Monaghan man George McAdam will give drumming and banjo workshops at Eanair san Aonach.

Eanair san Aonach returns this weekend

Published: Wed 23 Jan 2019, 1:20 PM

Last updated: Wed 23 Jan 2019, 1:23 PM

Nenagh will come alive to the sound of some of the finest traditional musicians in the country this weekend (January 25th to 27th) as Eanair san Aonach returns to the town.

Ormond Comhaltas have a busy schedule of events organised. Cathaoirleach Tom Boland says the weekend has expanded due to popular demand.
“We originally started Eanair san Aonach because we felt there was a need for workshops to be held at this time of year, when musicians are beginning preparations for the Fleadh and the year ahead. We had a great turnout for the first two years but we took a break last year as we tried to concentrate on the Nenagh Castlefest workshops and concert.

“When we decided to bring Eanair san Aonach back this year we moved it to an afternoon/evening event to allow attendees to hang around for an evening teen/youth session. We have added our monthly junior session to the bill, so that will happen on Friday evening and then on Sunday evening we have another teen session in Larkin's of Garrykennedy. There are lots of very talented young musicians in the area and the more they play together, the better they will become. Later on the Saturday night we have a great session lined up in Andy Flynn’s, so we would hope to see a good crowd there for that.”

Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan is the venue for the workshops – beginning with a drumming workshop from 1pm to 3pm with George McAdam. Hailing from Co Monaghan, George is no stranger to Nenagh, having played and given a workshop at Nenagh Castlefest 2018. He is multi-talented, having previously won All-Ireland gold in the banjo, and is the drummer for the Blackwater Céilí band, the current All Ireland Céilí Band Champions.

At 4pm George will return to give an intermediate banjo workshop, when he will be joined by Claire Egan and Dylan Carlos (fiddle intermediate and advanced) and Roscommon’s finest – John Wynne, who will give an advanced flute workshop.

The workshops cost €15 per entrant, €40 for a family of three, and can be booked in advance by texting the name and class to 085-2023385. Junior session is in Dún Mhuire, Pearse Street, from 7-8pm on Friday evening, the Saturday teen session in Andy Flynn’s Bar, Sarsfield Street, 8-9pm and the Sunday teen session in Larkin's Bar, Garrykennedy at 5.30pm – these are all open sessions, all are welcome to attend.