I always really enjoy the month  of November.  There’s the run up to the best time of the year of course but there’s also a month of Music.

Firstly this year, we’ll have the Ennis Trad Fest.   I’ll be down there from the 8th to the 11th of November.  This weekend is just crammed with back to back wall to wall sessions with some of the best musicians in the country just wandering around for tunes.  It’s a little bit of paradise actually. You will find me playing there on the Saturday night from about 9 in Cruises.

Next is the HEAnet Higher Education authority network conference in Galway. I’m one of the main presenters this year so that’s a little daunting but I am happy as well as GAlway is one of my favourite places in Ireland for music so when people are networking at night, I’ll quietly sneak out.  The session in the thatch on Wednesdays is one of the best in my opinion.

November ends with a return to traditional Irish music in my home town. The Drogheda Trad Fest has been on the go for over 20 years now.  I have mixed thought’s about this one but I always relish and enjoy any chance to play music in my home so although I have some worries over this one, I’m still looking forward to it.

That will bring us to December and the start of that word that I’m not allowed mention yet.  so, welcome November. I’ve been looking forward to your return.

For those interested, I will be giving a detailed presentation on the role of ICT in the process of incorporating universities at the HEAnet conference.