The Harp Festival 2003 - 2005

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.

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.

Gallery

O Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival 2003

The programme of events for the 16th annual O Carolan festival at Nobber in 2003 lists the usual instrumental workshops and competitions, as well as the traditional concert and ceili. The new event in 2003 was the unveiling of the Turlough O Carolan monument in the harper's birthplace of Nobber. The festival took place between the 3rd and 5th of October 2003.

Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

O Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival 2003 - Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

Carolan Monument with sculptor

This is the unveiling of the O'Carolan sculpture at Nobber organised by the Festival committee and attended by the Chieftains. To the right in this picture is the musician Paddy Moloney and to his right is the sculptor Ann Meldon Hugh.

permission courtesy of the Nobber Festival Committee

Carolan Monument with sculptor - permission courtesy of the Nobber Festival Committee

O Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival 2004

The programme of events for the 2004 festival at Nobber in commemoration of O Carolan lists the lecture, harp and instrument workshops, the tour of Carolan country, the competitions and concerts that took place that year. The festival ran between the 1st and the 3rd of October in 2004.

Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

O Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival 2004 - Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

Arthur Edelstein launches Fair Melodies

The American historian and journalist Art Edelstein wrote and published his book on Carolan called "Fair Melodies" in 2001. In 2004 the author attended the festival and spoke on Carolan and his music. The author's interview with Derek Bell on Carolan and his music features on this site.

Courtesy of the Nobber Harp Festival Committee

Arthur Edelstein launches Fair Melodies - Courtesy of the Nobber Harp Festival Committee

O Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival 2005

The programme for the most recent 18th annual O Carolan festival in 2005 demonstrates the continuing relevance and popularity of the festival at Nobber. The annual lecture, the harp and other musical instrument workshops, the competitions and traditional concert and ancillary local events draw a loyal and ever increasing crowd to the village where the festival takes place in O Carolan college and in the local library. This year the festival ran between the 30th of September and the 2nd of October.

Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

O Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage Festival 2005 - Courtesy of Nobber Harp Festival Committee

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