It was another busy weekend on the Island with various social events both of a personal and public nature taking place. On Friday night Marty Ryan, Annas Anchor was very pleased with the turnout in Club Cléire as part of his Island tour 2015 and promises to release his song , composed while on the Island by Thursday and we shall of course provide the relevant links to same. Marty very much enjoyed joining the local musicians for the Saturday night session in the Club which was lively throughout and included the welcome of presence of Will ( a whoofer from the USA) who has returned to the Island with his double bass. Will plans to stay until the end of July so we can look forward to seeing him perform again.

There was also a surprise appearance earlier in the week of Singer Mary Black and some of her family in Cotters which was greatly enjoyed by those fortunate enough to be present.

Sunday saw the annual Mass in the Reilig Ciaráin with celebrant Fr Peter Quelly and quite naturally there was a moment of remembrance and prayer for Barry Davis Ryan, Barry Ryan Senior, and Niamh O ‘Connor all of who were tragically lost to the sea in Baltimore during the preceding week .

On a happier note, I was reminded that excitement is building up for the first every 5 k race on the Island on Saturday 18 July and to make sure to mention that there has been a significant increase in groups and individuals seen running along the Island’s byways in recent weeks. Of course the event is for everyone and others are planning to walk the route and anyone doing neither is respectfully invited to don a high vis vest to act a steward for the event.  By coincidence the resumed Cape Clear Regatta will also take place that day so there is plenty of action ahead of us.

Tickets are sold out for Wednesday’s Tommy Tiernans concert and anyone without a ticket is welcome to come along to the session afterwards.