Traditional Music Concert at DkIT continues St Oliver Plunkett Celebrations

2025 was the 400^th anniversary of the birth of St Oliver Plunkett, a figure with connections to both Dundalk and Drogheda. In anticipation of the celebrations, Drogheda CCÉ produced a scoraíocht ‘Oliver Plunkett Plans a Party’, for which they were awarded second place at the All-Ireland finals in Brú Ború, Co. Tipperary. The production provided a humorous engagement with the story but also drew on a range of folklore and local musical heritage. They followed this with ‘Ollie for the Áras’ in 2025.

In the productions, written and directed by DkIT lecturer Dr Daithí Kearney, St Oliver calls on both St Patrick and St Brigid for advice on planning his celebrations and running for public office. The episode integrates music and song, often with strong local connections, as they are joined by various other characters throughout history. Along with the musicians and singers from Drogheda CCÉ, the show will feature dancers from the Robinson School of Irish Dancing and the cast includes graduates and current students from the Institute.

Traditional music concerts in DkIT have regularly placed a focus on local heritage. Productions have celebrated individuals including dancer Mona Roddy from Co. Louth, piano accordion player Brian O’Kane from Co. Monaghan, and Armagh fiddle player Josephine Keegan. For Saints and Scholars, the students musically reflect on a variety of sources that inform the study of Irish traditional music at DkIT and the production is an opportunity to present the musical heritage of the county and celebrate our history.

Admission for Saints and Scholars is free but reservations are advised to [email protected]