native Clíodhna explained, “At the outset the aim of this documentary was to capture the essence of what takes place in Shortt’s on a Thursday night. It is a unique space for those who attend, providing a warm sense of inclusiveness, connection and community whether you are 9 years of age or 89, whether from Feakle or Australia”.
Station manager with SBCR, Jim Collins stated that they were “very pleased to shine a light on a marvellous example of our musical heritage, in a village synonymous with traditional music”.
Musician Tara Breen commented, “Any Thursday I have free, I make my way to Feakle to play at one of the oldest and best sessions in Ireland. Playing there brings such joy to life where musicians, young and old are given the warmest welcome. I have played all over the world but the music played in Shortt’s bar is special and the best you will find”.
Lena Hanrahan ran the pub, formerly known as ‘Lena’s’ from the 1950s. It was in 1970, when she built on the extension, that the Thursday night regular session began. The current proprietor, Gerry Shortt, took over the reins 27 years ago and has not let go since.
