“Reid alias Connolly”
Brú Na Sí is built on a former army barracks in Youghal, Co. Cork. Recently, it was discovered that James Connolly, one of the signatories of the 1916 Irish Proclamation,was once stationed at the barracks when he was serving in the British army. Originally from Scotland, James Connolly, like many others, joined the British army for economic reasons. As he was just a teenager, he lied about his age and signed up under the alias of James Reid. He deserted the army after six years and seldom spoke of his time in the army afterwards.
As part of the national commemorations of the 1916 rising and Youghal’s position in Ireland’s Ancient East, Comhaltas Craobh Eochaille coordinated a summer traditional music festival and summer school which commemorated James Connolly, his link to Youghal and the 1916 uprising. The festival, called Tóstal an tSean Thoir (Gathering the Ancient East), took place from 24th June – 2nd July and included top quality live performances from international musicians, 1916 drama and pageantry, exclusive music workshops and master classes, music sessions and a Music and Dance Feis Ceoil.
Events took place at various locations around Youghal and included:
Cherish the Ladies (Grammy nominated American traditional Irish music band)
Cór Chúil Aodha/Peadar O’Riada (son of the late Sean O’Riada)
Music and singing master classes and workshops.
Feis Ceoil
Le Leggera (Italian Folk group)
Specially commissioned Connolly Musical Pageant performed by Youghal Little Theatre
“Pull Down a Horseman” – Eugene McCabe’s play performed by the Dublin Lyric players.
Recitals of Songs and music of 1916.
Ceolta Sí
and more….
We would like to sincerely thank the town of Youghal for their kind support and very generous sponsorship for this festival:
The Red Store, La Bella Roma, Berties, AIB Youghal, The Nook, Youghal Pharmacy, Touch of Class, James Cunningham Butcher, Sport & Leisure, Clockgate Pharmacy, Muckley’s Jewellers, Cal Flavin’s, The Reptile Rooms, O’Connor’s Dentist, Quays Bar, The Rivergate Bar and Restaurant, Brooke’s SuperValu, Mari Mina Pharmacy, Youghal Credit Union, Sean Twomey’s, Solo Hairdressing, Wm. Nevilles, Team Bailey, Jack O’Patsy Pottery, Coady’s butchers, Irwins, Roma Grill, James Cunningham Butchers, Maxgrove furniture, NCBI, Tone & Tan Beauty Centre, Hair Design, LloydsPharmacy Youghal.
In addition to local support we thank Comhairle Contae Chorcaí (Cork County Council) and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for their support.