Diplomats, Dancing & Fashion

On Wednesday a group of 16 Ambassadors and other foreign diplomats began a three day visit to Leitrim, touring places of interest and local industries. The local council and enterprise board had taken the initiative to promote what Leitrim can offer. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves – I was surprised to hear the Norwegian Ambassador saying that in the four years he has served in Ireland it was the first time a county or region had invited him out of Dublin.


In between diplomatic events I was able to follow Lunasa on three performing visits they made to local primary schools and a day care centre for the elderly in North Leitrim. Lunasa are traditional Artists in Residence in Leitrim this year. It was great to see the reaction of the kids in these small rural schools to having famous musicians in their classrooms. Kevin Crawford had a great way with them and had the children in his spell as he told stories and encouraged them to play and perform.

Then to the day care centre for the elderly in Drumkeeran. While we might think of such places as cheerless or depressing, nothing could be further from the truth. The spirit and energy of the senior citizens was infectious, and Lunasa had to wait their turn to perform like everyone else. This being the weird and wonderful interweb I won’t post any pictures of the schoolkids but here are a few pictures –

Even legendary musicians performing 10 feet away have to wait for attention until the game of draughts is over.Then Aggie gave us a song, Tommy played a couple of tunes on the accordian and Louise did a bit of sean-nós dancing. The three lads enjoyed the spectacle.

Thursday night we covered the finals of a “makeover” competition. The four finalists had gone through 8 weeks of styling, colour coaching, etc. I’m wary of these self-help type events, but everyone seemed happy. It was followed by a fashion show from local boutiques. Thursday night we covered the finals of a “makeover” competition. The four finalists had gone through 8 weeks of styling, colour coaching, etc. I’m cynical about these self-help type events, but everyone seemed happy. It was followed by a fashion show from local boutiques.