Brady to headline folk festival

Legendary singer songwriter Paul Brady is set to make a triumphant return to one of the country’s longest running folk festivals for the first time in almost three decades.

The prolific folk and pop star, best known for hits including “The Island” and “Nobody Knows” will be among the headline stars at the 33rd annual Cork Folk Festival next month.

And folk festival chairman Jim Walsh, who has been involved since its foundation, said organisers are delighted to have Brady back for the first time since his memorable 1985 gig.

“It will be an intimate gig in Triskel Christchurch which we are really excited about,” Walsh said.

“This is one of the longest running folk festivals in the country.

“I think its success is down to the fact that it’s organised by folk enthusiasts.”

He was speaking last night as details of the Cork City Council and Arts Council-supported event, which is also backed by Carling, were announced.

Thousands are expected to attend the festival which runs between Oct 3 and 7.

It will feature top local, national and international folk and traditional music acts performing dozens of free and ticketed events in pubs and music venues across the city.

Triskel Christchurch will host an international fiddle session on the Friday night, featuring US fiddler Liz Carroll and Matt Cranitch, among others. The Calvinists will play a free gig in the Crane Lane later.

The CIT Cork School of Music will host a free trad concert by young musicians at 1pm on the Saturday, An Spailpín Fánach is hosting a traditional songwriters competition later.

An outdoor food market will take place on the Grand Parade throughout the day with a songs and stories event for children in the city library at 3pm.

Máirtín Ó Connor, Liz Carroll, Peadar Ó Riada and Dave Flynn will star in a Tune Makers Tour at Triskel Christchurch at 5pm, with Declan O’Rourke headlining at the School of Music at 8pm, while Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick, the flag-bearers for English folk music, will play the Pavilion at 9pm.

Then at 2pm on Sunday, the Kilfenora Céilí Band will perform at a free outdoor céilí mór on Grand Parade, before Brady takes to the Triskel Christchurch stage that night for what promises to be one of the festival highlights.

Mr Walsh will be part of the Cork Singer’s Club performance at An Spailpín Fánach at 9.30pm. He also hinted that a very special guest will make an appearance.

* Full details and tickets are available from www.corkfolkfestival.com