Altan honoured at civic reception in Lifford

Altan members Ciarán Curran, Martin Tourish, Mark Kelly and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh being presented with a special scroll by Cathaoirleach Gerry McMonagle and Chief Executive Seamus Neely. The band was honoured with a civic reception in Lifford on Monday evening. Photos: Clive Wasson

THERE was music and song in the County House in Lifford yesterday as Altan were honoured for their contribution to traditional Irish music and being global ambassadors for Donegal for the past 30 years.

Altan started life in 1987 when Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh and her late husband Frankie Kennedy formed what has become one of the most internationally acclaimed Irish folk groups. Altan has collaborated with the likes of Dolly Parton, Enya, the Chieftains, Donal Lunny, Steve Cooney and Alison Krauss and many others.

Ciaran Curran and Mark Kelly joined Mairead and Frankie in their early years as did Paul O’Shaughnessy who left the group in 1993.

Ciaran Tourish and Daithi Sproule joined Altan in the early 1990s and Ciaran retired just last year in 2017. Daithi continues to play with the group. Dermot Byrne played with the group from the mid 1990s until 2013 and Martin Tourish joined them in 2013 and continues to play with them today.

Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, captures Altan performing some of their music.

Each of these musicians made their mark on the group and contributed in no small way to unique sound that has become the hallmark of Altan.

Speaking at the Civic Reception, Cathaoirleach Gerry McMonagle said, “Altan has shared the story of Donegal through their unique music. They have inspired and moved audiences and they have brought the beauty of Irish traditional music and the Irish language to all parts of the world. And in doing this they have conveyed the essence of Donegal and of our special sense of place in the world. It is truly an honour to be in a position to host this civic reception which is our way of conveying our gratitude for all they have done and achieved.”

On behalf of the group, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh thanked the Council for honouring them and paid homage to the generosity of all the great musicians who have shared their music and their tunes with them.

They concluded the event with a few tunes in the Council Chamber.

Altan were presented with a specially commissioned painting by well known Irish artist Fiontan Gogarty along with an official scroll.

Kitty Uí Mhaonaigh, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Nia Byrne at the Donegal County Council Civic Reception to honour the achievements of Altan.

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