Cumar is the Irish for a confluence of two small rivers or streams. The organisers of a week-long music school for the young people of Connemara and the Aran Islands (ages 11 to 21) have borrowed the word, believing it best describes the combination of music, singing, dancing and speech that sounds off today in the Rosmuc-Camus community.
Initiated by Noirin Ni Ghradaigh, a Meath fiddleplayer, the festival was established in the autumn of last year. Musicians, singers and dancers living locally, as well as people involved in community development in Rosmuc, comprise the board of directors.
And even if one didn't know too much about it, one could guess from the listed line-up that this is something special. Among the tutors listed are Noel Hill on concertina, Marcas O Murchu and June Ni Chormaic on flute, P.J. Hernon and Sean Mac Gabhann on accordion, Gerry O'Connor and Oisin Mac Diarmada on fiddle, the current local all-Ireland champion Roisin Nic Dhonncha, Eithne Ni Uallachain, Sarah Jane Woods and Siobhan Ni Chonarain on tin whistle, Micheal O Ruanaigh on harp, and the sean-nos singers Nam Tam Teaimin de Burca, Josie Sheain Jeaic Mac Donncha, Johnny Mhairtin Learai Mac Donncha, Caitriona Ni Cheannabhain, Mairead Ni Fhlatharta and Celia Ni Fhatharta.
Tutors in the oral tradition will include Sean O Grainne, Maidhe P. O Conaola and Maire Holmes. Guest tutors will also attend.
The aim is to offer intensive tuition to young people. However, all night-time events are open to the public.