Choreographed by Irish dancing stalwart, Michael Ryan of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance
at the University of Limerick, a close friend of the show’s creator Fergal Ó Murchú, Ragús has toured every from Tokyo, Cape Town to Las Vegas.
Currently also on a five-month residency at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin, the show’s creator and producer, Mayo man Fergal Ó Murchú said its a rare treat to be able to bring Ragús to Dungloe, the home of the company’s manager, Ronan Brennan.
“This is probably only the second time we’ve staged the show, after doing the Ballyshannon Folk Festival in the early days of Ragús, so we’re really looking forward to it. As well as that it’s the home of our manager and guitarist Ronan. I know the Brennan family in Meenacross very well and we’re delighted the show can come to Ronan’s home town.”
Ragús, which is a hundred per cent live from music, singing to dance, has a pool of 70 regular cast members to pull from depending on how many shows are running and the size.
The top class musicians that will be performing in Dungloe include Stephen Doherty (flute, percussion), David Doocey (fiddle), Sheila Murray (accordion), Gary O’Meara (banjo), Ciaran Mulderrig (keys) and Ronan Brennan (guitar).
Principal male dancer is the excellent Mick Donegan, whom you may recognise from the High Kings Live DVD, where he measured up his dancing skills with the bodhrán playing of renowned Irish trad percussionist Robbie Harris.
Lead female dancer Deirdra Kiely will be joined by Tipperary ladies Grainne Prendergast, Donna Durack, Louise Hogan and Galway native Breege Creaven, while Sligo singer Olivia McTiernan will also be joining the cast for Dungloe.
Grainne Prendergast has only been with Ragús since last September, when she went to China with the show, and its her first professional gig. “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the show so far and you get to see some amazing places around the world, but it’s also great to get the opportunity to visit Donegal for the first time.”
Having been with the show since 2004, Donna Durack has done it all with the show, but to this day she still gets a kick out of performing with the live band. “I think that’s one of the best things about Ragús, it’s one hundred per cent live which creates a fantastic atmosphere for the audience,” she said.
As a very special treat, All Ireland Seán Nós Champion Emma O’Sullivan [who will be giving dancing workshops on Saturday morning] will join the Ragús cast for their performance.
We would like to extend our best wishes to Ronan Sherlock, who was due to perform in Dungloe, but sustained an injury and wish him a speedy recovery.
Seisúin Thír Chonaill welcomes Ragús at Rosses Community School Gymnasium, Dungloe on Saturday, June 4. Admission is €20 and for tickets call Geraldine on 086 818 0080 or Patrick on 086 833 2366