By Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin
Composed by John Rya
Illustrated by Tarsila Krüse and Úna Woods
I'm very excited to share that Ceol Na Mara, a captivating collection of illustrated songs by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, is set to hit the shelves in September 2024! This beautiful book celebrates the Irish language and culture, weaving together the magic of music and art for children. With its enchanting sea-inspired journey, captivating songs, and stunning artwork (I am very biased) by Úna Woods and myself, it's all set to offer a delightful and immersive experience to all who delve into its pages.
Originating as a CD composed by Tadhg, Ceol na Mara is deeply connected to the acclaimed Futa Fata book, Bliain na nAmhrán (Year of Songs), to which I had the pleasure of contributing back in 2017. Bliain na nAmhrán, which began as a CD and blossomed into a captivating book featuring artwork from various talented artists, including Brian Fitgerald, Jennifer Farley, Christina Donovan and myself, achieved recognition and was even selected for the White Raven Catalogue of Exceptional Children's Books in the Children's Library in Munich, Germany.
Similarly, Ceol na Mara is a result of an incredible collaboration involving Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, composer John Ryan, singer Caitlín Ní Chualáin, local school children from the Galway Gaeltacht area of Cois Fharraige, Úna Woods, and myself. Working on this project has truly been a joyous experience!
WHY CEOL NA MARA? CÉN FÁTH CEOL NA MARA?
You might be wondering, why Ceol na Mara? Here, Tadhg shares the inspiration behind the title, and his heartfelt response beautifully captures his deep connection with the sea and nature. (In Irish, followed by a translation in English):
"Tá grá agam don fharraige ó bhí mé an-óg. Ach níor tógadh cois na farraige mé. Tá cuimhne ghlé agam ar an gcéad uair riamh ar leag mé súil ar an bhfarraige - bhí mé thart ar thrí bliana d'aois agus thug mo thuismitheoirí muid chuig trá i gContae Shligigh, áit darb ainm Inis Crabhann. An trá, boladh na farraige, na tonnta, cúpla ciliméadar de ghaineamh mín faoi mo chosa nochta, na faoileáin os ár gcionn, bhí mé faoi dhraíocht ag an timpeallacht aisteach, álainn seo.
Nuair a bhí mé i mo chónaí i mBaile Átha Cliath blianta ina dhiaidh sin, bhí árasán agam i nDumhach Trá ag breathnú amach ar chuan Bhaile Átha Cliath. Tá mé i mo chónaí i gceantar Chois Fharraige i gConamara le beagnach cúig bliana fichead. Siúlaim cois farraige beagnach gach lá. Is cuid de mo shaol an fharraige agus theastaigh uaim í a cheiliúradh. Chomh maith leis sin, tá an-suim agam sa nádúr, in ainmhithe agus éin, i ngach neach beo. Bhí mé ag iarraidh an grá sin don nádúr agus i gcás Ceol na Mara, an grá don fharraige a roinnt le páistí i bhfoirm ceolmhar.
Agus an teideal? San oíche, nuair nach mbíonn mórán tráchta ar an mbóthar a shíneann idir mo theach agus an fharraige, is féidir na tonnta a chloisteáil. Ar oíche chiúin, bíonn fuaim an-suaimhneach ag na tonnta. Ar oíche stoirmiúil, fuaim an-bhríómhar a bhíonn ann. Tá an ceol mar sin chomh maith, is iomaí mothúchán is féidir leis a chur in iúl, díreach cosúil le ceol na mara."
Translation:
"I have loved the sea since I was very young. But I wasn't raised by the sea. I have a vivid memory of the first time I ever laid eyes on the sea - I was about three years old, and my parents took us to a beach in County Sligo, a place called Enniscrone. The beach, the smell of the sea, the waves, a few kilometres of fine sand under my bare feet, and the seagulls above us, I was enchanted by this strange and beautiful environment.
When I lived in Dublin years later, I had a flat in Sandymount overlooking Dublin harbour. I have lived in the Seaside area of Connemara for almost twenty-five years. I walk by the sea almost every day. The sea is part of my life, and I wanted to celebrate it. Also, I am very interested in nature, animals and birds, and all living things. I wanted to share that love for nature and, in the case of Ceol na Mara, the love for the sea with children in musical form.
And the title? At night, when there is not much traffic on the road that runs between my house and the sea, you can hear the waves. On a still night, the sound of the waves is very soothing. On a stormy night, it's a very lively sound. The music is so good, it can express many emotions, just like the music of the sea."
THE VISUALS OF CEOL NA MARA
As Úna and I delved into creating the visuals for "Ceol na Mara," we immersed ourselves in the original songs on the CD to craft illustrations that harmonized with the diverse rhythms and moods reminiscent of the sea. Inspired by the ever-changing hues of the sea, we carefully curated a colour palette that reflected its transformations and established consistent visual elements to weave together the essence of the book. Keep an eye out for a charming little boat with a red flag accompanying you through tumultuous storms and serene shores, adding an enchanting touch to the visuals.
Whether you're a music or Irish language enthusiast, a picturebook aficionado, or simply have a passion for Irish culture, Ceol Na Mara is guaranteed to be a treasure worth exploring. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this captivating journey when it releases this September!
