Nollaig Casey, Niall McCabe & Mike McGoldrick at the Triskel Arts Centre (Photos)

In the picturesque setting of the Triskel Arts Centre on Saturday night it was nearly possible to taste the music. Even the first winter storm to hit Cork shores couldn't stop the sold-out show from going ahead. All five scenes were invigorated with the melodic serving of fiddle and viola by Nollaig Casey. Flute, uilleann pipes and whistles of Mike McGoldrick. And guitar with breathtaking vocals by Niall McCabe. Presented by Music Network in conjunction with the Cork Folk Festival and the Triskel Arts Centre it was an evening to fest on folk in the rebel city. The show featured songs from Niall's outstanding 'Rituals' album with 'November Swell' and 'Stonemason' being standouts. And tunes from the immense catalogues of Nollaig and Mike. The showcase of the night was the Music Network newly commissioned pieces from each artist:

The Iron Cat by Nollaig Casey
"The piece was inspired by a mysterious stone carving that depicts the face of a cat, and is known locally as the 'Iron Cat'. It is located over a doorway at the medieval ruin church in Kilcatherine on the Beara peninsula, near my mother's home place. The Iron Cat carving may have been placed there to ward off evil spirits and might explain the meaning of the placename, Kilcatherine: Cill Chait Iarainn, or 'Church of the Iron Cat, although some believe that the church is named after saint, St.Caithighearn. Whatever the truth, my piece is a 2 - part musical depiction of the cat's imaginary activities!"

Between the Mountains and the Sea by Mike McGoldrick
"This tune hopefully captures the beauty and strength of nature's contrasting landscapes.It was composed when visiting the beautiful island of Crete."

Promises by Niall McCabe
"Lyrically the song is about the promises we optimistically make when entering into new relationships that can seem so foolish or naive in hindsight."