Just before the most recent lockdown, historical harper Siobhán Armstrong and singer Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin performed for a socially distanced audience in the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan. An abridged version of their performance was previously streamed on National Harp Day but this is the full recital with the duo performing songs and music from the old Irish wire strung harp tradition, including material from the repertoire of nineteenth century local harper Patrick Byrne.

The concert will be streamed as live on YouTube Premiere at 8pm with the video remaining up on the Patrick Byrne YouTube channel for another seven days.

Féile Patrick Byrne is an annual Irish traditional music festival held in and around Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. Organised by the Carrickmacross branch of Comhaltas, the event honours the Farney harper Patrick Byrne (c.1794-1863) who was the first Irish traditional musician ever photographed.

Carrickmacross Comhaltas / Féile Patrick Byrne would like to thank our funders and supporters for their generous help in making the festival possible: the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon; Monaghan County Council Arts Office; the Carrickmacross & Castleblayney Municipal District Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Meitheal programme supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gealtacht.