2024 The Crankie Island Song Project
It was a real honour to be part of this artistic archive of stories and songs from Ireland's rich musical tradition. Celebrated singer Cathy Jordan and illustrator and producer Peter Crann, invited artists from each of the 32 counties to illustrate a chosen song.
With the song ‘The Turfman from Ardee’ as my guide and the skilled handiwork of Theatre Designer John McGovern who fashioned my crankie box from old bits of wood & brooms handles, my crankie scroll was inspired by the dedicated work of the Friends of Ardee Bog. The 8 meter parchment paper scroll was illustrated with acrylic markers and incorporated shadow puppetry. The project was funded by the Arts Council of Ireland
Nominated for Best Album at the RTE Radio 1 Folk Awards check out the link to the project: https://www.crankieisland.com
The Turfman from Ardee, crankie box with 8 metres of scroll
Turfman from Ardee on stage with Cathy Jordan & Band on stage at Droichead Arts Centre October 2024
Detail of scroll drawing and shadow puppet
Cathy Jordan and Peter Crann escaping with the 'Turfman'
Detail of scroll drawing
Me- saying a few words about the value of the bog
"The Turfman from Ardee" Co. Louth An early morning encounter with a turfman was the inspiration for this comic song set on the rural roads of Louth.
The first recorded version was by John McGettigan 1936 on a recording made in Philadelphia.
Watch full video on Youtube