Cruinniú na nÓg makes a strong first impression
IT’S hoped Cruinniú na nÓg will become an annual event from this year on – and both the attendances and feedback received by organisers in Kerry might suggest the future is bright.
A national day of creativity for children and young people, the main towns of Tralee, Killarney, and Listowel were joined by Brosna, Cahersiveen, Dingle, Kenmare, Killorglin, Milltown, and Sliabh Luachra in offering fare throughout Saturday.
In total, more than 1,700 young people attended this inaugural staging across the county.
Organised by Kerry County Council’s Arts Office and helped by funding from Creative Ireland, there were strong attendances for events in the main towns, with events in Muckross House Schoolhouse, a Killarney Community College film screening, and a day of art in the square in Listowel all drawing the crowds. There was also good feedback from choral events in Dingle, Killarney, Killorglin, Listowel, and Tralee, with some 400 people attending and participating in total.
Events across the county’s libraries, and in Cahersiveen in particular, proved popular. In the south Kerry town, visitors enjoyed a performance of ‘Spirit in the Forest’ by Innabubble.
There was also good take-up for performances at Kenmare’s Carnegie Arts Centre, and St John’s and the Seanchaí-Kerry Writers’ Museum in Listowel.
“There was great excitement at events across Kerry, and the weather was favourable for families to get out and about,” Kerry County Council Arts Officer Kate Kennelly said.
“Feedback tells us that there was something for everyone, and parents were very pleased to be able to access high-quality, free events for young people.”
Mayor of Kerry Councillor Norma Foley was similarly impressed by the day, particular given that this was a first staging.
“We are grateful to all our venues and artists who organised events county-wide,” the newly elected Mayor said.