Sadly all good things must come to an end but now is the time to book your break for next year at the Galway Sessions! If the craic from 2005 is anything to go by you’d be mad to miss it.

The week began in the company of piper Paddy Keenan accompanied by Tommy O’Sullivan in the Roisin Dubh, They were followed on Monday by Seamus Begley and Jim Murray in the Crane with a mix of accordion, guitar and song plus no small amount of comedy. Frankie Gavin lent a helping hand in what was a most memorable evening. Tuesday was the turn of Mairtin O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamus O’Dowd and Gary O’Brian in a packed Roisin Dubh in what is unanimously agreed to be the highlight performance of the week. Sliabh Notes in Monroe’s on Wednesday brought out the dancers for the first time and The Maimin Cajun Band were given a very thorough welcome back by audiences at their first Galway gig in eight years.

The final weekend of the festival was the showcase for both song and dance. Leading songstress Niamh Parsons accompanied by Graham Dunne delighted audiences in Richardson’s with her unique style and interpretation of old favourites and new melodies. Saturday 25th saw almost 2,000 people gather at the Spanish Arch for a rousing Ceili by the Tulla Ceili Band. Hundreds of dancers traveled from all over Ireland to take to the dancefloor which was specially constructed on site that morning. The evening continued with Edel Fox the TG4 young musician 2004 in Ti Coili and more set dancing in Monroe’s. Finally on Sunday Sean Nos enthusiasts gathered in Taaffes to join Johnny Connolly, Seosamh O’Neachtain and Meaiti Joe Sheamuis. Sean Keane then delivered the final notes of the Galway Sessions and an electrifying performance in the Roisin Dubh.

What was truly remarkable about the week was the number of musicians and dancers who traveled to join spontaneously in the Sessions. The featured musicians spoke of their delight at being able to return home to Galway and mix and mingle with their fellow musicians.

Speaking of the success of the week Galway Sessions Musical Director Mick Crehan expressed delight at the response of audiences to the programme, particulary the high numbers of visitors to Galway who came specifically for the event. He says that “our aim of making the Galway Sessions a permanent feature in Galway’s summer festival calendar and of giving Galway’s traditional music heritage the prominence it so richly deserves, has been achieved – next year’s programme will be even bigger and even better!”

For further or contact: Mick Crehan on 087 2245637
or Maria Moynihan on maria@galwaysessions.com or 087 2432644