Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 in Derry

For anyone that is seriously considering attending the Fleadh Cheoil 2013, in August in Derry, you can check the updates with all the latest news and developments regarding biggest Irish traditional music festival in the world.

Top Acts Revealed for Fleadh 2013:

• The Poet and the Piper, Seamus Heaney and Liam O’Flynn: Wednesday 14th August 2013 
• Cara Dillon and the Orchestra of Ireland: Thursday 15th August 2013 
• Dervish: Friday 16th August 2013 
• A Gathering of Traditions: Wednesday 14th - Sun 18th August 
• Late Night Tunes: Friday 16th - Sunday 18th August 2013 

And many more excellent artists!

For more information check the official newsletter for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2013 

See you in Derry, come and join us! 

Irish Set Dancing and Health

For many of us Irish set dancing is enjoyed as an inexpensive and mild cardio workout, with the added social benefits of having a lot of fun, seeing current friends, and making new friends. However, trying to enlist new enthusiasts to join us in dancing can be difficult. Irish dancing goes through different phases of popularity, with peaks and lows, that are common everywhere. But new research shows that perhaps we can add another benefit to Irish dancing.

Earlier this month there was a very interesting article on the BBC news service where the benefits of dancing were explored. The article, Parkinson's patients test Irish set dancing benefits, mentions an international study that focuses on determining if dancing alleviates some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In the Irish Times there is a video clip where you can see some Parkinson's patients dancing an open-air Connemara Set on Inishmore (scroll down the Irish Times article for the video).

Now the research team wants to investigate the efficacy of set dancing on Alzheimer’s Disease. In contrast with Parkinson's disease patients, there likely would be a need for a large number of volunteers to help with the patients.

What we know for sure is that Irish set dancing is a fun social activity, and for that it is worth the effort. If in addition to that benefit Irish set dancing helps patients with degrading physical and, or, mental capacities, that is truly a great outcome.

See you on the dance floor!

Gael Linn

Gael Linn or "Irish people with us," is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, focused on the Irish language and arts. It was founded in 1953 with the goal of nurturing the Irish language and the promotion of artistic events. So far it seems like they are doing a great job.

At the Siansa Gael Linn 2012, the group of musicians that won the first prize, had one of the Echoes of Erin 2012 fiddle players. Enjoy the talent of all those young musicians!

Teaspach - Siansa Gael Linn 2012 - An Chéad Áit

Celebration: The Rideau Canal Workers Designation

A few weeks ago there was an official celebration for the designation of the contribution made by Irish workers to the construction of the Rideau Canal. There was music and poetry, with many invites artists and some public figures like the City of Ottawa mayor and a representative for the Irish Ambassador to Canada.

Michelle Nash of Metroland wrote a piece that described the evening: http://www.emcbarrhaven.ca/20130321/news/Irish+society+hosts+celebration+for+Rideau+Canal+workers