Irish Culture celebrated at the annual Irish Night-

This year the annual Irish Night took place during the School’s Seachtain na Gaeilge and Colum Mackey reviews the music, dance and craic at this year’s event.

On the 14th of March the Abbey held their second traditional Irish night. The night started with a varied selection of tunes performed by the Irish traditional group. The choir were up next and performed several well-known songs including “Danny Boy” and an “Irish Blessing”. A set of three catchy polkas were played flawlessly by Mr Monaghan (traditional group director) on the pipes along with Declan Magee on the button accordion and Keith Mackey accompanying on the bodhrán.

The Nolan School of Dance performed a selection of jigs and reels. Some of the award winning dancers were pupils from the Abbey, who also took part in various musical performances throughout the evening. Mr Monahan, along with the traditional group, played and sang Trouble with a capital ‘T’ by the well-known group, ‘Horseslips’. In my opinion this was the catchiest song of the night. But the best was yet to come!

During the interval the canteen served some delicious traditional Irish stew and wheaten bread. After enjoying the food they returned to the hall to hear the conclusion of the show.

The second part of the show began with drama. Great! I thought. Mrs Mc Clean and some of the junior school had put together a play in our native Irish language. They then went on to win the county final in the Féis and deservingly so! Even though I could only make out some of the words and many people couldn’t make out any, the great acting told the story perfectly.

The Bodhrán, an instrument often sidelined, took centre stage as four members of the Traditional group performed a skilful set of Bodhrán pieces.

The night ended on a high note in more ways than one! The traditional group played the Irish rugby song ‘Ireland’s call’, Killian Foy sang the verses and the choir sang the chorus. It was a resounding end to a fantastic night of entertainment.

Colum Mackey Br3