The Kerry Association in Dublin are hosting a launch of Forging the Dance by Pat Ahern. The book will be launched by Éamonn Ó hArgáin, President of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

The book 'Forging the Dance' recounts the remarkable story of the regeneration of Folk Theatre, the birth of Siamsa Tíre and hte ministry of Fr Pat Ahern since 1957.

There will be music, song and dance in celebration of a remarkable figure in the recent history of Irish folk culture. Best known for founding Siamsa Tíre and The National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Ahern is also an accomplished fiddle player and is a former pupil of renowned Kerry dancing master, Jeremiah Molyneaux. In the late 1960s and early 1970s he was involved in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Kerry and at a national level. He served as Chairperson of Kerry County Board and produced the first three Fleadh Nua (Dublin, 1970-1972) and also CCÉ's inaugural concert tours to North America in 1972. Fr Ahern's contribution to the promotion of Irish culture has been recognised by a variety of organisations and he was awarded an honorary fellowship from IT Tralee, an honorary doctorate from University College Cork and the title of Ard Ollamh at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2019. His legacy is evident today and many of those who worked with him through the decades will join in celebration.