10/09/2026
In today’s local newspaper the Longford Leader…the evening of the 16th of August 2026, was a very memorable one and a first, in SKELLYS, Ballymahon, Co.Longford, in conjunction with Heritage Week and the Ballymahon Historical Society.
Organised and managed by Rónán ÓCeallaigh (Chairperson), and under the conductive watchful eye of Geraldine McLynn this creative night of supreme Traditional Irish Music by such young Irish Fleadh winners and excellence, flowed in unison like the Inny River and the Royal Canal that wraps the borders, embracing with a warm hug, our amazing town. Willie Kavanagh our local cherished great Banjo player, and 3 amazing ladies who sang acapella, framed the picturesque evening as they contributed voluntarily, drawn to performing live, as they flowed beautifully lyrically with the evening, almost dreamlike.
But there was more, a difference this time ….. Rónán ÓCeallaigh recited poetry by our Local and National anazing poets Heaney, Goldsmith, Colum and Casey, as the brilliance of our literary genius poets weaved the evening together with flair and exuberance, as we recalled with love and appreciation their amazing work, a recollection and revision perhaps, if the truth be told. Rónán’s each recital was accompanied with the strings of a tender violin from our local young talent, as the tender tones hung on each meaningful verse, as it was meant to be heard, with a heartfelt rendition, as a pin drop could not be heeded.
It was a first, to create “an nasc”, as we say in Irish , “the link”, between the Irish Poetic Literary National and Local Arts together with the Local Traditional Séisiuin Irish Culture, and no doubt shall be seen and heard again, in the future.
And it will be, as more events are being organised by Rónán to cradle our communities Irish Cultural appreciation in celebration, in an embraced seized, entwined, revival, a “ceiliúradh”.
Thank you to all involved…..Go raibh míle maith agaibh. Bualadh Bos do gach éinne.
