The Leitrim Larks

Larks are symbols of joy – singing their songs of hope and renewal. The first voices of the morning heralding a new day. The aim of this project was to herald a new day for many of the Leitrim songs and ballads that have been lost and remained unsung for many years. I was focused on the idea of songs being “passed on” as they would have been in an oral capacity years ago and so set out to secure six leading larks from around the county, Dromod’s Ronnie Duignan, Carrick’s Carole Coleman, Drumshanbo’s Gavin Sweeney, Drumkeerin’s Anna McManus, Manorhamilton’s Aoife Hammond and Ballinamore’s Pauric Sweeney. I sourced a song for each of them from their locality, which they learned and then passed on to a wider circle of interested learners and singers over an eight-week series of workshops. I am slowly trickling this information and more out to the public through a dedicated Facebook page and The Leitrim Larks group continue to meet for songs in the monthly “Lend an Ear” sessions.

The Little Larks

Leitrim Larks “Taking Flight”

    In this series, the group hopes to “take flight” and offer a more creative experience by inviting and engaging with other experienced artists. For the Little Larks, this will involve a series of workshops/singing circle events which will allow the children to explore traditional songs, singing and song writing in a creative way. For the bigger group this will be more opportunities to engage with or explore their own creativity by liaising with other artists and connecting with traditional singers, researchers and storytellers from other counties. Exchanges with other singing circles, working with international communities and finding common ground with other practices are all part of the plan. The Leitrim Larks hosted “The Inishowen Singers” for one of their summer 2024 “Lend an Ear” sessions and we will have a series of children’s creative workshops over the Autumn/Winter.