Special guests play music at Laurence Gate
The summer sunshine is here. The ice creams are being devoured. The mood is up and town of Drogheda is gearing up for Fleadh Cheoil in August. In just four weeks time, the town will be filled with thousands of visitors from near and far, coming to experience Irish music, language, song and dance.
But you don’t have to wait. Music at the Gate is back this weekend, but this time with a twist. Founder Darragh Ó hÉiligh tells us more. “July’s Music at the Gate has both a morning and evening event. From 10.30am to 2pm the very popular morning session will take place where dozens of musicians, singers and dancers participate to make Drogheda buzz with the sound of live music. As always people of all ages and levels are encouraged to participate. After a break, Music at the Gate will resume again from 7pm to 8.30pm with two very, very special guests. We’re thrilled to welcome Cyril O’Donoghue and Michael “Blackie” O’Connell as our guest performers.”
Since the foundation of Music at the Gate back in September, Darragh has organised regular concerts at the foot of St Laurence’s Gate. The purpose is two-fold. Firstly, to celebrate the closing of the historic gate to traffic and reclaim it as a civic space. Secondly, to invite local performers to bring music to the streets of Drogheda on a regular basis.
But the very special benefit of Music at the Gate is that also allows Darragh to invite his fellow musicians from all around the country to play here in Drogheda.
“Our first guest performer is Cyril O’Donoghue. He hails from County Clare and grew up with a strong musical tradition at home. A member of the trad supergroup “Providence” Cyril tours extensively playing bouzouki, guitar and singing.”
He continues: “Michael O’Connell is one of the most exciting uilleann pipers in Traditional Music. Having learned the pipes with the great Limerick piper Mickey Dunne, Michael has performed with Paddy Keenan, Finbar Furey and the Chieftains. He is a tourism ambassador for Ireland in the global Tourism Ireland internet and TV campaign.”
Taking place on Saturday 7th July from 7pm to 8.30pm at Saint Laurence’s Gate, this free event is open to everyone. See www.MusicAtTheGate.ie and Facebook.