BY KATE HEANEY

WELL known Donegal fiddle player Tommy Peoples this week took the unusual step of writing to the Donegal News to publicise the fact he will not be performing in Gortahork with Cathal O'Searcaigh tomorrow night as advertised.

The scheduled event in Maggie Dan's Theatre in Gortahork, also known as O'hearcaigh's Theatre, is advertised in the Earagail Arts Festival Programme and website. The programme states that the event is a joint production between the festival and the theatre.

However the former Bothy Band member has stated that he was never consulted about the event which is widely publicised in the programme and on the festival website.

"I wish to state that I was never consulted about the event, widely publicised in the Earagail Arts Festival literature and website. I will not be present," Mr Peoples stated.

Speaking to the Donegal News he explained that Dermot Byrne of Altan had asked him to play Maggie Dan's as he was unavailable on the night. Mr Peoples agreed.

Milo de Butler, owner of Maggie Dan's rang him to confirm the gig but, according to Mr Peoples he never mentioned that the famous fiddle player would be sharing the stage with Cathal O'Searcaigh or that the name of the theatre was O'Searcaigh's or that the gig was part of the Earagail Arts Festival.

"I was very much in the dark until someone pointed it out to me in the programme. It's not whether I would or would not share a stage with Cathal O'Searcaigh, I should have been given the full information to make that choice. I will not be there," Mr Peoples confirmed.

When the festival programme was brought to Mr Peoples attention he went to the trouble to hand deliver a letter to Festival Director Paul Brown to say he would not be appearing. Mr Peoples also sent copies of the letter to the festival board members.

"I sent the letters the second week in June and I expected the festival organisers would have it mentioned in the press. This did not happen.

Paul Brown said the issue was very much between the promoter (Milo deButler) and the artist Tommy Peoples.

Mr Brown stressed that they had changed their website to reflect the fact Mr Peoples is not appearing and they have also placed a notification on their blog.

It reads - "Due to circumstances beyond our control, Tommy Peoples will not be performing at Maggie Dan's theatre, Gortahork on Saturday 4th July. We have been advised by the promoter that Neil Martin will now replace Mr Peoples on the bill. All enquiries regarding this programme change and refunds should be directed to the promoter: Milo Butler, Maggie Dan's, on +353 (0) 749165630 or info@maggiedans.com"

Mr Brown said he was disappointed at what had transpired. He acknowledged he received Mr Peoples letter earlier in the month.

"Maggie Dan's is promoting the event and they asked to be included in the programme. Our contract is with the promoter and within that they have to sort it out. I don't know what the outcome will be," Mr Brown said.

Promoter's comment

Milo de Butler was contacted on Wednesday. He said: "We received a letter from Mr Peoples' solicitor which stated that Mr Peoples does not intend to proceed with the contract to perform at Maggie Dan's Theatre on Saturday 4 July at 10 pm."

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