Éigse na Brídeoige is a cultural festival which takes place in South Kerry every year during the first weekend in February. It is intended as a celebration of the Brídeog/Biddy tradition celebrating Saint Bridget’s day, which is also a celebration of the coming of spring, regeneration and growth. The events are spread over various centres in the Gaeltacht areas of Iveragh.
All Images © Simon Robinson 2023
Funded by Bracket Books and Little Moon Animation
Available now from Bracket Books Ireland at outlets like FabHappy or WalkingCommentary.
Éigse na Brídeoige 2023 celebrated the life and music of Seán Garvey. He was a great friend of the Éigse in which he played a central role over many years. His death in May 2022 was a huge loss to his family, many friends and the Éigse.
‘Haute Cuisine in Cahersiveen’
Séan inhabited the foreground of the 2023 Éigse through heartfelt renditions of songs that he had loved to play and hear in those familiar, local venues. He was rendered huge on stage and was omnipresent in memory, conversation and music.
‘Boys Of Barr Na Sráide’
These candid still and silent photographs can’t convey the dynamism, enthusiasm nor mastery of the performances. Neither can they portray the extraordinary audience participation let alone the fulsome appreciation.
‘The Lament for Bagenal Harvey’
This Éigse, as ever, was conceived, implemented and managed entirely by volunteers. They worked hard, performed well and attended to so much. Séan would have been bemused yet secretly delighted by the respect that he engendered.
Special thanks to Fíona de Buis, Paddy Bushe and Laoise Nic Aogáin.
These photographs are incidental to attendance at the events. The candid photographs were taken with care to avoid intruding on the audience and performers. Not all events could be attended. Ambient lighting and available seating limited what could be photographed. Inevitably there are some omissions, some oversights. The hope is that this chapbook is faithful to the spirt of the Éigse and the memory of Seán Garvey.
Bracket Books printed chapbooks are available for online purchase through FabHappy but perhaps you’d prefer to enquire here. They’re published each calendar month, each copy uniquely numbered and posted at the end of each month. Prices include packaging, delivery, all currency and inflation risks.
Issue 37 of 39 – limited edition of 200/Published by Bracket Books Ireland
In memory of the life and music of Seán Garvey /Funded by Bracket Books and Little Moon Animation
2023/4 SUBSCRIPTIONS
Chapbooks 25 to the final issue 39 (15 issues):
Republic of Ireland: €135
Rest of World: €145 / UK£125 / US$145
Institutions add 30%
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