Local group ‘Mooinjerey’ was recently selected to represent the Isle of Man at the annual Pan Celtic Song Contest which will be held in Carlow, Ireland, during April 2011.
Now in its seventh year in its current format ‘Arrane son Mannin’ took place within the genial surroundings of Peel Golf Club, and was held in conjunction with the monthly folk sessions run by resident duo ‘Shoh as Slaynt’.
‘Mooinjerey’ will perform their new composition ‘Cowrey ny Croshey’ (Sign of the Cross) along with other winners from neighbouring Celtic nations in Ireland next year, with prize money for the successful Manx group generously donated by the Manx Heritage Foundation. Entrants from the Isle of Man have performed consistently well in recent years, missing the top prize in 2010 by just one point.
Looking for an opportunity to upgrade into first position, this newly formed quartet of musicians is made up of Laura and David Rowles, who both wrote the song and co-represented the Island at the Pan Celtic Festival last year. Russell Cowin of popular local band ‘King Chiaullee’ and Ruth Keggin, who, as part of ‘Nish as Rish’, claimed the prestigious top prize at the annual Lorient Festival, are the other members of the group.
‘Mooinjerey’ performed a mixture of traditional and contemporary Manx tunes before revealing their entry ‘Cowrey ny Croshey’ which focuses on the combined beauty and spirituality of the distinctive Manx crosses liberally scattered across the Island. The song was translated by well-known Manx language expert Bob Carswell.
Local delegate from the Pan Celtic Festival, Fiona McArdle, is hoping for a good turn- out of Manx supporters and competitors for next year’s festival, with northern based choir ‘Cliogaree Twoaie’ entering some of the many other competitions on offer. 2011 will also be the year of the Manx presidency which will be filled by choir member Marghaid Bird of Ramsey.
Valerie Caine
© January 2012 (inc photos)
(Courtesy of Manx Tails)
