Musical Memories – Echoes from Longford

While co:worx Edgeworthstown is usually associated with business connections, the digital hub recently had the pleasure of collaborating with some incredibly talented local musicians and Longford County Council, and together, they created "Musical Memories – Echoes from Longford April 2024”.

The idea for the project was conceived during Fleadh 2023, when Sean Marshall, Brendan Daly, and Mary Marshall recorded some traditional Irish tunes at co:worx recording studio.
Mary, who had returned home from Australia for the Fleadh, was joined by her husband Darren Heathcote, who was using co:worx as a base to work.
Clare McEnroe, Director, co:worx explained, “We decided it would be wonderful to record their musical talents, and the "Musical Memories" project was born from this seed.”

She outlined that the project was a creative collaboration between co:worx, Creative Ireland, Longford Libraries and Age Friendly and the aim was to create a digital archive of Longford musicians from across the county.
The project features Sean Marshall (Flute), Jimmy Whelan (Accordion), Mary Brady (Fiddle), Noel Sweeney (Flute & Saxophone), Olive Kilbane (Fiddle & Singing), Bernardine Farrelly (Harp), Michael Owens (Guitar), and Brendan Daly (Keyboards).

On April 20, 2024, co:worx hosted a fantastic day bringing together these eight musicians to share their music and stories.
Jimmy Connell (Jimmy Jests) expertly interviewed each musician, gathering wonderful stories while Lee Williamson from Shuttermanic Productions filmed the event and music sessions. Clare Frances Photography captured beautiful portraits of the musicians with their beloved instruments.

The day concluded with an impromptu ceilí followed by lunch, and the musicians also visited the Maria Edgeworth Centre.
The culmination of the project came on the evening of Tuesday, June 18 as friends and families gathered at Edgeworthstown Library to watch the screening of short film "Musical Memories – Echoes from Longford April 2024”.
Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon made a presentation of a copy of the film and the portraits to the musicians. It was a lovely evening, filled with lively music, and real community spirit.

Martina Needham, Longford County Librarian, told those in attendance, "This project supports our shared goals by highlighting Longford as a wonderful place to live, work, and grow old. It encourages people of all ages to lead healthier, more active, and connected lives, and creates new opportunities to share their stories and talents within our local community."

Ms Needham added that the project has not only preserved the rich musical heritage of Longford but also strengthened the bonds within our community. She concluded, “We look forward to more such inspiring collaborations in the future with co:worx to support Edgeworthstown becoming a creative space.”