Trim native Mickey McKenna passed away seven years ago, and each year since his

friends and family (which includes such musicians as Seán Óg and Barney McKenna)

have gathered in Trim to celebrate the man and his music. In 2008 arts group

Alternative Entertainments, with whom Mickey worked on many projects over twenty

years, including as a member of the acclaimed Tallafornian Mandolin Band, were asked

to create an annual festival around the celebration. The festival has grown year-on-year

and this year’s event promises to be even better again. In keeping with the eclecticism

of Mickey’s music-making the festival each year features a broad spectrum of musical

styles. This year is no different. Joining us will be internationally celebrated classical

guitarist John Feeley. John has performed all around the world and is considered one of

the foremost exponents of his instrument. Also on the bill is Paul Kelly, a musician who

has been at the centre of the trad and country scenes for the past 30 years. Paul is well

known for his virtuosity on the fiddle, mandolin and banjo. For the concert on May 28 th

he will perform a set on Mickey’s preferred instrument the tenor guitar. Paul Dooley is a

well respected harper from Co Clare. He has been playing and making harps since the

mid-eighties, and is one of the few Irish harpers who play the traditional metal-strung

instrument that, of course, he constructed himself. Two fine traditional singers, Barry

Gleeson and Eamonn O’Donnchadha, complete the Saturday night concert. Barry is

from Dublin and has been one of the country’s central figures in traditional song. He is

one of the regular contributors to the legendary Góilín Singers Club in Dublin. Local

Trim man Eamonn is recognized as one of the finest sean-nós performers in the

country, and has performed in Mickey’s honour at past festivals.

Mickey McKenna Festival

Trim Library, Trim, Co Meath

SATURDAY MAY 28TH SCHEDULE:

Rock guitar workshops for teenagers delivered by Martin Moran.Trim Library, 1.30pm – 3.00pm

Interactive traditional workshop for children delivered by Kevin Ward (guitar), Niamh Ni Bheoláin (fiddle) & Liam Kennedy (fiddle & mandolin).

Trim Library, 3.00pm – 4.00pm

Concert:featuring

John Feeley (classical guitar)Paul Kelly (tenor guitar)Barry Gleeson (voice)

Paul Dooley (harp)Eamonn O’Donnchadha (voice).

With special guests Barney McKenna & John Sheehan of The Dubliners.Trim Library, 7.30pm

Session:An informal music session with performers from the concert, local

musicians and Mickey’s friends and family.

The Bounty Bar, Trim. 9.30pm.

Alternative Entertainments acknowledges the financial support of Meath County Council in the staging of this event.