'Their talent, interest and dedication lift my heart. I sometimes think that I get more out of sessions like these than the young writers themselves do!"
This was a comment made by Mr Greg Ó Braonáin, scriptwriter with the TG4 soap, Ros na Rún, in relation to a group of young people from Coláiste Bhreandáin in Belmullet, Co Mayo. The students are participating in a creative writing scheme, Scríobh Chleite, run by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The scheme has been run in secondary schools in Gaeltacht areas for the last three years. Established authors work with young people who are interested in creative writing. Among those taking part in the initiative in Mayo this year are the poet, Louis de Paor, the novelist Ré Ó Laighléis and the aforementioned Mr O Braonáin.
Scríobh Chleite is jointly funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo County Council and the Arts Council. Coláiste Bhreandáin in Belmullet is a willing participant, and the school's Irish teacher, Ms Kathleen O'Dowd, says that the students love it.
Údarás na Gaeltachta hopes to develop it further this year, by organising longer residences with writers in schools in co-operation with Poetry Ireland and the Mayo Arts Office.
Tap shoes may have taken on a new lease of life due to Riverdance, but their use has been banned at a festival in Rosmuc, Co Galway, next weekend. "No modern tap shoes or elevated heel and sound plate feis shoes will be permitted," according to the rules for Comórtas Damhsa Chóilín Sheáin Dharach.
Cóilín Sheáin Dharach, after whom the event is named, was a man who spent his lifetime dancing at various local festivals. "We shall always remember his warm quiet grin, his ramrod straight posture and the flowing grace of the movements he danced," the organisers state. "Cóilín was of the 'old school', and he danced with an economy of motion in a limited space, keeping his feet close to the floor."
Rosmuc will also see the unveiling of a sculpture image next weekend. The image is that of the Connemara sean-nós dancer, Cóilín Seoige, who died last year after "a lifetime of joyfully bringing pleasure to his community with his nimble, precise steps". The image is to be unveiled by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, "himself a dancer of some note in his youth", the organisers state. For more information, contact 091-574346 or e-mail:plearaca@eircom.net
Diamond Hill, overlooking Letterfrack in Connemara, was made famous by the musician,Sharon Shannon, with her "Diamond Mountain sessions", and music is set to continue in the village next weekend. Tareís na Feíle Bríde is the first celebration of the year, hosted by Leo Hallissey.
The village "will ring to the sound of music with some mighty players, like the wonderful McCarthy sisters," he says. Also booked to play are the local Kane sisters, who now play in Sharon Shannon's Band; east Clare box player Josephine Marsh; Mick Kinsella (harmonica) and Damien Gallagher (guitar); and the very popular Mayo singer and box player Mary Staunton.
On Saturday, the outdoor class in the local school at 10.30 a.m. will be welcomed by poet, Mary O'Malley.
Raingear and binoculars are indispensable for the field trips, and there will be a candlelit dinner and gig with Mick Kinsella and Damien Gallagher on Saturday night (€15). For further information contact Leo Hallissey at telephone, 095-41034/43443, or fax 095-41112.
