This was followed by the annual trip to the schools as part of the community outreach program on Thursday.This year was different in that we had 8 set dancers, 6 musicians, ( four of them from France) and one French Sean Nos style dancer with blazing feet.
Thursday afternoon we were treated to a tour of the Black Valley by a friend who grew up in Dingle
.
Thursday's Ceili music was provided by Micheal Sexton and Pat Walsh.
Friday during the day, we drove to Cobh in Cork to visit some relatives as well as tour the port where the "Coffin Ships" departed during the famine
Friday night we had the Brian Boru Ceili Band. As much as we thought the first three bands were terrific, the music provided by the Allow Ceili Band on Saturday was over the top. I think there were twelve instruments, all playing an uptempo style of music. When we did the Clare Lancers figure with the 4 and 4, all 800 dancers were linked arm in arm, a sight I will never forget.
The dance floor was filled with set dancers from 8 to 80, young competition ready dancers with flying feet, old smoothies, and the ever present Kerry Crazies, all having great craic.
Matt Cunningham finished the weekend's set dancing. I can only hope that he plays the same speed when he comes to Watertown in May
Sunday PM we jumped in the car and drove to Doolin, picked up another friend, and then drove to Kilfenora, to set dance to the Four Courts Ceili Band in the Mecca of Set Dancing, Vaughan's Barn.
Sunday PM we jumped in the car and drove to Doolin, picked up another friend, and then drove to Kilfenora, to set dance to the Four Courts Ceili Band in the Mecca of Set Dancing, Vaughan's Barn.
