Ballycarry to welcome Scots Gaelic visitors to Gathering

It will literally be a case of Cead Mile Failte when the members of the choir, from Lochgilphead, arrive in the village.

The 14 members of Coisir Og Dhail Riata (Young Choir of Dalriada) will be accompanied by parents for the journey from Lochgilphead across to Northern Ireland and it will be the first time that the choir, celebrating its tenth anniversary, will have visited the province.

The choir consists of girls aged 12 to 18 and they have picked up a number of prestigious awards at the National Mod, which is a week long festival of Scots Gaelic song and music. The members sing as a choir and also as soloists.

A group of around 25 is expected to visit the Gathering from mid Argyll and festival director Dr David Hume said it was hoped the visit would signal further links with Scotland.

“We have been trying for many years to find an area which Ballycarry and district could link with, and through the efforts of Dalriada Arts and Culture in Scotland we now at least have this exceptional opportunity to develop understanding of diverse Scots culture,”

“Dalriada was once a joint kingdom stretching from Co Antrim across the North Channel and was founded in the 6th century by King Fergus of Antrim Dalriada. It is fantastic that we are able to renew this ancient link through the Broadisland Gathering and we look forward to giving a warm welcome to the Young Choir of Dalriada and those who travel with them,” he said.

Lena Ferguson of Coisir Og Dhail Riata said that the choir, which meets each Wednesday evening to practice, was very excited about the prospect of attending the Gathering in Ballycarry.

“They have been very successful in the past, winning at least two out of three competitions at the National Mods. They also take part in local "Mods", in Lochgilphead - Mod Dhailriada - and Tobermory on the Island of Mull. They have been to the Saltire Society competitions in Stirling and local Music Festivals, but never been to Northern Ireland! This trip would be a "first" and a great chance to showcase Gaelic singing” she said.

The choir was founded within reach of Dunadd Hill, where King Fergus of Antrim Dalriada was crowned king of the joint kingdom around 500AD, and the trip to Antrim will see the girls take centre stage at events marking the 18th annual Broadisland Gathering.

Pipe bands and pageantry, vintage vehicles, exhibitions, and tented concerts will be augmented by a larger Ballycarry Fair, and this year, on account of the choir, will see a heightened emphasis on the Ulster Scots poetry and language of James Orr.

“We hope to include in the performances on the day some of Orr’s work in Scots Gaelic, which will open a whole new avenue for the work of the Bard of Ballycarry,” said Dr Hume.

“The Broadisland Gathering is delighted to have the chance to highlight the varied aspects of our Scottish heritage and culture, and we hope the links with Mid Argyll will develop into the future as the result of this visit,”

The Young Choir of Dalriada will be performing during the Gathering Day, on Saturday, September 4, when the line up of entertainment will also include Risin’ Stour and Session Beat along with the Schomberg Fife and Drum from Kilkeel, local and visiting pipe bands and the traditional townland banner parade through the village.

Plans are also underway for an evening concert, when the choir will perform along with local artists.