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Ramble down memory lane
13.02.09
Storytelling evening
tonight in Beattie’s Bar, Carrowmenagh
HOW many people today remember the Céilí Houses or
Rambling Houses of days gone by, the story of which,
if not set down for posterity will disappear forever
from our history?
Several well-known storytellers from around the
peninsula, including Inch Island’s Bertie Bryce, are
to gather tonight in Beattie’s Bar, Carrowmenagh, to
have some of their most memorable tales recorded for
posterity. |
Malin based Headland
New Media are currently in the process of producing
a series of radio shows which will record an
authentic recreation of rural Irish culture that
took place in these Rambling Houses.
The first of a series of events will be held in
Beattie's Bar, Carrowmenagh on Friday next, February
13. In attendance will be a number of people who
have come to represent all that is great about local
history, songs, stories, (tall tales and otherwise),
recitations and of course musicians. |
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“A Rambling House is
another name for what we in the northern part of
Ireland would have called a Céilíing House which was
a house or one of many houses in a locality where
people gathered at night to talk, sing, tell
stories, recite poems or dance,” said Tony
McLaughlin, the former manager of Inishowen Tourism.
“Playing cards was another very popular pastime,
especially over the winter months and when coming
towards Christmas prizes would be geese and ducks.
This was before radio, television, or any modern
entertainment devices. Indeed the only mechanical
form of entertainment might have been a gramophone,
which to the uninitiated, was a record player that
got its power by being wound up by a handle.
There was of course the accordion, melodeon or
fiddle and failing that there was always someone who
could “lilt” which was where the person would use
their mouth and tongue to create a tune that could
be danced to.
“The craic will get underway at 8pm and will run to
8:15pm and everyone with an interest in the
lifestyle of Ireland of yore is most welcome, and
even if you don't know about how we lived years ago,
now would be a great time to learn while having the
night of your life at the same time.
“Carrowmenagh is the ideal location to start the
series as it contains proportionally more renowned
authors, artists, storytellers and historical
locations than most other places in Ireland. In fact
the co-ordinator for the night will be the renowned
local historian, Sean Beattie,” said Mr McLaughlin.
(Inishowen Independent) |
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