Clare Kilgallon is awarded the Island's highest cultural honour

Clare Kilgallon is awarded the Island's highest cultural honour

Wed, 19 Feb 2014

Hon Phil Gawne MHK and Clare Kilgallon RBV

Well known and well loved singer, dancer and all round cultural champion, Clare Kilgallon, was presented with the Island’s highest cultural honour last month. The Reih Bleeaney Vanannan or RBV for short is awarded to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to Manx culture.

The award committee considered Clare the perfect recipient for Island of Culture 2014. Clare continues to make a huge contribution to Manx music and dance and is a member of many groups. She was introduced to Manx culture at a young age when she became a member of Aeglagh Vannin, learning songs, dances and stories from Mona Douglas. She has followed in the footsteps of her mentor, passing on the tradition to her own children and students of the Manx youth music movement, Bree.

Well-known as a Manx Gaelic singer, Clare regularly performs at Manx cultural events and features on various musical recordings. She leads the Manx language choir Cliogaree Twoaie and often represents the Island with them. Clare is also a long-term member of Manx dance groups Bock Yuan Fannee and the Manx Folk Dance Society. Clare’s enthusiasm for traditional Manx culture is invaluable and news of this award was met with praise from around the world as well as from the Island.

“Clare is one of the most talented performers and teachers of Manx culture in all its forms. For her it is a life-long passion, and her warmth in passing that on to others is truly remarkable”.

Clare's daughter and sons performed some Manx dances and tunes and Clare herself sang Gorse Sticks to which John danced.