Legendary launch for the 2019 Tain March

THE famous story of Queen Maeve’s quest for the Brown Bull of Cooley and Cuchulainn’s valiant efforts to ward off her warriors was brought to life in An Táin Arts Centre last Thursday.

The launch of the 2019 Tain March was held as Quintessence Theatre ended their residence at An Táin Arts Centre with a stunning production of ‘Warrior of the Táin’.

As the most famous epic at the centre of the Ulster Cycle of myths, it is a powerful story of greed, envy, intrigue and loyalty.

For the past eight years, the Táin March has traced the journey of Maeve’s Army from Rathcrogan, Co Roscommon to Cooley.

Now, with sponsorship from Dundalk Credit Union and the continued support of Louth County Council and the Dundalk BIDS Office, it’s hoped that this year’s event will be bigger and better.

Louth County Council’s Chief Executive Joan Martin praised the work of the hard working team behind the march and assured them of the support of the Council.

Details of this year’s March were outlined by Tim Mullins and Kevin Moran. Mel O’Lone explained the arts programme which will be run in association with the march and Paul Gosling recalled the history behind the story.

Acclaimed fiddle player Gerry O’Connor was joined by his son Finnian for a performance of his ‘ Tain March’ which was composed especially for the festival. Helena Mullins as Queen Maeve and her army led the audience into the theatre for Quintessence’s ‘Warrior of the Táin’.

‘Queen Meabh and her Army’ at the official launch of An Tain March in The Town Hall.

Mel O’Loan, Joan Martin and Mary Deery at the official launch of An Tain March in The Town Hall.

Kevin Moran, Tim Mullins and Réamonn Ó Ciaráin at the official launch of The Tain March in The Town Hall.

Gerry and Finnian O’Connor performing at the official launch of An Tain March in The Town Hall.

Mary-Claire Cowley and Grainne McKeown at the official launch of The Tain March in The Town Hall. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics.