Decade of Centenaries Programme 2020-23
“The Kingdom of West Breifne (Irish: Breifne Ua Ruairc) or Breifne O’Rourke was a historic kingdom of Ireland that existed from 1256 to 1605, located in the area that is now County Leitrim. It took its present boundaries in 1583 when West Breifne was shired and renamed Leitrim, after the village of Leitrim, […]
Cloone Céilí Band Probably the most “famous” céilí band in Leitrim’s history was Cloone Céilí Band. Owing to Fr. Peter Conefrey’s championing of traditional music and his ability to command national attention – Cloone Céili Band, founded by Conefrey and as pictured here appeared on RTÉ radio for a special […]
Born in 1887 in Gowlaun, Killargue, Michael Gallagher was a multi-instrumentalist having taught himself the flute and pipes, he also played melodeon and tin-whistle. Here is a brief account of his early life and his musical accomplishments from Leitrim Guardian 2000 contributed by his namesake. For a more comprehensive overview, […]
Margaret O’ Rourke was born in Ballinagleragh in the townland of Drumnafinla. She sang with various groups and bands in her early years but she gained much recognition when she began singing with the Hi-Lows Showband in the late 70’s. https://irish-showbands.com/Bands/Hi-lows.htm Shanagolden Margaret later sang with Paddy Kelly from Cloone, […]
