Molly Coffey evening in Ballinskelligs.

‘A life in Song’
The Molly Coffey Recordings

Féile na Dromada 2026

Binneas Presents ‘A life in Song’ The Molly Coffey Recordings Friday 25th September 8pm Ballinskelligs Community Centre.

Amhrán na Leabhar

Ceardlann Priontála & Déanta Leabhar

A Tribute to a Friend of ‘The Binneas Collection’

We remember with great warmth and gratitude June O’Connell (Andy) from Cahersiveen who understood something deeply important: that the heritage of a place is not found only in books, buildings, or official records, but lives in the voices, stories, songs, music and language of its people.

She recognised the extraordinary cultural wealth of this part of Kerry and understood the importance of preserving it for generations to come. In particular, she appreciated the value of the folk songs and musical traditions that have been carried through the generations — songs that tell the history of a community in a way that no written account ever could.

June and her husband Pat’s support for the Binneas Collection was an expression of that understanding. They recognised that collecting, recording and preserving these songs and memories was not simply an exercise in looking back. It was a way of safeguarding the identity and character of the area, ensuring that the voices of those who came before us would continue to be heard.

They also understood the special place of the Irish language within that heritage. Language, music and memory are inseparable, and the preservation of one strengthens our connection with the others. Their appreciation of this cultural legacy reflected a genuine love and respect for the people and traditions of Cahersiveen and the wider Iveragh community.

Those who contribute to collections such as Binneas do more than preserve material from the past. They help to keep a living tradition alive. Through her encouragement and support, June has played a part in ensuring that the musical and cultural heritage of the area would not be forgotten.

We are grateful for that generous support, and for the understanding that lay behind it.

Their contribution to Binneas will remain part of the story of this place — a reminder of someone who valued where she came from, respected the voices of those who came before, and understood the importance of passing that legacy on.

May she rest in peace, and may the songs, stories, music and language she helped to value continue to resonate in Cahersiveen and beyond.

Peter Mullarkey & Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh

Binneas in partnership with the OPW Historic Buildings have created the Daniel O’Connell Heritage trail celebrating the life of Daniel O’Connell in music, song & story.

The trail is in the gardens of Derrynane House and the official launch is on Saturday 5th June 2026 at 2.30pm.

On the 12th March 1923 five Republican prisoners were murdered at Bahaghs, Cahersiveen.

This Event has been postponed and a new date will be announced.

Can anyone help me find the location of Herbert Hughes’s diaries and journals, specifically his original field notes/notebooks from his Irish folksong-collecting trips. In particular, the material relating to ‘Irish Country Songs Volume 4 – 1936). Some of this material was collected in South Kerry.

A gentleman by the name of Christopher Orr gave a talk which was shown on Youtube I think, a few years back, about the song ‘She moved through the fair’. In his talk he refers to Herbert Hughes and as far as I can gather, he may be related. The information he had makes me think he had access to the field notes of Herbert Hughes.

Please share with anyone who might be able to help.

Many thanks.