Legend of the Lake
The Legend of the Lake program was created to recognise people from both the Lake School and wider Australian community who stand out as leaders in, and holders of, celtic cultural activity. They are usually prominent in the celtic scene and have engaged with a broad audience promoting and dispersing both traditional and modern approaches to celtic music, song and dance. Since the program's inception in 2003 many wonderful musicians, singers and dancers have been recognised for their contribution to our thriving celtic scene here in Australia.
2019 - Andy Rigby
Our Legend of the Lake for 2019 was Andy Rigby. Over 100 musicians, friends and supporters, as well as the Lake School Legend Band, Lisnacrieve, and the Kyneton Street Band gathered at the Trentham Mechanics Hall on June 29, 2019 to celebrate Andy’s induction as a Legend of the Lake by the Trentham identity, Mary Walsh.
Andy has had an active music career playing numerous instruments, notably harp and flute, as well as teaching and organising festivals. He is also a respected instrument maker. Andy was on the Turramurra Committee for many years and is currently involved in the Rosewood Music Camp which is held in late September every year in the Strathbogie Ranges. Rosewood Music Camp is a continuation of Roses Gap Music Camp which was previously held in the Grampians.
Mary Walsh is the matriarch of a large Trentham family including Dennis, Allison, Madeleine, Caroline, Patrick, David and their children who have been attending Lake School since 2001. Mary’s husband Tom Walsh, was also a widely respected fiddle player who lead the Trentham session for many years.
Legends of The Lake
2003 Billy Moran, inducted by Irish Ambassador Declan Kelly
2004 Fay and Morgan McAlinden, inducted by Martha McEvoy (Embassy of Ireland)
2005 Dennis O’Keeffe, inducted by Val Noone (Tain Magazine)
2006 Maria Forde, inducted by Marion O’Hagan (Irish Welfare Bureau)
2007 Vince Brophy, inducted by Martha McEvoy (Embassy of Ireland)
2008 Tommy Carty, inducted by Ted Egan
2009 Paddy Fitzgerald, inducted by Mary Fiorini-Lowell (Mary Bourke)
2010 Ewen Baker inducted by Shane Howard
2011 Mark & Lisa McDonnell, inducted by Chris Atwell
2012 Ade Kelly, inducted by Jamie McKew
2013 Jack Brennan, inducted by Tom Walsh (Trentham Fiddler & Session Leader)
2014 Marie Brouder, inducted by Morgan McAlinden
2015 Christy Cooney, inducted by Steve Edward and Julia Melia
2016 Eamon Naughton inducted by Irish Ambassador Noel White
2017 Geoff McArthur inducted by Chris Evans, President Koroit Irish Festival
2018 Geraldine Ryan, inducted by Sue Foley, (Bhan Tre)
2019 Andy Rigby, inducted by Mary Walsh