Scoil Acla is celebrating its centenary during 2010, having been founded in 1910, which makes it the oldest summer school in Ireland. The main event was a Guinness World Record attempt on 31 July in which 1,015 musicians came together on Keel strand to play the same tune: Fáinne Geal an Lae. It was a fantastic day!
January 2010: the unusual cold snap didn't deter New Year's Day swimmers, who swam in aid of Achill RNLI
Over 100 swimmers took part in the RNLI Swim (and yes, that IS snow on the mountain!
Walkers enjoying the unusual cold spell in Keel on New Years Day
The Achill Pipe Band, a group of 24 young musicians, is due to travel to Glasgow in mid-August to defend the title they won last year in the World Pipe Band competition: 4th in the World! The best of luck to them all, and here's hoping they can improve on their placing in 2010.
Hats off to you all...well done!!
Achill Pipe Band in Glasgow at World Pipe Band Championships
Achill has a long tradition of piping, and each village has its own pipe band. There is friendly rivalry between them on St Patrick's Day every year.
The Keel Pipe Band was formed in 1947
The new Keel Band out on St Patrick's Day
Michael Junior (Flix) is a piper in the Achill Pipe Band and the Keel Band, and if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending how you look at it!) you'll hear him practicing playing his bagpipes, flute, small pipes, border pipes or tin whistles. Don't worry, he only plays during the day, so you're guaranteed a peaceful night's sleep!
Flix playing the bagpipes at the Scoil Acla concert
Michael and his mates Sean, Kevin and Alan have formed a new band called 'Annagh'. They appeared in July on TG4's Féilte programme. The band has recorded a new C.D. called D'Aon Ghuth, which means "one voice". They play an unusual combination of insturments: border pipes, uilleann pipes, bazouki, guitar and djembe, and their new sound is making its mark in Traditional Music circles. Watch out for them in Sligo Town and Achill where they play regular gigs.
Féile Bia na Mara 2010
The Achill Seafood Festival, Féile Bia na Mara, took place from 15th to 18th July, and it was great fun for everyone. Jenny Bristow, food writer and celebrity chef, was the special guest, and she gave a cookery demonstration on the Saturday. Chef Michael (Boley) McNamara's demonstration on the Sunday was really excellent, and it included a session on wine appreciation.
Bia na mara go leor at Grainuaile's Castle, Kildavnet
