St. Patrick’s Festival Céilí [2011]

St. Patrick’s Festival Céilí [2011], originally uploaded by infomatique.

St. Patrick’s Festival Céilí

Unfortunately my application for access to photograph this year's St. Patrick's Festival was rejected and as a result I found it very difficult to photograph the Ceili which took place today at the corner of St. Stephen's Green. The main problem was my view was blocked most of the time. Anyway, I do hope that the photographs that I have made available captured some of the the atmosphere.

The event started at 5.00pm and it offered an interesting and fun filled family friendly way to spend an afternoon dancing your heart away. Expert callers lead the crowd (the majority appeared to be non-Irish) through dances such as the Siege of Ennis, the Walls of Limerick.
Irish Dancing star Dearbhla Lennon of Riverdance fame was joined by dancers and musicians from Siamsa Tíre, Irelands National Folk Theatre and Arts Centre, Céilí caller Jerry O’Reilly, dancers from the internationally acclaimed Brookes Academy, and award-winning fiddle and concertina player Niamh Ní Charra and friends.
I used a Sony NEX-5 and while I really like the camera not having a viewfinder makes it very difficult to check focus.