The Clew Bay Pipe Band will present Pipe Versity XVI at the Town Hall Theatre Westport later this month, with a variety of special guests including Mundy, Dan Delaney, Drama Code, Joanne Keegan, Sacred Heart School Choir, and the Cresham Dancers.
The Clew Bay Pipe Band comprises 40 members, with an almost equal mix of men and women, children and adults. Reluctant when it comes to the spotlight, the band owes its origins to two sons of Achill, a place where the tradition of piping makes it almost an innate talent, and practically a birthright.
Des Cafferkey and Peter Carney are the brains behind the legendary band, with both playing multiple key roles both on and off the stage. Cafferkey acts as pipe major, musical director, and senior instrumentalist, while Carney, though a relative newcomer to the instrument, is pipe sergeant and coordinates the behind the scenes work and logistics for the group.
The band arose out of some idle talk on St Patrick’s Day 2010, and with advice along the way from friends and family, and financial support from the South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo County Council, and Westport Town Council, the group evolved into the hugely popular band it is today.
Having shared the stage with many famous singers and musicians over their time, from Imelda May at Vicar Street to the Chieftains at the Westport Music Festival, and recording with Matt Molloy, it is no surprise that the Pipe Versity XVI will also showcase many other talented artists from diverse genres.
Pipe Versity XVI will be held in the Town Hall Theatre Westport on November 25 and 26 at 8pm. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this unique showcase of Irish musical talent. Tickets are €20 for adults and €10 for OAPs and children. A limited number of tickets are available from the Westport Town Hall Box Office (098 28459 ) or at www.westporttheatre.com
