The Passing of Nancy Woods, Founding Member

Nancy WoodsIt is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Nancy Woods. As a founding member, back in 1989, Nancy’s name will be forever associated with the Joe Mooney Summer School. Due to her foresight, her leadership and her boundless energy, the Summer School has gone from strength to strength over many years. Nancy’s dedication, commitment and creativity has made the Joe Mooney Summer School one of the foremost and most popular events on the traditional music calendar. Apart from the Summer School, Nancy’s contribution to Leitrim & Connacht Comhaltas over several decades has left a hugely positive influence on the world of traditional music in nurturing and promoting young talent throughout the county and the province. The Summer School committee extends its deepest sympathy to Nancy’s family. Faoi bhrat Mhuire go raibh sì.

Pre registered students

For any students who have pre registered could you please collect your wristband from the Mayflower on Sunday from 4-6 pm or  Monday morning form 8.30 -9,15 am.

Registration

Places are still available in classes next week. In person registration takes place on Sunday July 16th from 4 – 6pm and on Monday morning from 8.30 – 9.15 am in the Mayflower.

If you have already pre-registered you can collect your wristband from Josephine on Sunday evening or Monday morning during registration.

Official Opening of the Joe Mooney Summer School

We are delighted to have Michael Harding officially open the 2023 Summer School on Sunday July 16th @7.30 (small hall).
Michael is a Cavan writer living in Arigna on the Leitrim Roscommon border.
He is a poet, playwright and novelist. Many of his plays have been produced by the Abbey Theatre and his novels include Priest, The trouble with Sarah Gullion and Bird in the snow.
Michael has received numerous awards for his writing and theatre work, including the Steward Parker Award for Theatre (1990), the Bank of Ireland RTE award for excellence in the arts (1990) and the Hennessy Award for short stories.
He was Writer in Association with The National Theatre in 1993, was short listed for the Irish Times Aer Lingus Literature Award in 1989 and was Writer in Residence at Trinity College in 1999.
In an innovative column in the Irish Times he has been chronicling ordinary life in Midland Ireland for over 5 years through memoir. He has 7 best selling volumes of memoir.
He is a member of Aosdana.
The Michael Harding Podcast is available on all platforms.

Primary Teachers Course Approved!

The Primary Teachers’ course “Tin Whistle in the Classroom” by Lisa Ward has been approved by the Department of Education for the 2023 festival!

You can register HERE.

Accommodation

If you live in the Drumshanbo area and are in a position to offer accommodation during the week July 15th – 22nd please contact 087 4655399 with your details.

2023 Dates

Saturday July 15th – Saturday 22nd 2023

34th Joe Mooney Summer School

We are delighted to say that the 34th Joe Mooney Summer School will take place from the 20th to the 27th July 2024.

Thank you

As the 32nd Joe Mooney Summer School comes to a conclusion we would like to gratefully acknowledge the help and support of our many local volunteers who gave so willingly and selflessly of their time over the past week. Your commitment and dedication is a remarkable reflection of community spirit at its best. The Summer School was a huge success and the positive feedback from participants and visitors alike has been overwhelming. This is largely due to your efforts and the pride you have in your community.
We would also like acknowledge the role of the Leitrim Volunteer Service for all their work during the week.
Without the support of all of our volunteers the event simply could not have gone ahead. We are deeply indebted to you all.
Mìle Buìochas.
The Joe Mooney Summer School Committee.