World Fiddle Day takes place this year on May 16th in Scartaglin. In talking to the organisers they have stated that “This will be our third festival having started in 2013. Our first event attracted seventeen fiddle players including an American bluegrass musician who was touring Ireland that month. His name was Skip Gorman and to celebrate his birthday we visited Scartaglin where he gave a workshop on American fiddle styles and tunings.”
“ For the first event we also produced a historical photo collection of fiddle players from our area . Our second event attracted fiddle players from various parts of Ireland and they all played together in a tribute to “The Star Above The Garter” record by famous musicians Denis Murphy and his sister Julia Clifford. This year’s event is more ambitious with session trail, lectures, photo exhibitions etc. The Star Above The Garter is being hosted by Cork fiddler Matt Cranitch who will be joined by the cream of Sliabh Luachra fiddlers including. Gerry Harrington, Connie O’Connell, Con Moynihan, Emma O’Leary, John Daly and many more. Famous Sliabh Luachra box players Jimmy Doyle, Bryan O’Leary, John Brosnan lead earlier sessions at 15.00. Gradam Cheoil winner Liam O’Connor joins Kerry Accordion virtuoso Graham Guerin and guitar player Paul De Grae for a session of the great Dublin Tradition and its popular tunes.”
“At 19.30 Dublin musician and historian Mick O’ Connor will give a talk and video presentation of Jerry McCarthy R.I P. who was one of Patrick O’ Keeffes finest pupils. Afterwards we have the “Across The County Bounds ” fiddle concert which has an all star line up, including Liam O’Connor, Aidan Connolly, Nicky McAuliffe, Matt Cranitch, Connie and Aine O Connell, Con Moynihan, Paddy Jones, and loads more. All visitors are encouraged to join in to the open sessions and participate in all events”.