Oíche Shiamsaíochta in onóir do Josie Sheáin Jeaic Mac Donncha

A big celebration bash will take place this coming Friday (30 November) in the village of Carna, Conamara in honour of a local sean nós singer and fisherman who was recently conferred at NUI Galway.

Josie Sheáin Jeaic Mac Donncha was one of five who was conferred with an Honorary Masters Degree at NUI Galway last month.

From An Aird Thiar (Carna), Mac Donncha is not only a great sean nós singer, but a local historian, with a deep knowledge of the oral seanchas of the area and its placenames. He has particular skill in the placenames of the coast he frequents as an inshore fisherman.

Commenting on the conferring of this year's graduands, Dr Jim Browne, President of NUI Galway, said: “NUI Galway is fortunate to be associated with many outstanding honorary graduates throughout its history. Each of these honorees share a passion for our region and its development. NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to recognise their exceptional talents and achievements.”

Dr. Lillis Ó Laoire of NUI Galway has described Josie Shéain Jeaic as "a justly recognised master of the sean-nós tradition. His style is generally unhurried and relaxed, while revealing an intense mesmeric involvement with the texts and the music of his songs."

A frequent visitor to the Oireachtas and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Josie has also travelled extensively abroad, including England and Scotland. He made a visit to Libya in 1976 with a group of singers and musicians from Ireland. He has made numerous recordings and was the singer-in-residence in the Irish Studies Centre at NUI Galway in 2003-2004.

This event, which is is being organised by the local Joe Heaney Festival committee, will kick off at 9pm on Friday in Carna Bay Hotel. A host of local singers, musicians and dancers will take part on the night. An open invitation has been extended to all of of Josie's many friends and fans all over the country.