International feel to Summer School

Tubbercurry is echoing this week to the sound of music, Irish music.

Students from all over the world are in the town for the 28th South Sligo Summer School.

Among them is Austrian Maria Theresia Tirefuy who is studying the concert harp in Vienna.

"I just want to learn about the roots of harp music," she said.

Her friend, Mareu Galler, also from Austria, is in Tubbercurry to learn beginner's tin whistle.

Catherine and Jean-Luc Bequignon, from Brittany, France, came for the set dancing.

Catherine said: "The welcome here is very good. We hope to come back again and again."

Ida Margrete Hoeglo from Norway was in Ireland for the first time.

She said: "I saw Riverdance when I was six years old.

"Ever since I wanted to come to Ireland, particularly to learn about Irish folk music.

"I love music and dancing."

Ida works at Norway's national museum of music.

One of her friends, Daniel Winfree Papuga, who is curator of the museum, told her about Tubbercurry.

She said: "He came here to learn more about harp music.

"He will make an exhibition at the museum next year on Irish music."

Tony Zollinger came from Switzerland to learn the bodhran.

There are also students from Japan, Australia and Canada, from throughout Europe and Ireland.

The Summer School was officially opened by Harry Keaney of The Sligo Champion.

He told those present: "The School is a truly noble event that appreciates the past, nurtures the present and 'hands on' the tradition to the future, not as it is . . . but better."

The Summer School continues until this Saturday.

It was officially opened by Tubbercurry correspondent Harry Keaney of The Sligo Champion.

The School's grand traditional concert will take place this Friday at 8pm in Holy Family NS.

Saturday sees the farewell open session on The Square at 2pm.

Also on Saturday, there will be ceilithe in St Brigid's Hall from 3pm to 6pm and from 8:30pm to 11:30pm.