Cherish the Ladies headline Mayo's Scoil Acla Summer School opening

SCOIL Acla Summer School 2024 officially kicked off yesterday (Monday) evening with a memorable opening ceremony, setting the stage for an exciting week ahead filled with craic, music, culture and community.

The event was graced by Joanie Madden of Irish-American trad super-group Cherish the Ladies, who officially opened the summer school this year. The evening culminated in a stunning performance by her internationally acclaimed band as well as a special appearance by the 2023 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil Champions, Mayo's The Piper's Cross Céilí Band, in front of a sold-out crowd at Óstán Oileán Acla.

In her opening remarks, Joanie Madden said: “It is a real honour to be here at Scoil Acla to officially open one of the oldest summer schools in Ireland. The energy and passion for Irish music and culture in Achill are truly inspiring. We're excited to share our music with such a vibrant community.”

Cathaoirleach of Scoil Acla, Sarah Calvey echoed this sentiment, adding: “We are thrilled to welcome everyone to Scoil Acla 2024. This year promises to be one of our busiest yet, with a fantastic line-up of events, sessions and workshops.

“We are grateful to Joanie Madden for opening the festival this year and to Cherish the Ladies for their wonderful performance, setting a high note for the week ahead. In this, the year of the banjo, we very much look forward to hearing more also from our Artist in Residence, Theresa O'Grady, as she travels to all the classes and performs throughout the week.”

The week began with an opening Mass as Gaeilge, broadcast live on Raidio na Gaeltachta, and later that evening an Oíche Cuimhneacháin took place to remember two giants of the Irish language - Seán Ó hEalaí and Fiachra Mac Gabhann. Classes began in earnest on Monday morning with a trad session trail and other workshops commencing such as basket-weaving, Gaeilge and seán nós dancing and singing.

The excitement continues this week with a variety of events scheduled from today (Tuesday) onwards.

Attendees can look forward to Scoil Acla's ever-popular table quiz on Tuesday night in Gielty's, Wednesday sees the return of their sold-out music recital in St. Thomas's Church as well as a Music and Rhytym workshop for children. On Thursday, the much-anticipated Hata Acla competition takes place with huge prizes for the winners at Ted's, Cashel, and following that, a night to remember the late, great Noel Kilkenny.

Friday afternoon will see an African drumming workshop take place with Anthony McNamee, as well readings from the Writer's Workshop hosted by Ger Reidy, and the 2024 festival concert will take place in the Wavecrest, Dooagh, with special guests and tutors later on that night. Lourdie's carpark will play host to the final event of the festival - the annual Aeraíocht, or outdoor concert, where students will have the chance to perform what they have learned throughout the week.

These events are just a glimpse of the rich and diverse programme that Scoil Acla has to offer. The week will continue with workshops, performances, sessions, cultural bus tours and more, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Stay tuned to Scoil Acla's social media channels for updates throughout the week. More information is available in the official programme or visit https://scoilacla.ie/.

Scoil Acla thanks their partners, particularly The Arts Council, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, Mayo County Council and Comhaltas for their continued support.