Stellar line-up for Frank Gavigan concert at Milltown Rathconrath

In 2006, when local man Frank Gavigan passed away, the Milltown Rathconrath branch of Comhaltas decided to rename their branch in his honour, and thus was born the Frank Gavigan Branch of Comhaltas.

Frank, was all-Ireland button accordion champion in 1952, spent his life promoting Irish music; he played at most social events in the area and gave music lessons to local children, and when Mick Foster came to Milltown from Kildare in 1960, he became one of Frank’s students.

For Mick (of Foster and Allen fame) this was a fortuitous occurrence. He couldn’t have found a better teacher than Frank and he quickly learned all about playing traditional Irish music. Just a few years later, Mick went on to win three all-Ireland titles on the piano accordion.

In 2007, Mick, with members of the local Comhaltas branch, decided to hold a concert to commemorate Frank’s life, and it was such a success that it became an annual event that drew the best traditional musicians from all over Ireland.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of that first concert, so on Friday October 7, an excellent line up of musical talent is promised.

Headlining the concert will be Foster and Allen on their last gig in Ireland before they travel to the UK on their sellout tour in November.

Fresh from one of the greatest Fleadh Cheoils of all time will be this year’s all-Ireland, senior button accordion champion, Keelan McGrath from Tipperary. The 2015 all-Ireland accordion champion Dáithí Gormley from Sligo, will be sure to be a huge hit with all traditional music fans.

Also playing will be this year’s Leinster champion piano accordion player, Gareth Dempsey from Ballynacargy.

The participation of two of the best ballad singers in Westmeath, Siobhan Scally and Michaela Hogg, is another performance to really look forward to on the night.

Also coming, from Ballynacargy Comhaltas branch, are the talented McGowan family, led by mother Áine, of the famous Raghallaigh family of Rathmolyon, County Meath.

Another sure crowd pleaser lined up to perform is storyteller Eamon Maguire from County Cavan, who will recount hilarious stories and yarns that will have the audience’s sides splitting with laughter.

The concert will, as always, be recorded by RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta for the Neansaí Ní Choistealbha radio programmes and as usual, Neansaí will play a few tunes on the night.

The local Rathconrath Ceilí band will bring the concert to a close with some of the best and well known tunes.

The ‘Cavanman’ from Shannonside radio station, Martin Donohoe, will take the MC role for the night.

The concert would never have been such a success but for one lady who will be there to back all the musicians on the night. That is the talented Moyra Fraser, who is Mick’s wife and musical director with the Foster and Allen band.

The concert starts at 8pm sharp (the doors are open from 7pm). Admission is €15 and there will be a raffle on the night.

Seats are expected to sell out fast, so come early to avoid disappointment.

• Further information from Vonnie 087 3810 329 or Noel on 087 763 6848.