Seisiún is a Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann initiative, run throughout Ireland by local comhaltas groups during summer. It is a celebration of our rich cultural tradition and an invitation to all, both visitors and locals, to follow a music trail including evenings of song, dance and storytelling. Seisiún takes place every Thursday for the months of July and August in the Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass starting at 9 pm. Admission is €10 and children attend free of change. Refreshments are served on the evening.
Here in North Mayo, Bofield/Gort na mBó Seisiún has hosted Seisiún for sixteen years, twelve of these in the Fr. Peyton Centre, Attymass. A true family event, Seisiún is much more than just an evening of music. Seisiún is a chance for all to take time out, and share songs, stories, dance, poetry, and recitation, as well as experience local hospitality and traditional entertainment. The picturesque village of Attymass, winners of an all-island Pride of Place award in 2017, is situated between Ballina and Foxford and is a must-visit in its own right.
So, what happens at Seisiún in Attymass?
The show operates in a two-part format. Part One begins in the intimate surrounds of the theatre with its rich acoustics, where a formal presentation will be staged. The audience will be transported by the sweet strains of the Irish harp, or the soulful plaintive sound of the Uileann pipes. The three under 18 groups of Bofield/Gort na mBó play a selection of ceili band tunes and grupa ceoil selections which they have perfected over the winter months in preparation for Fleadh Cheoil.
The Bofield Senior Band bring this section of the evening to a close leaving the audience with high expectations for part two. This will be followed by a ‘cupán tae’ and an opportunity to indulge in the freshly made, mouth-watering scones and buns from the kitchen of the Fr. Peyton Centre.
In scenes reminiscent of the old Irish rambling house, Part Two of the night’s entertainment will be a warm and friendly informal presentation in the foyer, where ‘ceol agus craic’ will be the order of the evening. In a very relaxed atmosphere all patrons can join in a feast of local entertainment. Audience members are encouraged to take part and are very willing and eager to get involved. Story telling and yarns punctuate the music.
Seisiún was once hailed as the area’s best kept secret, at this stage the secret is well and truly out. Visitors find their way on a Thursday evening to the small picturesque village of Attymass, nestling in the foothills of the Ox Mountains. Overseas visitors at past performances have been very impressed and as a result some of the performers were lucky enough to receive an invitation to perform at the UN in Geneva.
Seisiún will run every Thursday evening at 9 pm until the end of August 2018 – definitely one for the diary.
For further information about Seisiún at Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass, Ballina:
Telephone: 096 45374
