4 minute read
Rockchapel Celebrates 25 Years of Bruach na Carraige
On the 10th of June 1999; twenty five years ago, President of Ireland at the time Mary McAleese came to officially open Bruach na Carraige. The weekend of the 11th of October 2024, the community of Rockchapel celebrated a quarter of a century of music, song and dance of this special building with a special performance by none other than the Kilfenora Ceili Band.
Bruach na Carraige was established in 1998 with the assistance of the EU LEADER Programme for Rural Development. It has been greatly supported by IRD Duhallow over the years with funding approved for master dance classes, summer camps, equipment, refurbishment, and sound and lighting. Originally, the extremely pro-active committee of Rockchapel Comhaltas spearheaded by renowned politician; the late Jack Roche, provided the inspiration for a ‘teach cheoil’ in the area which would serve not only as a concert venue to promote the wealth of music and culture in Rockchapel itself, but also as a centre of excellence for Irish traditional music in Sliabh Luachra and Ireland as a whole. It is bittersweet that Jack passed away this year ahead of such a landmark celebration. Jack championed the centre the celebration of Sliabh Luachra music and culture, with Bruach na Carraige as the vehicle to achieve this. However, his memory and what he helped implement with this amazing institution will endure for many years to come. This unique culture and heritage centre developed by the community, for the community and continues to be run by a voluntary community committee.
Chairman Maurice O’Keeffe reflected that “Bruach na Carraige is far more than just a culture and heritage centre; it serves as a gateway to the past for people of all ages. It invites visitors to reflect on simpler times, evoking memories of childhood and moments when music, song and dance brought people together. It recalls an era when neighbours would visit each other’s homes or gather in rambling houses for a singalong. For young people, Bruach na Carraige offers a chance to disconnect from their smartphones and immerse themselves in a world where the entertainment comes from the instruments and talents of those around them.”
The capacity crowd was treated to a feast of musical talent from Ireland’s oldest Ceili band, who were fresh off The Late Late Show with Derek Ryan the previous week. Joining them were special guests local award winning musicians Caoimhe and Eimear Flannery and singer Fiona Ryan.
Proudly displayed on the wall of Bruach na Carraige is a plaque with the inscription; that sums up the ethos of this special building: “Don’t turn your back on tradition or on our histories lore, pass it on before its gone and lost forever more”. Here’s to the next 25 years of music and culture in the Teach Ceoil.
All present day photos by Neily Curtin.
