Sean-nós starts to strike a chord with teenagers

The ancient tradition of ‘sean-nós’ singing has struck a chord with teenagers in Co Cork according to an expert in what was a dying art.

Teacher and singer Máire Ní Chéileachair says the opportunity to learn sean-nós — traditional unaccompanied singing in Irish and English — should be offered to all primary and post-primary students.

Ms Ní Chéileachair — who will perform sean-nós at the prestigious Masters of Tradition festival in Bantry next week — credits a special rural initiative for a wave of renewed interest in this style of singing.

The Aisling Gheal programme, set up in the Múscrai Gaeltacht in 2000, has seen hundreds of youngsters enjoy what was up to then a dying tradition, says Ni Chéileachair, who is now calling for a national programme on sean-nós to be rolled out across primary and second-level schools.

“I think it’s almost a crime not to give students this opportunity,” she said, adding she has found that when students listen to sean-nós, “it seems to touch something in them”.

“I get great satisfaction from the fact that young people are interested in these songs — it gives a sense of belonging, a sense of pride,” she said.

The programme, funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta and Cork County Council, is run in areas such as Baile Bhuirne, Cuil Aodha, Kilnamartyra and Ballingeary.

Meanwhile, legendary American musician Ricky Skaggs leads the line-up for the 2014 Masters of Tradition Festival which begins in Bantry on August 20.

For more information or to book visit the website www.westcorkmusic.ie or Lo call: 1850 788 789.