Whats On

O'Cathain Festival (O'Kane)

takes place at several venues throughout the Roe Valley

for fees please phone for details

The festival is intended as an opportunity to examine and celebrate the history and traditions of the O'Cathain's clan in Ireland and beyond.
Includes talks (especially on Donnell Ballagh - last chief of the clan 400 years ago), bus tours of sites associated with the clan, music and history display in the Green Lane Museum as well as peagant.

Event Dates

Starting: Friday 30 April 2010
Ending: Sunday 2 May 2010

Details

Event Dates and Details:

Fri 30th April 2010 - Arrive 7 for 7.30pm, Beech Hill Hotel, Derry

Introduction & Welcome to the Grand Reunion by Willie O'Kane. Willie is from Irish World, the Irish Family History Foundation and author of several local history publications.

Trace Your Roots in the Clans: Marcas O'Murchu. Marcas is from the Family History Society and expert genealogist.

Harp Recital by Lucy Kerr and harpers from the Hampsey School of Music, Garvagh. Illustrated talk on the music of Rory Dall O'Cathain and other Irish harpers by Jim Hunter. Jim is the author of 'Rory Dall O'Cathain, Chieftain and Harper' and many other local publications.

Admission £5, children free

Sat 1st May 2010 - 12.30 for 1.00pm: Walking Tour of the Roe Valley
Assemble at the Green Lane Museum where there will be a display of portraits of the last chief Donnell Ballagh - all done by school pupils. There will also be information on display about the area and the O'Cathains. A traditional horn reputedly used to call the clan to assemble in times past will also be on show. Among the highlights visited are: the Dogleap, O'Cathain's Castle, Kane's Rock, Phillip's Weir and Mill Race, and the hydro-electric station.

Guide & narrator: Michael Conway, former education officer, DOE

Bring a picnic, or there will be refreshments available at the cafe.

Display of weapons used in the 16th and 17th centuries and re-enactment of their use by Faoil Lia re-enactment group.

Sat 1st May, 8.00pm: Musical Entertainment, Benedy Community Centre, Dungiven
An old fashioned seisiun organised by Seamus O'Kane involving many local artists. Seamus O'Kane, himself a wonderful player of the bodhran, has lined up a host of local artists. He has reproduced a stunning replica of the Downhill Harp now played by Nollaig Brolly. Guest appearance by Maranna McCloskey.

Fashion Parade - Display of clothes worn by Irish people in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Adults £5, children free

Sun 2nd May: 2:00-5:00pm - Dungiven Priory

Venue: Dungiven Priory
Reflection for Domhnall Ballagh and deceased in the Priory. The history of the Priory and Doddington's Bawn by Dr Bob Curran - a local historial involved in numerous local history projects over the years. Musical entertainment by Armagh Rhymers, Nollaig Brolly and original Downhill Harp and other local artists. Admission free

Sunday 2nd May: 8:00pm - Ceilidh

Venue: Drummond Hotel, Clooney Rd, Ballykelly BT49 9HP - there will be an opportunity for children to have tuition in traditional dance during the evening. All welcome, admission £5, children free

Contact: Danny O'Kane (028) 7774 1454
mail@ocathainfestival.com / www.ocathainfestival.com

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