Last week-end, Irvinestown C.C.É., which has been hosting the Gerry McCann Traditional Music Weekend for the past few years chose the talents of the late Seán Nugent as their theme and hosted a highly successful launch of 'The High Hills of Largy: Compositions of Seán Nugent' in book and CD form at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown.
According to Sean's daughter, Catherine McLaughlin, it was a fitting start to the Weekend as her father taught a music class in Irvinestown as well as the Irvinestown Marching Band.
"It was a memorable occasion celebrating two great men", she said, "Seán Nugent and Gerry McCann who were devoted to the promotion of traditional music. There is no doubt that Seán's contribution has been one of the cornerstones of traditional music in the area today".
The book and CD include all of Seán's compositions and are a treat for musicians music lovers alike. In the book, Seán's daughter, Margaret McElholm has written a piece covering the life and times of her father and a large number of talented musicians play on the CD. They several of his pupils, among them Brenda McCann, Gerry's daughter who, along with her mother, Ann were the main organisers of the Weekend.
Also featured are Áine Nugent, Seán's grand-daughter, Janette Durnin (fiddles), Catherine Dunne (accordeon), Aidan O'Neill (concertina) and Aisling McPhillips (flute).
Dundalk fiddle player, Gerry O'Connor, produced the CD which was recorded in Railway Studio, Belturbet. In addition, Fermanagh natives, Laurence Nugent, Seán's son, former Pride of Erin Ceili Band member, Cathal McConnell, and 'At The Rackets', Brian McGrath feature on the album.
The concept and coordination of the project came from singer Catherine McLaughlin, Seán's daughter. As well as singing 'Lough Erne Shore' on the album, Catherine has performed frequently as part of the Hidden Fermanagh project.
She explained how her experiences there encouraged her to preserve her father's music and memory in both stave and sound. Catherine has won several All Ireland titles.
She made fitting tributes alongside her brother, Breandan to Gerry McCann and his tireless work in promoting traditional music in Irvinestown.
Tributes were also made by Brenda McCann to Seán Nugent and to his compositions. Brenda now carries on the same tradition of teaching music in Irvinestown as Seán, who is remembered as a devoted and patient teacher, musician and composer. Ann McCann told the 'Herald' it was fitting that Seán Nugent, himself an All-Ireland champion should have taught her daughter, Brenda to an All-Ireland title.
