Meath harpist to play solo gig at Monaghan music festival

Local harpist Seána Davey will lead this year's Féile Patrick Byrne traditional music festival in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, this weekend. Seána is one of Ireland's most accomplished and versatile young harp players and she will be playing a solo gig in the intimate and atmospheric setting of St Finbarr's Church, Carrickmacross, on Friday 15th April. A five-times All-Ireland champion, Seána has toured Ireland, the UK, North America, Europe and Asia, both as a solo performer and with Phil Coulter's band, Celtic Thunder. Featuring material from her recent debut album, 'Seána', the event promises to be a very special occasion. The Féile Patrick Byrne is held annually to commemorate Patrick Byrne, a 19th century harper from south Monaghan, who was the first traditional musician ever photographed. Consisting of sessions, concerts and workshops, the festival will be officially launched tomorrow (Thursday 14th April) with a free public lecture from Professor Patrick Duffy of NUI Maynooth on 'Social life, music and dancing in Monaghan during the 1930s and 1940s' in the Shirley Arms Hotel, Carrickmacross. Full details are available at www.comhaltas.ie/events/ or by phoning (087) 239 6665.