An Góilín
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An Góilín (Irish: Club an Ghóilín) Traditional Singers' Club is the forerunner of the traditional singing clubs and the most respected traditional singing club in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1979 by Dónal de Barra and his brother-in-law, Tim Dennehy, the club serves as a meeting place for those who want to sing and listen to traditional songs. Several things distinguish the Góilín club: the complete absence of music throughout performances; its bilingualism; the range of singers; the repertoire of songs; the historical knowledge and symbolism of the songs.
Aside from the usual club meetings An Góilín regularly invites guest traditional singers such as Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill, Seán Garvey and Kevin Pelan, as well as traditional singers from beyond Ireland such as Bob Davenport. On Friday 6 October 2006, the weekend following the first Frank Harte Festival, Christy Moore paid a surprise visit to the club giving renditions of his earlier songs such as Viva La Quinte Brigada and newer, bilingual songs like Na Conghailigh.
An Góilín also serves as a centre for Sean nós singers such as Antaine Ó Faracháin and Sean nós events like Sean Nós Cois Life. In September 2006 it organised the first Frank Harte Festival in honour of the much-loved architect Frank Harte who became one of the most outstanding collectors of folk songs in twentieth century Ireland, particularly folk songs relating to the 1798 Rebellion, and events surrounding it. In recent years the club has begun to tour around Ireland and Europe, as well as make recordings of seisiúin. Jerry O Reilly is one of the club's most acclaimed singers in this regard.
