The project will be performed at the Centenary Centre in Peel, Isle of Man on Monday 27th July, with other smaller outreach performances and workshops.
Cathal Ó Curráin and Isla Callister have been collaborating on a musical project exploring the connections between the Isle of Man and Donegal.
Over the last 18 months, with the support of Ealaín na Gaeltachta and their Scéiim Síol Scéim and Forbartha na n-Ealaíon funds, Cathal, a multi-instrumentalist from Donegal and Isla Callister, a Manx Gaelic speaker and fiddle player (based in Glasgow), have been researching, developing and writing new music together. The musical output has been focussed on writing new bi-lingual (Gaelg & Gaeilge) songs, reworking old Manx Gaelic song fragments, writing new fiddle tunes and bringing together already existing repertoire. Each new song and tune has been inspired by their conversations, interviews and visits to Gweedore and the Isle of Man during 2024 and 2025. The themes of the new music draws on common threads such as folklore, strong cultural characters from both regions and traditions and customs associated with nature. The music also addresses more challenging themes such as the role Manx soldiers played in the 1798 rebellion in Ireland.
2026 marks Blein ny Gaelgey/ Year of Manx, a celebration of the Manx language. This project not only celebrates the island’s language, but also looks outward to the connections the island shares with Donegal and Ireland. Performing these songs as part of Yn Chruinnaght festival in July and as part of Blein ny Gaelgey presents itself as a great opportunity to premiere the music. Another long-term aim of the project is to work with young Gaelic speakers from both regions. Last July, as part of the project, Cathal and Isla worked with Manx music youth group Scran and arranged one of their new pieces of music; ‘Manannan’s March’, and the young musicians will join Isla and Cathal on stage, along with David Kilgallon