City children tune in to rural tradition

The world of traditional music is opening up to hundreds of Cork children who are getting in tune with flutes, banjos and concertinas.

Seven city primary schools are taking part in a project aimed at giving pupils an opportunity to learn Irish music, song and dance from expert tutors during school hours.

The Comhaltas Schools Outreach programme is already well established in many rural schools but according to Willie Larkin, one of the organisers, urban children have not had the same opportunities, up to now.