Stellar line-up of speakers set for Ferns Conference

SPEAKERS from all over the world are set to take to the podium to take part in this year’s Ferns Conference. This year’s two-day conference on October 13 and 14 will focus on the complex weave of church, kingship and laity and will take place in the historic setting of St Edan’s Cathedral.

Saturday will see presentations on a range of topics including the revision of saints lives for the purpose of religious reform and political gain, insights in the culture and relations of the early churches in Ireland and Wales, the use of relics as diplomatic gifts, the medieval fascination with the afterlife and the history and architecture of St Aidan’s Cathedral and the medieval church at Clone.

Speakers will include Lisa Bitel, Dean’s Professor of Religion and a Professor of History at the University of Southern California, Jonathan Wooding, Sir Warwick Fairfax Chair of Celtic Studies, University of Sydney, Dr. Cóilín O’Drisceoil, Kilkenny Archaeology and Maynooth University, Dr. Niamh Wycherley, medieval historian and postdoctoral researcher in the Moore Institute, Professor Tadgh O’Keeffe, UCD School of Archaeology and Barry Lacey, Archaeologist.

Sunday’s session will incorporate a choral event in the Cathedral with participants to include local primary school children, Wexford based acapella group Credo, teen harpist Mollie Carroll and plenty of special guests.

The event is organised by the Ferns Heritage Project and Chairperson Catherine McPartlin says it promises to be a great weekend. ‘We are really looking forward to this year’s conference,’ she said. ‘We have a great mix of local, national and international talent, celebrating our historic, vocal and instrumental heritage.’

As places are limited, booking in advance is essential. A full programme of events will be announced shortly.

To register your interest or for more details, email fernsheritageconference@gmail.com or phone 087-4189740.