Source: Contact Magazine, May 1980

Seisúin Athenry was set up in October 1979 to promote Irish music song and dance in Athenry and in East Galway generally. The principal activity of the Seisúin Group is a twice monthly “session” of Irish music held in Paynes Hall, Athenry. Musicians flock to the sessions from all over Galway and Clare. Young musicians from Athenry parish play a very active and important role in the activities of Seisúin, this fact is a source of pride and optimism for the older musicians and the organisers.

The fortnightly sessions have collectively become the mainspring for all other events and activities organised by Seisúin. The musicians have made themselves available to parish committees, clubs and organisations all over Galway wherever such committees display a sincere interest in the promotion of Irish music and culture. The musicians have played in Headford, Kilmaine, Clarenbridge, Loughrea, Corofin, Co. Clare, O’Callihane’s Mills, Co. Clare and many other places free of charge.

Seisúin members were proud to carry the Athenry banner to the Co. Galway Mummers Feile held in Ballyfa last January and prouder still to return to the town with the ‘Peter Donoghue’ Perpetual Cup. As a result of this the Group was invited to open the Tostal Festival in Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim.

The highlights of the Groups activities are a series of Concerts in the famous Taibdhearc Theatre, Galway, during the months of June and July. The first two Concerts in this series have been voted a big success among Galway’s cosmopolitan summer population.

After a very successful first year the Seisúin organisers are outlined the programme for the 1980/81 season. Though the principal function of Seisúin is to cater for musicians there is a role for everyone who has the interests of Irish culture at heart. Anybody interested in taking part may come to the sessions or may phone Dominic Parr, telephone number Athenry 150.