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Irish arts renaissance in Co. Leitrim BALLINAMORE in
Co. Leitrim is experiencing something of a renaissance through the efforts
of local Irish dance and music group Shaylyn — who — thanks
to cross-border funding support of almost €500,000 — have established
a traditional performing arts centre and college in the town.
The Shaylyn Centre is a hub of activity these days as preparations are
under way to welcome third-level students and tutors from around the country
for the first time in January 2008.
It has taken some time to establish but students can now apply to do the
first year of the BA in music and dance from the Irish World Academy of
Music and Dance at the University of Limerick in The Shaylyn Centre.
The first year is equivalent to a FETAC Level 6 Diploma.
Importantly the course is also an access programme that will allow qualifying
students to apply to join the second year of the BA degree in Limerick.
The Shaylyn Group Ltd Project has been granted €221,940 part-financed
by the European Union.
This is a first not only for the academy but for Ireland.
It is a historic achievement for Irish cultural development by a voluntary
group of young musicians, singers and dancers from Leitrim and surrounding
counties.
It will provide an amazing opportunity for the region and have a profound
effect on social, cultural, tourism and economic development.
Shaylyn was established in 2000 by sisters Jane, Martha and Laura Gilheaney
from Ballinamore to provide performance and development opportunities
for Irish dancers, singers and musicians beyond the classroom and competition
experience.
The sisters developed a two-hour show on a voluntary basis that has toured
in Ireland and abroad including The Library Theatre in Luton in 2005 and
the Town Hall off Broadway in 2004.
Shaylyn believe that Irish dance, music and song are a natural resource
that can regenerate rural communities economically, culturally and socially.
The Irish music and dance diploma will run from January to July 2008.
It is just one of a number of exciting initiatives taking place at the
Shaylyn Centre.
For further information visit the website www.shaylyn.net or call the
centre on 00353 719681101 or e-mail info@shaylyn.net. |
