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2010's lineup includes...

2010 Cos Cos Sean Nos Festival Children's Art Competition
Cos Cos Festival 2010 invite entries for the annual Festival Children's Art Competition. This year's theme is "What does Drumcliffe offer the visitor?". Closing date for entry is Friday 23rd of April. Prizes will be awarded at the Youth Concert on Saturday May 8th at 7pm in the Hall. Please note that all entries will be displayed in the Hall over the duration of the festival May 7th- 9th 2010. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pre Festival Bunting Tea Party Wednesday May 5th 2010
In association with the Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates creativity for over 55's, Cos Cos are thrilled to host this pre festival Tea Party, Cabaret of dance and music, and showcase of festival bunting. This art project was supported by Sligo County Council Arts Department through art workshops in Easkey, Screen, Ballinafad and Ballintoher. The theme of traditional music and dance inspired the creation of this bunting, which will be displayed throughout the festival weekend. On Wednesday May 5th at 6pm, the Bunting Tea Party will take place in Rathcormac hall. Drumcliffe ICA and the Cos Cos committee will host this event. We wish to thank Sligo County Council Arts Department for their continued support and look forward to welcoming everyone to Rathcormac and kicking off the festival in style.

COS COS FESTIVAL DAY 1: FRIDAY MAY 7TH

Cos Cos All Star Opening Concert
8pm May 7th 2010 Rathcormac Hall
This years opening act is Misneach, from Coleman Country, the home of Sligo traditional music, they will be launching their first CD the same evening at the festival. Other artists appearing at this exciting opening event include the Emerald Revellers from the Cavan/Leitrim area, and from the home of Sean Nos, three Connemara men Brian Cunningham, Johnny Connolly and Maiti Joe. Our own young award winning musicians 'Spraoi' will be performing alongside other local artists. Entry is 10Euro and there will be a number of other special guests. We hope that you can join us for this very special event.

Opening night Big Session in Collins’ Pub 9.30pm Free entry Newly formed traditional group, Misneach will be launching their first CD at this the opening pub session for the 2010 festival. Junior Davey, PJ Hernon, Michael Hurley and Declan Folan will entertain you until the early hours. Be sure not to miss this, a night to remember.

COS COS FESTIVAL DAY 2: SATURDAY MAY 8TH

WORKSHOPS 2010:
New to the world of Sean nos or otherwise, theres a workshop for you. Workshop registration kicks off at 10.30am Saturday morning in Rathcormac Hall (Session 1: 10.30-1pm Session 2: 2-4pm. 20Euro for both session or 10Euro for one. Kids half price.)
For more information, call Brenda on 0861925988

Sean Nos Dancing workshop - Brian O'Cuinneagain
One of Ireland's best known Sean Nos dancers, Brian Cunningham, hosts the festival's biggest workshop. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, this Connemara man will keep you in time. Workshops kick off at 10.30am on Saturday morning May 8th in the Rathcormac Parish Hall, and the afternoon session will commence at 2pm. So root out a pair of shoes you can dance in, and come join us!
Sean Nos Singing and Lilting workshop- Colm O'Donnell
A flute playing singer and lilter, there is no end to this Sligo man's talents. Colm O'Donnell will have you singing in the shower like never before, even some of the fellow tutors are likely to go to this workshop. The perfect way to set the tone for the weekend, registration for Colm's workshop begins at 10.30am.
Accordion / Melodeon workshop - Johnny Connolly
One of Ireland's top Sean Nos musicians, he is now part of the furniture here at the fourth annual Cos Cos festival. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, Johnny will always put you at ease. Accordion/Melodeon workshops run from 10.30am - 1pm and the afternoon workshop runs from 2 to 4pm.
Bodhran & Bones workshop - Junior Davey (Beginners: 10.30-1pm / Advanced: 2-4pm)
He may be junior in name but he is a seasoned All Ireland Champion musician when it comes to the bodhran. If you ever had an inkling to try your hand at the bodhran, then Juniors workshop is the one to go to. Morning session for beginners at 10.30am Saturday May 8th. And afternoon session for advanced starting at 2pm. Not sure what the Bones sound like? Get on down to Rathcormac Hall and check them out.
Storytelling - Declan O'Brien
Experienced Storyteller who has appeared at many festivals nationwide, he is sure to get your attention. This is Declan, a storyteller and satirist with a difference. You may recognise his voice from RTE's liveline, this Dubliner's unique style will keep you amused throughout the weekend.

Lunchtime Sessions Saturday May 8th 1pm
A number of Lunchtime sessions have been organised throughout the Drumcliffe area, so keep you eyes peeled if you are exploring the Yeat's country.

Cos Cos hosts Sligo Film Screening
A little bit of Hollywood comes to the Cos Cos Festival as three local women host a special screening of their film about hidden sligo and that's all we're telling you. Sat 2.30pm rolling each hour until 5pm. Admin free.

Ceoil & Caint: Teach Ban Art Gallery (Beside Yeat's grave, Drumcliffe Churchyard) Ceoil & Caint le PJ Hernon
From Connemara, living in Gurteen, an accordion player of renown. He will tell his own musical story through word and music. This intimate event is free of charge and one not to miss. Set under bare Benbulben's head. Don't be a horseman - do not pass by.

Cos Cos Ceili in Collins' Pub - Bush Ceili band (Free entry) Michael O'Brien, Joe Clancy and Harry McGowan - savour the friendly atmosphere of this afternoon Ceili.

Tutors Recital (Free entry) Sat May 8th at 4.30pm Rathcormac Hall
A favourite of regular festival goers the Tutors recital is a showcase of the experts. Promised to be energetic, uplifting and spontaneous. Stick around after the workshops and see the masters at work.

Sproai play in Collins Pub
Sproai are a group of young people from the area who have been very successful in competition and performances over the past year. They are the new generation of traditional Irish music and they are playing 7pm in Collins' pub on Saturday May 8th.

Youth Showcase Performance 7pm Rathcormac Hall
Young people from far and wide will demonstrate their talents. There will be a variety of performances - music, song and dance. The performers will take the stage at 7pm. Entry is 5Euro and kids go free.

Tall Stories with Declan O'Brien at the History Center 8pm (Free entry)
Calling all Storytellers and those with the gift of the gab. Declan O'Brien who is our guest for the weekend, is going to be adjudicating at the International Strokestown Poetry competition (Satire section) the weekend prior to this year's Cos Cos Festival. For those of you with an interest in comedy, satire and a powerful story, lend Declan your ear. The History Center, 8pm Saturday May 8th.

Dartry Ceili Band perform at this years Saturday night Ceili - 10pm 10Euro in Rathcormac Hall
The Darty Ceili band - the best in Ireland as proven at last years Fleadh Ceoil where they were crowned All Ireland Champions. They are celebrating with us the launch of their first CD and we look forward to dancing the night away. Cover charge is 10 Euro and the Ceili starts at 10pm.

Johnny Connolly, Maiti Joe & special guests at Collins' Pub Saturday night 10pm (Free entry)
To round off a busy day, why not relax to the Sean Nos music and dance in Collins' Pub. Entertainment for your enjoyment.

COS COS FESTIVAL DAY 3: SUNDAY MAY 9TH

Vintage Cars display
Local Vintage Car enthusiasts will be displaying a collection of their pride and joy. Be sure to visit the Green in front of Rathcormac school.

Outdoor Session after Festival Mass Sunday May 9th 12.15pm
Door dancing, music, song and story. Keep an eye for some raw talent and visiting participants who will be warming up for the competitions later in the day.

2010 - Fourth Annual Cos Cos Sean Nos Dancing Competition includes presentation of Jim Brew Trophy
 U-10, U-12, U-15, U-18 and Senior categories will step it out and compete for this years titles. Be sure not to miss this highly contested event. The Jim Brew Memorial Trophy will be presented to the winner of the U-12 competition. Collins' Pub 1.30pm.

Kevin McTeirnan Memorial Flute Competitions
3pm Sunday May 9th 2010 Collins' Pub, Rathcormac
Celebrating the life and music of Kevin McTeirnan who launched our festival the last two years and who sadly passed away recently. Kevin was a master flute player and advocate for traditional music in the Sligo/Leitrim area. Junior (U-18) and Senior (18+) prizes will be awarded. The Senior trophy will be awarded by Kevin's wife Lily McTeirnan.

Tulla Ceili band perform - Cos Cos Sunday afternoon Ceili
Sunday May 9th 3pm Rathcormac Hall
A highlight of the Cos Cos festival, this years Ceili will entertain festival goers and dancers alike with the best of Clare music. 10Euro entry fee. Arrive early.

Childrens Introduction to traditional rhythms (Drumming session) Free entry at Rathcormac School (Outdoors subject to weather)
A new and exciting event for the Cos Cos festival, offers the kids big and small an opportunity to drum, pound, stomp, shake, rattle and roll to traditional Irish beats.
Bealtaine host Storytelling and Storymaking at the History Center 4pm Sunday May 9th 2010
Adults are invited to take part in this creative exploration of story making and telling. See you there.

Tim Mulcahy, Ray Cowen and friends play Collins' Pub 6pm Sunday May 9th (Free entry)
Having played for the Cos Cos dancers regularly over the years, we welcome Tim, Ray and friends to this year's Festival. This energetic combination will raise the roof. All welcome!

Slan Abhaile Session with Kenny Donagher, Kerrie Herrity agus a cairde 9pm Sunday May 9th (Free entry)
Why not round off the weekend in style with this wind down session of music, singing and fun.