A conversation at a late night music session back in 1988, between Camlough man Tommy Fegan and Kalle Tenno from Estonia led to a ground-breaking trad music exchange taking place later that year between Ireland and Estonia. Tenno had suggested a group of Irish musicians should go and play in Estonia and the following morning the conversation continued with Brendan O’Regan from Co-Operation North and American businessman Chuck Feeney, and it wasn’t long before the trip was funded and in the bag.
Twenty of Ireland’s top traditional Irish musicians and singers made the historic trip via Moscow to what was then the Soviet Republic of Estonia. It was the first cultural trip of outsiders since 1949 and they were met with enthusiasm and joy, in Tallin, Tartu and the islands of Sarima and Hiuuma. A few months later a delegation of singers, musicians, artists and business people, headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Culture made a return trip to Ireland.
The Estonian Ambassador to Ireland, Kairi Kunka, right with Tommy Fegan, Reel to
Revolution and Tom Mulligan, The Cobblestone, Dublin.
‘Reel to Revolution’, the story of that exchange was shown on screen at Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail in Newry last week. The short documentary film reflected on the events and circumstances of the Irish Estonian traditional music exchanges in 1988.
The Newry screening was hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia H.E. Mrs. Kairi Künka. Also at the event were former Irish Ambassador to Estonia, Frank Flood as well as some of the musicians that made the trip back in 1988 – Kieran Burns, Newry; Tommy Fegan, Camlough and Neillidh Mulligan, Dublin were joined by Kärt and Ants Johannson from Tallinn.
The music session in full swing at Gaeláras included from left: Tom Mulligan, Ants
Johannson, Gerry O’Connor, Neillidh Mulligan and Tommy Fegan.
Photograph: Columba O’Hare/ Newry.ie
Ambassador Künka spoke of the cultural link being huge taking in the music and the history of both countries. “As ambassador, for me, it’s really a privilege to deepen the cultural, political, business relations between two countries, between Irish people and Estonian and Irish companies and Estonian companies.” she said.
Cllr Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said the 1988 trip reminds us of the power of culture, to build understanding, solidarity and lasting international ties. Speaking about the film she added: “This compelling documentary explores the shared journeys of Estonia and Ireland as they emerge from colonial rule, highlighting the remarkable 1988 culture exchange that connected our peoples through music and identity, supported by partners including NI Screen and the ambassador of Estonia in Dublin.”
Cllr Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District
Council presents a bouquet to Estonian Ambassador to Ireland, Kairi Kunka at the
Reel to Revolution film launch at Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail in Newry. Photograph:
Columba O’Hare/ Newry.ie
Bronagh McAtasney, Public Engagement Manager with Northern Ireland Screen, Digital Film Archive emphasised the archive’s role in preserving and engaging with local stories and spoke of her delight at being involved in the project as well as helping to fund it. Footage of the trip back in 1988 had been recorded by Gerry Kelly of Ulster Television and NI Screen was able to supply it for use in the film.
Music was to the fore at the Gaeláras event on Wednesday 22 April with songs and tunes performed by those on the trip back in ’88 joined by other local musicians.
The film and event was hosted at Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail and supported by The Cobblestone, Dublin; Estonian Film Institute; Embassy of Estonia, Dublin; Northern Ireland Screen Digital Film Archive; Oriel Traditional Music Archive and Embassy of Ireland, Estonia.