Tourism group marked the summer solstice with storytelling event at barn near Carrick-on-Suir

Lingaun Valley Tourism’s inaugural Summer Solstice Storytelling event was an enjoyable and relaxing evening of songs, stories and music in Kilkieran Cottage Barn at Skough near Carrick-on-Suir.

More than 100 people attended the event that featured a mix of entertainment for all interests, with Pat O’Gorman as the Fear an Tí leading the story telling.

Walter Dunphy of Carrick-on-Suir’s Brewery Lane Theatre gave a recitation on The Mother in Law’s Birthday.
Paney Bartley entertained with songs and stories while Sarah Dunne gave personal experiences and Tom Nealon relived the tales of the Kerry seanachí Eamon Kelly.

Walter Power’s story on local folklore was on Oisín and Na Fianna in the Lingaun Valley.

Carrick-on-Suir writer Margaret O’Brien recalled her early school days adventures while Hannah Walsh gave a rendition of the Travelling Soldier.

Pat ‘Pilot’ Conway related match day tribulations in Thurles and sang a song. Fergus Byrne, a multidisciplinary artist who cycled from Dublin over 30 years to work with the local slate, reminisced on his visit and also his visit to the original coffee shop in Cody’s of Ahenny.

Fr Jimmy Brown’s short stories ended with his Déise Gaelic version of seanós singing. Marie Walsh had touching song and stories written about her mother while Kevin Power’s songs included his Clancy family’s Whiskey in a Jar.

The evening wrapped up with a late and lively session led by John Ryan on vocals and guitar and a host of local musicians, including the story tellers, Gerry Grant and Eddie Malone.

The performances included beautiful solos from Marie Ryan on the tin whistle and Mick Dalton on the Uileann Pipes with guest singers from the audience.

For all present there was a memorable moment. For some it was the reflection through a video and poem on the Lingaun River written and narrated by the late poet and historian Michael Coady. It told of his life and times around the river as a youth and of venturing inland as he grew up.

Moving memories recalled by Michael’s lifelong friend, Tom Nealon, were enhanced as a bat flew over the enclosed gathering, adding both a natural and mystical touch to the mid-summer celebration.

The organisers extend thanks to the catering sponsors that included Dizzy Goat Restaurant, Marty’s Pantry, Carrick-on-Suir; Auld Mill Bakery, Grangemockler; SuperValu, Carrick; Kilkenny Strawberries, Owning and Centra Piltown.

The organisers also thank Franks and Ade for the venue, the team of volunteers, parking stewards and John Denby for doing the sound for the event.

Pictured below: Walter Dunphy, one of the storytellers regaling the audience at the Lingaun Valley Summer Solstice Storytelling event at Kilkieran Cottage Barn.