Activities 2004

Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra In Clones

On Saturday night, 24th January 2004, well over 300 people from across counties Armagh, Cavan, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Monaghan attended a night of Ulster Scots music and culture in the Protestant Hall, Cara St., Clones. The concert was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the birth of the great scottish poet Robert Burns on 25th January 1759. The show featured the songs and poetry of burns and other pieces about Scotland, Ulster and America. The audience were treated to a lively and highly entertaining performance including old favourites like "amazing grace", "I’ll tell my ma’" and “auld lang syne". A host of traditional instruments were featured including accordion, bagpipes, drums, fiddles, flutes, lambegs with plenty of singing and dancing too. Also featured were a rather unique juggling act and quite a bit of wit & humour thrown in for good measure, overall, a great night’s crak.

 

History of Boyne Valley

Boyne Valley Honey presented a talk on the history of the Boyne valley, by Sean Collins, (tour guide & former mayor of Drogheda) in Kilmore West Orange hall, (Doohat) on Friday 27th February 2004 at 8.00 p.m.

 

Ten Pin Bowling

Ten pin bowling was in Astra Bowl, Cavan on Wednesday 14th April from 8.00 to 10.00 p.m.  This was a great occasion for friends to enjoy a night of fun and a bit of friendly competition. Thoroughly enjoyed by all winners and losers.

 

Ulster-Scots Cookery Demonstration

Border Minority Group held an Ulster-Scots Cookery Demonstration in the Hillgrove hotel, Monaghan on Thursday 21st November @ 8.00 p.m.  Demonstration by Rev. Jim Mattison

Musical interlude was by

• Robert Watt (world champion piper)
• Emma Culbert (British solo accordion champion)

Donations from proceeds went to special Olympic host towns of Clones, Cootehill & Monaghan. This event was supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency/Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch

 Weslyan Arts Cultural and Tourism Centre

On 10th November the Border Minority Group presented a cultural evening in the Weslyan Arts Cultural and Tourism Centre, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. This was staged with the assistance of Maura and Niamh Smyth and the staff of the centre. People were greeted by the sound of bagpipes as they arrived. In attendance was Cllr. Joe O’Reilly, Chairman of Cavan County Council, guest speaker was Nelson McCausland M.L.A. Charley McAdam also spoke of his own experiences growing up as part of a minority Ulster-Scots community in County Cavan. He also detailed some of the work of the B.M.G. in the area and plans for future displays and events in conjunction with other local venues. This was followed by a display of a traditional Scottish dancing, the Highland fling by two local dancers from the B.M.G. accompanied by our piper playing “Scotland the Brave".