In Pictures: Lord Mayor performs as Cork Folk Festival launched at Spailpín Fánach

Matt Molloy of The Chieftains is among the musicians performing at the event which runs from Oct 1-5

Jim O’Donovan, Cork Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy, and festival director William Hammond at the official launch of the 46th Cork Folk Festival in An Spailpín Fánach. Picture: Darragh Kane

The 46th Cork Folk Festival will run from October 1 to 5 next week, featuring a wide-ranging programme of free and ticketed events taking place throughout the city.

The festival was launched on Tuesday evening at An Spailpín Fánach bar in Cork. 

At this year’s festival there will be a special focus on traditional Irish instruments the concertina, the uilleann pipes, flutes and accordions. 

During the weekend, festival-goers with see the Irish Concertina Orchestra perform with 60 players, performances on uilleann pipes and Galicia pipes, and master flute player Matt Molloy of The Chieftains in concert.

Cork city Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy performing at the official launch of the 46th Cork Folk Festival in An Spailpín Fánach. Picture: Darragh Kane

Festival chairman Jim Walsh said: “The festival’s aim is to entice audiences to Cork to immerse themselves in a weekend of folk and traditional music, song and dance. We are scheduling 35 events featuring 200 musicians performing in 15 venues over 5 days. 

"Musical highlights will include Jackie Daly at the Triskel. Jackie will be celebrating his 80th birthday year at a special concert curated by Jackie and Matt Cranitch. Look out for concerts with flute player Matt Molloy, singer Niamh Parsons, guitar player Seamie O’ Dowd, piper Peter Browne and singer-songwriter Trish Reilly."

Other acts confirmed are Belfast Band Craobh Rua, North Cregg, Lee Valley String Band, The Oars, Two Time Polka, Leonard Barry, Andy Morrow, Mary Greene, Gals at Play and the legendary band Shaskeen.

International guests this year include Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver (UK), Alexandre Cadarso Suárez (Galicia) and William Jack (Australia). The festival will feature concerts, session, CDs and book launches, walking tour, a talk, classes, céilí’s and open-air events.

An Spailpín Fánach Weekend Ticket is available for €55.

 Full programme and tickets are available at: www.corkfolkfestival.com

Out and about for Cork Folk Festival launch 

Andrew Desmond and Kate O’Shea at the  launch of the Cork Folk Festival in An Spailpín Fánach. Pictures: Darragh Kane

Billy Keating and Paul Millard at the launch of the Folk Festival.

Anne Marie McCarthy and Colette Sheridan in An Spailpín Fánach.

Catherine and Jim O’Donovan.

Cork Folk Festival committee members Shamie Roche, Martin Condon and Tom Long at the launch.

Eoin Coughlan from the Oars band, and Ronan Leonard.

Mick Hannigan and Cllr Dan Boyle at An Spailpín Fánach.

Catherine Millard and Colleen Freeman. 

Ita Nic Aodhgáin and Padraig Mac Aodhgáin at the launch.