Musicians set a world record in Ashbourne

Donaghmore-Ashbourne GAA Club was overflowing with musicians on Sunday afternoon last to set a unique record in the Guinness Book of Records for the most musicians playing the Irish national anthem simultaneously, as part of the inaugural TradAsh Music Festival. Some 240 musicians performed the Irish national anthem under the baton of conductor, Garda Pat Kenny. All musicians were registered prior to the 5pm performance in the indoor arena in the clubhouse. The event was formally witnessed by Supt Charlie Devine, and solicitors Gavin McAlinden, Miriam Murran and Frances Barren, as well as Fr Jim Lynch, parish priest of Ashbourne. Ian Jenkinson and Martin Markham, who came up with the idea to attempt this world record, said the event was great example of team effort and thanked the club chairman, Gerry Delaney, and all the club stewards, who helped make it a reality. "This was a truly wonderful occasion for all those who participated and also for those who were there to witness this very memorable event," Ian said. "During the celebrations that evening, everyone there agreed that the best way to summarise the magic that happened on Sunday was simply 'Bhi Me Ann!'" Music notes were also projected onto the arena wall to ensure that all musicians had access if needed to these during the recital. All the signatures and record details will be submitted to the Guinness Book of Records in accordance with their registration process. TradAsh 2010 kicked off on Friday night at The Fox Inn in Ballymadun, where there was much excitement as musicians and music lovers gathered for an evening of music and song. As Antoin McGabhann, Sean Smith, Tommy McGuane, Finbarr McGreevey and Aiden McGowan struck the first notes, they were joined by Paddy Killoran, Hugh Grogan, Micheal Clarke, Michael Clynch, Leo McGirl and Adrian McCullough. There were songs from Deirdre Fahy, Paddy Allen, Mary Murphy and the Donaghmore/Ashbourne Scor group. Musicians had travelled from Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Dunsany, Drumree, Garristown, Swords, Finglas and Lucan. A second session started out in the bar with Tom O'Shaughnessy, Seamus Flynn, Padraig O'Looney, Mick Cantwell and Keith Andrews. Marianne Knight and Anthony Hennigan were there from Foxford, Co Mayo, and their music and song was a big hit on the night. There was singing also from Vincent and Susan Brown and Eileen McKenna. The TradAsh festival continued on Saturday evening at Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club, which turned out to be a very lively session with many of the musicians from the previous night returning to boost the whole affair. Songs, reels and jigs and sean nos singing greeted the ears of the large crowd who turned up in the main bar. Earlier in the day, Antoin McGabhann held an afternoon session for young fiddle players who were eager to pick up the odd trick or two. Antoin played away to everyone's enjoyment, with a sparkling version of 'The Mason's Apron'. Alan Kavanagh put the young songwriters and local groups through their paces, hosting an open mike acoustic session, Alan recorded the action and also sang a few songs from his large repertoire. Other perfomers included Rory Bowens, James Looney, Daniel Maguire, Maria McKeown and those 'Pesky Kids'.