Mayo schools invited to join music legend for Rocky Road Sing Song at TF
PRIMARY and secondary schools across Ireland are being invited to put down their screens and pick up their voices for a one of a kind historic musical event: The Rocky Road Sing Song.
Led by Irish music icon Damien Dempsey, who has family roots in south Mayo, and supported by special guests, including Ballina native Aisling Mullarkey, Mayo's own Comhaltas Cuimsiú, drummer supreme Lorcan Mitchell, and students from Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, it will see the world premiere of 'Hope Calling' as Gaeilge!
The event takes take place at the TF Royal in Castlebar on Friday, May 1, and promises to be Ireland's biggest school sing song. Parents/guardians of students are welcome too.
The Mayo Comhaltas Cuimsiu Group will be playing with Damien on 'The Black Velvet Band. And Ballina's Aisling Mullarkey, who formed a duo with Hope Gillespie to win the Sing All Your Cares Away song competition with Damien in 2021, will be guesting on 'The Green and Red of Mayo' and 'The West's Awake.
The event is organised by Inspiring You, a platform encouraging students to engage in real-life activities over social media. This concert is part of their 'Songs and Stories' project, a nationwide initiative designed to foster empathy, community, and a deep appreciation for Ireland’s rich cultural legacy.
More than just a concert, The Rocky Road Sing Song encourages students to become active historians. In the lead-up to the event, schools are encouraged to explore the Dúchas Archives, connecting students with the folklore and local history of their own communities; create digital archives, inviting students to create videos to accompany the songs on the setlist using technology to preserve tradition rather than just consume content; and dedicated song time where teachers and students are encouraged to set aside a few minutes each week to learn the setlist and to tell stories.
With Damien Dempsey leading the way, the roof of the TF Royal is set to rise as students from all over Ireland, particularly the west, showcase their talent.
Following up on the success of the first Sing Song by Damo, this is a unique opportunity for students to come together and to belt out songs as one voice. The gig will help instil the value of the 'sing song' tradition to the next generation.
Paul Ryan, founder of Conversation Starters, together with Veronica Morley, Davitt College, created a workbook for secondary school students based on the messages from some of Damien's songs. The project highlights the importance of music and starting conversations to better manage wellbeing in our everyday life.
For more on this innovative concept or to research a digital copy of the booklet you can contact Paul directly at paulryan@msletb.ie.
For tickets and more information about The Rocky Road Sing Song with Damien Dempsey on May 1, click here, or follow this link https://tinyurl.com/4s3vkr4e .