Letterkenny Irish music series filmed at An Grianan Theatre on TG4 this weekend 

The music series Ceol ón Earagail returns to TG4 with a special programme celebrating the renowned Irish songbook from many children’s youth, ‘Abair Amhrán’ and is presented by singer Sibéal Ní Chasaide. 

The traditional music series, Ceol ón Earagail, combines highlights of concerts recorded in front of live audiences at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, during Earagail Arts Festival, with specially-curated intimate performances recorded in various locations around Donegal in the summer of 2023.

This is the second year in a row that well-known production company ANIAR has covered the festival and includes a stellar line-up of musical talent, including Bríghde Chaimbeul with Aidan O’Rourke and Saileog Ní Cheannabháin, Lisa O’Neill, Flook, Fidil and many more.

Renowned young Irish traditional artists, Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Cathal Ó Curráin are also back on presenting duties for the seven-part series.

Hosting from Earagail Arts Festival, and other musical venues around the county, Sibéal and Cathal bring us the best of singers and musicians from across the island of Ireland and further afield.

ABOVE: Sibéal Ní Chasaide and her uncle Aongus Ó Chasaide celebrate the songbook Abair Amhrán. Photo: John Soffe

The 'Abair Amhrán' book is full of songs you will all recognise, like Báidín Fheidhlimí, Buachaill ón Éirne, An Cailín Álainn and many more, which you will hear in this special programme where singers perform their favourites from the book.

On stage in An Grianán theatre in Letterkenny, and performing songs from ‘Abair Amhrán’ are the well known family group ‘Na Casaidaigh’ joined by their niece Sibéal Ní Chasaide.

ABOVE: Sibéal Ní Chasaide joins Na Casaidigh to celebrate the songbook Abair Amhrán. Photo: John Soffe

Also appearing in the programme is Marcus Ó Murchú, editor of the latest edition of the book who performs with his wife Caitíona and daughter Róise. 

Emma Ní Fhíoruisce and Connor Ó Gallachóir also join in with their favourites as well as one of the finest singers in the country,

and a hero in Donegal, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh.

This book was published for the first time in 1962. It is an absolute gem of a book brimming with songs which we all heard in our childhood. 

Even if you don’t recognise the book, you will recognise the songs, and there’s every chance you will know one, at least! 

Seven editions of the book were published between 1962 and 1978 but after they were sold old, you couldn’t get a copy for love nor money. 

ABOVE: Feargus and Seathrún Ó Casaide performing at An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny. Photo: John Soffe

Sibéal learnt many of the songs she knows from an old copy her Father had. But now, over 60 years after the first publication, an entirely new edition has been printed with many new verses added and, to celebrate, we bring you some of the most popular songs from the book.

Join them down memory lane, singing songs from Abair Amhrán, on TG4 this Sunday June 23 at 9.30pm