Award-winning céilí band to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Carrickmore

A SPECIAL performance by the All-Ireland winning Blackwater Ceili Band is set to light up The Patrician Hall in Carrickmore this St Patrick’s Day.

Hailing from the Clogher Valley region of Tyrone, the band have risen to prominence and are widely recognised as one of the finest exponents of Irish Traditional Music, since forming in 2015.

Bringing boundless energy and passion to every performance, which creates fresh musical interpretations with distinctive character and detail, firmly rooted in the Ulster tradition, the band has also gained a huge following and reputation for its successful run to numerous major honours in recent years.

This includes winning the prestigious ‘Senior All-Ireland Céilí Band’ title at ‘Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann’ in Drogheda, County Louth.

As only one of three Ulster groups to ever accomplish this feat, and being the first from County Tyrone, they have truly cemented their place in the annals of céilí band folklore – and now, their followers in home of Tyrone can look forward to the special concert.

‘Reputation for excellence’

Organised by the local An Charraig Mhor Naomh Colmcille GAA club, one of the attractions is that the band is being accompanied on the night by local talent, including Carrickmore woman, Colleen Conway, who will sing a number of songs.

“We’re delighted to be able to welcome such renowned performers as the Blackwater Céilí Band for the first time in Carrickmore,” said a spokesperson from the club.

“Their reputation for excellence has enthralled audiences throughout Ireland, and further afield in recent years.

“They are fantastic, and the fact that the concert is taking place at the time of the 60th anniversary of The Patrician is sure to add to what promises to be a very enjoyable night. The club wants to thank the Patrician for the opportunity to host the band, and for all their help in organising the concert,” she added. “Hopefully, many people will turn out and they will certainly not be disappointed.”

A special feature will be the setting aside of an area for people to dust down their dancing shoes.

In addition, the event is part of Seachtain na Gaeilge week, promoted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Tea and snacks will be provided, the event is expected to finish on the night by 8pm.

l The Blackwater Céilí Band will take to the Patrician Hall, Carrickmore, next Thursday (March 17) in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The family-friendly event will see the doors open at 5.30pm, and the band will be on stage at 6pm. Admission is free for under-16s, and is just £5 per ticket for adults. Tickets can be purchased on the night at The Patrician Hall.