Approximately 50 people gathered at the picturesque Old School House at Aughakillymaude, on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, on Thursday, January 26 for a Storytelling and Céilí evening, organised by Aughakillymaude Community Association and Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP).
UISCE volunteers at the story telling event, back row Jitze, Klorissa, Hanchan and Brendan. Front row Matt, Alinni, Clesanne and Carla.
The crowd was treated to a fabulous evening of yarns, tales, singing, music and poetry.
A LELP spokesperson said: “It was great to see such a diverse range of ages and nationalities experiencing the Irish tradition of storytelling.
Stephen O’Hara told tales and poems of days gone by.
“A group of international students from UISCE [Understanding Ireland, Socially, Culturally and Economically] attended and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”
Last year, LELP commissioned Stephen O’Hara and Liz Weir, Irish author and storyteller, to maintain and develop the storytelling tradition within Co. Fermanagh.
Sinead Maguire, All Ireland Accordion champion playing at the event.
Through LELP’s heritage skills project, thanks to the support of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, nine people completed an OCN Level 2 in oral skills for storytelling, delivered by Liz and her team.
Well known story teller Liz Weir enthralls the audience.
To refine and perfect the skills and experience of the Fermanagh storytellers, LELP, in collaboration with Liz, is currently delivering a number of online refresher/taster sessions followed by storytelling and céilí evenings.
Bryan Gallagher Og, Barry Flanaghan and Clare Brogan were putting their OCN training into practice last Thursday along with many others.
Paddy Montague and Michael McBarron delighted the crowds with their yarns and tales whilst Brian McManus recited poetry with singers Barney Murphy and Damien McKenna, and not forgetting the local musicians.
LELP are collating a list of Fermanagh storytellers. If you would like your name to be included, or if you are interested in storytelling in any way, you can contact the organisation at info@lelp.org.uk.
For further events, see LELP’s Facebook page.
Brian McManus chaired the evening with his usual wit and banter.
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