County Leitrim is welcoming those intending to take part in The Gathering Ireland 2013 to attend “Percy’s Party”, a celebration of the Irish compose Percy French.

The party will take part around the town of Mohill, involving a week long Irish fiesta of fun, song, music, sport and entertainment.

Percy French was born in County Roscommon on May 1st 1854. He wrote famous
songs such as 'Are ya right there MIchael?', 'Phil the fluthers ball',
'Eileen Oge' and many many more great pieces.

Percy spent a lot of time in Leitrim as his maternal grandfather the Rev. W.A. Percy was Rector of the parish of Kiltoghert which covered Carrick-On-Shannon, Mohill, Carrigallen etc.

'Percy's Party' weekend will will start off on the evening of Friday 3rd May 2013 with
an art exhibition of the great watercolours painted by Percy French and will also include works by local artists. A night of music and song in some local establishments

Saturday will consist of a sporting event  and then a Gospel Mass which will feature the Mohill based 'Sweet Spirit Gospel Choir' under the direction of Tish Dunleavy. After Mass The 'Sliabh an Iarainn Players' under the direction of Frank Cadam will present a well established Irish play on Saturday evening 4th May followed by song and music.

Sunday will start with a Gospel Service in the Church of Ireland Mohill on Sunday morning. Sunday evening Percy French will return to Mohill accompanied by his famous jarvey, Paddy Reilly from Ballyjamesduff all compliments of St. Peter!This will be followed by Percy's Party in the local hall where Percy himself, joined by Tish Dunleavy and Friends will present a
wonderful night of the works of Percy which feature song, recitations and sketches.

Anybody coming to Percy's Party will be encouraged to dress in period costume from late 1800's to early 1900's or even come as some of the Characters in Percy's songs such as 'Phil the Fluther', Little Brigid Flynn, Paddy Reilly, Eileen Oge' etc. Everybody welcome!

For more information contact info at countyleitrimpercyfrenchsociety.ie or tishgospelchoir at eircom.net.

Here’s the famous Irish tune by Percy French “Are ye right there Michael?”: