The rambling house at file na samhna
THE theme of Féile na Samhna 2014 in Swinford this coming weekend is 'the rambling house'.
On Saturday afternoon (October 25) in the Gateway Hotel, Swinford, Joe McGowan - the well known historian and storyteller from Co. Sligo - will officially open the Féile with a talk and presentation on the rambling house. He will be ably supported by other guests, including Vince Hearns, Alan Morrisroe and Séamus Mac Mathúna.
The main event of Féile na Samhna - the re-enactment of the rambling house - will start at 5 p.m. on Sunday (October 26), with singers, dancers, musicians and storytellers from all over Mayo and further afield set to entertain visitors. Traditional fare such as homemade bread, boxty, and jelly and custard will be served.
There was a marvellous evening at the house dance last year and expect the rambling house to be as good - and maybe even better - ths year.
Drop in for a visit anytime during the evening, and do let us know if you would like to sing, dance, or play music. Beidh fáilte romhat. Admission is free.
The Féile programme for Saturday features two great workshops. The tutor for the workshop at 11 a.m. (for children aged seven to 14) is Síle Uí Mhongáin, a primary teacher from north Mayo. Síle is a renowned sean nós singer and indeed adjudicates at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil.
At 4.30 p.m. Séamus Mac Mathúna will conduct a workshop for adults and young people over the age of 14. Séamus intends to get his audience singing lively Irish and English sean nós songs- 'amhráin rithimiúla' to quote his own words. Originally from Cooraclare in Co. Clare, Séamus is known all over Ireland and internationally as a singer and musician.
The workshops are free of charge and will take place in Teach Uí Chonaill (opposite AIB) on Main Street, Swinford. For more information or to reserve a place, email cceswinford@gmail.com or call (087) 7454032.
Féile na Samhna 2014 will kick off on Friday night (October 24) with traditional sessions in pubs around the town, while the official opening and fáilte will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Gateway Hotel, followed by the rambling house presentation.
At 9 p.m. that evening enjoy a night of singing, storytelling, recitation and caint in the Meeting Room at Campbell’s Lounge, Main Street.
On Sunday, the Midfield Pipe Band will give a recital at the church after last Mass and then march down the town and finish with a recital on Main Street, while at 5 p.m. the rambling house will open its doors again in the Gateway Hotel.
The festivities come to a conclusion on Monday (October 27) with an enjoyable historical stroll around Swinford with Michael Comer, followed by a cuppa in the Gateway.