The Harp Festival 2003 - 2005

Carolan statue - unveiling

Tony Finnegan, chairman and founding member of the O Carolan festival at Nobber and Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains admire the sculpture of O'Carolan in Nobber. Ann Meldon Hugh was the sculptor and the unveiling of the statue in 2003 was a long held wish of the Festival organisers and people of Nobber. O Carolan is fittingly remembered in his native place.

permission courtesy of the Nobber Carolan festival committee

Carolan statue - unveiling
permission courtesy of the Nobber Carolan festival committee

Carolan statue - unveiling

Tony Finnegan, chairman and founding member of the O Carolan festival at Nobber and Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains admire the sculpture of O'Carolan in Nobber. Ann Meldon Hugh was the sculptor and the unveiling of the statue in 2003 was a long held wish of the Festival organisers and people of Nobber. O Carolan is fittingly remembered in his native place.

permission courtesy of the Nobber Carolan festival committee

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Carolan Monument 2004

Following the unveiling of the O Carolan monument in Nobber in 2003 the statue became the focal point for events in subsequent years. Here the students from the local harp school perform a recital of Carolan music around the statue.

Permission courtesy of the Nobber Festival committee

Carolan Monument 2004
Permission courtesy of the Nobber Festival committee

Carolan Monument 2004

Following the unveiling of the O Carolan monument in Nobber in 2003 the statue became the focal point for events in subsequent years. Here the students from the local harp school perform a recital of Carolan music around the statue.

Permission courtesy of the Nobber Festival committee

Enlarge image

The Festival in 2003 was very special for the committee and people of Nobber as they fulfilled a 15 year ambition to unveil a life size bronze sculpture of O Carolan in his native village. Ann Meldon Hugh was the sculptor. She said: "I was delighted when the Festival Committee asked me to make a sculpture of Turlough O'Carolan. I became fascinated with his story and music, this was special because I could listen to his music and evoke a sense of his presence. . . I hope I have succeeded." Tony Finngean, now President of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, unveiled the statue. The Chieftains, ever loyal to the festival and to O Carolan, joined other musicians in performance around the sculpture.

Seamus MacGabhann lectured on the Poets of Cultural Transition in Meath and Breifne. The award winning Angel Band returned from New Hampshire to perform in concert.

In December 2003 Tony Finnegan died. Writing in the 2004 Festival programme his close friend Seamus MacGabhann paid tribute to him: "Tony Finnegan's sudden death in December occasioned intense grief in his native Meath and throughout Comhaltas. From the outset, Tony grasped the cultural potential of the Festival for the region. To help enhance possession of the heritage, Tony initiated lectures and workshops on regional archaeology, history, music, architecture, folklore, bilingual poetry and on the significance and legacy of Turlough O Carolan. A striking innovation was the foundation of the Meath Harp School, which, in conjunction with Cairde na Cruite, provides expert tuition to young musicians from Meath and beyond".

Seamus MacGabhann lectured on O Carolan and the Big House – Their Culture, Fate and Legacy. The harp and instrumental workshops and competitions took place. The traditional concert was held in memory of Tony Finnegan and featured several local and national musicians.

The Festival committee were delighted to have Arthur Edelstein as guest. The American historian, journalist and author launched his book on O Carolan called "Fair Melodies". The Meath Harp Ensemble played at the launch.

Harp by Jan Muyllaert

This beautiful harp was hand-crafted by master instrument maker Jan Muyllaert of Ardbraccan, Navan. It forms a fitting backdrop to festival events.

Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

Harp by Jan Muyllaert
Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

Harp by Jan Muyllaert

This beautiful harp was hand-crafted by master instrument maker Jan Muyllaert of Ardbraccan, Navan. It forms a fitting backdrop to festival events.

Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

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Local T.D. Shane McEntee opened the 2005 Festival. Seamus MacGabhann lectured on Anglo-Norman Monuments in North Meath. At traditional concert The Border Collies, Cóisir, Michael Lynch, The Meath Harp Ensemble and Rachel O Rourke played. The usual workshops and competitions took place. Máire Ní Cathasaigh and Chris Newman returned to play in concert on the Sunday night.

Meath County Council announced the introduction of the Tony Finnegan Memorial Award, a tribute to the dedication and commitment of Tony Finnegan to the O Carolan Festival and to traditional music and culture. Two awards will be made annually to assist outstanding pupils at the Meath Harp School attend the annual festival for Irish harp "An Chúirt Chruitireachta" organised by Cairde na Cruite at An Grianán, Termonfeckin, County Louth.