29/10/2026
**DISCUSSION PANEL DELIGHT**
On Thursday past, Craobh Baile na gCailleach were delighted to host a panel discussion in Studio 2 part of 10th anniversary celebrations.
Moderated by traditional Irish artist and custodian Siobhán Molloy, the evening proved to be an informative and engaging affair covering a broad range of culrutral trends, topics and eras in Derry City. 🔴⚪️
Political Activist, Journalist and former Politician Eamonn McCann offered insights from the Freedom Fleadh in 1969 to the cultural movements in Derry across the decades, as well as examining questions around civic and community cohesion through the arts. 🤝
A stalwart of culture in the city, Johnny Murray, spoke across a broad range of topics from icons of Derry to NW showbands, venues and festivals (past and present) fondly reflecting upon his time as a musician, an event coordinator and venue manager to the likes of the historic Riato. Johnny also touched upon the Derry Jazz Festival’s formation and the pivotal part he played in co-founding and delivering this landmark event. 🎷
Chair of Feis Doire Colmchille, Ursula Clifford, spoke to all things feis, from offering her expertise in choral music to the unique platform of the “two sides” of Irish dancing, Ursula talked us through this historic event. Founded post partition to protect Irish culture, in recent years it has expanded to champion a range of genres from classical to musical theatre. 🎶
Representing CCÉ Baile na gCailleach, Brendan Molloy spoke about the role of Comhaltas in preserving and promoting the traditional Irish arts and the work of his current work of the branch in Studio 2. Brendan focused on the profound effect Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann had in 2013 when Derry was the first ever host north of the border and examined the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the bidding process and eventual delivery during the City of Culture 2013. 🎻
Traditional Irish artist Caitríona Lagan offered fresh perspectives on life as young woman in trad, talking about her experiences a Music student in UU Magee as well as delving into her success an All- Ireland champion multi-instrumentalist and composer. 🪕
Sincere thanks to Eamon, Johnny, Ursula, Brendan and Caitríona who spoke so eloquently and generously shared their knowledge, experience and expertise. Thank you Siobhán for a stellar job in moderating the session. ✨
Go raibh míle maith agaibh to the audience, the volunteers, Brian Hasson on sound & lighting and the staff at Studio 2. 🎭 A selection of these photos are from Tom Heaney, nwpresspics.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to Apex who kindly sponsored this event. 🙌