Strong voices, strong minds - an evening of song, story and community in Offaly

BIRR Traveller & Settled Community Group is delighted to present Strong Voices, Strong Minds, an evening of song, story and community featuring acclaimed traditional singer Thomas McCarthy.

Thomas will be accompanied by musicians Blackie O’Connell and Seánie McGrath, plus singers Rosie McCarthy and Trish Reilly. The free event takes place at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Saturday September 12th at 8pm.

Originally from Birr, Thomas McCarthy is one of Ireland’s most treasured traditional singers. He learned many of his songs by ear from his mother, Mary McCarthy, and from a long line of singers before her. In 2019 Thomas was honoured as Traditional Singer of the Year at the Gradam Ceoil Awards and has been praised by broadcasters such as the BBC’s Mark Radcliffe as “the real deal.”

This special homecoming performance will celebrate the living heritage of the Irish Traveller community — a culture recognised by the Irish State in 2017 as a distinct ethnic group with its own language, traditions and crafts. The evening will highlight Traveller contributions to Ireland’s cultural life through song and story.

This event is part of Strong Voices, Strong Minds, a project centring on supporting wellbeing through song and storytelling in the Traveller Community. Thomas McCarthy will be an artist in residence in Birr for two weeks. In that time, he will meet with different people from the Traveller community and also facilitate events and workshops in schools and nursing homes. Thomas will also spend a day with Offaly Traveller Movement in Tullamore, working with both adults and young people. In 2027 Strong Voices, Strong Minds will support members of the Traveller community to engage in song and music in collaboration with Music Generation.

Strong Voices, Strong Minds is managed by Birr Traveller & Settled Community Group and is funded by the Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity programme and Offaly County Council. Admission is free, and members of the public are encouraged to reserve places in advance.

An Evening with Thomas McCarthy & Friends at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Saturday September 12th at 8pm. Free admission — booking recommended. Box Office: (057) 9122911, www.birrtheatre.com .