South Sligo Summer School was a great success

The organisers of the South Sligo Summer School of traditional Irish music, song and dance, which took place from July 14th to 20th, wish to thank everyone involved in any way in what was a hugely successful week for Tubbercurry and the surrounding hinterland. This was the 38th year of the summer school and the overwhelming positive feedback as well as the wonderful levels of local support, both in practical terms and financially, gives the committee great momentum to plan for next year, with the 40th year now just two years away. 

Each year brings its own unique flavour and atmosphere and this year was exceptional with the consensus being that the school was very much back on track after the challenge of keeping its name alive through Covid with scaled-down online events replacing the full face-to-face summer school experience for all.

Participants gathered from every corner of the world to immerse themselves in the school's rich culture of traditional Irish music, song and dance. The whole town of Tubbercurry was alive with music morning, noon and night. 

This year, the summer school was officially opened by legendary fiddle player and founding member of the iconic ‘Buttons and Bows’ traditional group, Manus McGuire, who spoke of his early years growing up in Sligo town alongside his brother Seamus. Their home was an open house for music and Manus recalled many of the musicians whom he remembers hearing play at the family home, including the great Lad O’Beirne on his trips home from the United States.

Other speakers at the official opening included the recently elected Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree, the President of Tubbercurry Chamber, Geraldine Brennan and founding member of the South Sligo Summer School, Marie Flannery. Newly-elected councillors Barry Gallagher and Edel McSharry were also present at the opening.

A large open session of music followed the official opening in St Brigid’s Hall, with musicians including local players from Tubbercurry and the wider area as well as summer school tutors and visiting students all contributing to a mighty sound. The atmosphere was cracking from the word go with everyone delighted to meet up once again. Meanwhile, the main hall was packed with dancers stepping it out to the great Swallows Tail Céilí Band, the first of seven nightly céilithe with attendances well up on the previous year across the board.

This trend continued into the week with numbers up in all classes and workshops as well as attendances at the evening concerts and recitals and other summer school activities held throughout the week.

The summer school organising committee are very grateful to the Arts Council of Ireland, Sligo County Council, Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board, Aurivo, Tubbercurry and District Crdeit Union and all the businesses of Tubbercurry and the surrounding area for their generous support in 2024 and indeed down the years.

Again, míle buíochas to everyone without exception. Roll on July 13th to 19th, 2025, and the 39th summer school.