It has been 29 years since the Granard Harp Festival was revived and each year it has gone from strength to strength. Each year local and visiting harpists from Ireland and overseas, head to the north Longford town for the renowned competition, which was officially launched recently in the Greville Arms by Michael Brennan, Vice-President of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.
The launch was attended by Peter Kelly TD, Co. Councillors Michéal Carrigy and PJ Reilly and Granard Town Councillor John Maguire. Members of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann branches in both Cavan and Longford were also in attendance.
Local musicians
Aine McLoughlin from the Granard Harp School and Elaine Reilly on banjo provided the music.
Speaking at the launch Deputy Peter Kelly spoke of the importance of the festival: "It is great that the harp festival is continuing because it is part of our tradition, our history, culture and music."
Michael Brennan praised the hard working committee for their part in making the harp popular again: "Because of festivals and workshops, the harp has been brought back to where it now is today.
"It's due to the people who came up with the idea of running festivals; the likes of here (Granard), Keadue and Nobber that made the harp and brought it back to being cool."
A presentation was made on the night by members of Ulster Bank in Granard to Granard Harp Festival chairperson Thomas O'Flaherty.
The branch is celebrating 140 years in the town and had a Mullingar Crystal Perpetual Trophy especially commissioned for the harp competitions.
This year's festival will take place from April 8th to April 11th in Ardscoil Phadraig.
Workshops will be held in: junior and senior harp, fiddle, tin whistle, traditional singing, poetry and storytelling and bodhrán on Thursday and Friday from 10 o'clock until 1 o'clock.
The harp competitions will take place on Saturday 10th starting at 10 o'clock. Mass will be celebrated on Sunday at 11.30 in St. Mary's Church with harpists from Granard Harp School providing the music. For more information contact: 043 6686643 or 043 6686721.
