President Michael D Higgins was presented with a copy of our book, Out of Darkness: the blind piper of Inagh by the Chairman of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Micheál Ó Riabhaigh, at a private reception directly following the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Fleadh Cheoil. President Higgins is known for his interest in culture and it is a great honour that the Fleadh committee felt the book was a fitting gift for him.

Left to Right:
Micheál Ó Riabhaigh, Chairman Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Majella O'Donnell, Treasurer Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins
and his wife Sabina.
Photo credit: Ena Doocey

A plaque was unveiled by Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ard Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, during a private ceremony to mark the birthplace of Garrett Barry, the legendary blind piper and subject of our book Out of Darkness: the blind piper of Inagh. We were privileged to join members of the Barry family and Comhaltas representatives for the unveiling, at which Séamus Ó Rocháin performed on the pipes.
Photo credit: Ena Doocey

Out of Darkness: the blind piper of Inagh saw its official launch at a tribute concert held in the Garrett Barry Community Hall in Inagh, County Clare, during the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil 2016. Presented by Tim Dennehy, the evening was a huge success and concert goers were treated to outstanding performances from some of Clare's finest talent. View some of the images taken or listen to recordings made on the evening.

Images    Recordings

Performers:
Marian Curtin | Therese McInerney |
Francis Cunningham | Bríd O'Donohue | Séamus Ó Rócháin | Eamon McGivney | Seán Talty | Cian Talty | Liam O'Brien | Tommy Keane | Pádraic Keane |
The McCarthy Family
also Ronan Browne | Kevin Glackin

• 
  The Garden of Daisies, Poll Ha'penny & Garrett Barry's Reel
  1
• 
  O'Farrell's Welcome to Limerick
  2
• 
  Willie's fling & Kitty Got a Clinking Coming from the Fair
  3
• 
  An Buachaille Dreoite or The Withered Boy
  4
• 
  Bonaparte's Retreat
  5
• 
  The Hurlers' March or The Humours of Ballyloughlin
  6
• 
  Garrett Barry's We Won't Give Up the Old Land
  7
• 
  Mairseail Alasdruim or Allistrum's March
  8
• 
  The West Wind, My Love is in America & Toss the Feathers
  9
• 
  Scully Casey's & The Humours of Tullycrine or The Stream of Cats
  10
• 
  Garrett Barry's Jig & The Gold Ring
  11
• 
  The Connacht Heifers & Gilbert Clancy's reel
  12
• 
  Eamon McGivney's, A Few Bob & Mrs Galvin's
  13
• 
  Rabhdaldum Raindi & Hurry the Jug
  14
• 
  Garrett Barry's Ace and Deuce of Pipering
  15