Peadar Mór Ó Conghaile the international poet from Inis Meáin.

His work includes much of the material used by sean nós singers of today. The weekend started in Cill Choimín Graveyard near Oughterard at Colm's grave, where a crowd gathered in the rain, to say prayers and listen to short speeches, about his life and work. Mairtín Tom Sháanin - the Radio na Gaeltachta broadcaster - explained how Coim died in Oughterard Work House and Padraig Pearse and other Irish poets of the time gathered some money to ensure that he was buried in Reilig Chill Choimín and not in a 'Pauper's Grave' near the old Workhouse.

After the short prayer service in Oughterard, the celebrations moved to Ceantair na nOileáin and Leitir Mór where in true Colm De Bhailís spirit there was much dancing, singing and poetry recited, with gusto in Tigh Mhichael Jack.

Then on Sunday in great sunshine the Parish Priest of Leitir Mór, Fr Michael Brennan, celebrated Mass for the big crowd along the roadside at An Srutháin Bhuí where Coim De Bhailís had spent a few nights, in a roadside hut, that still survives.

The Mass celebrated the work of Colm and the other Connemara poets through the years. Passers by stopped and were made welcome. There was food and drink for the hundreds who talked and sang impromptu songs as they sat along the roadway.

Musicians arrived from throughout Connemara and gave of their best - Mike 'Phoppy' Mac Donncha danced on the roadway as everyone cheered and celebrated the life of Colin De Bhailís - probably the greatest Irish poet of the l9th century.