Crowds flock in as an Díseart opens the doors to a day of culture

THE doors of An Diseart were open on Friday to welcome the people of West Kerry to a day of celebration of culture.

From the first strains of music by Eoin Duignan on Friday morning, a steady stream of people enjoyed music, refreshments and art in the gounds and building of the former Presentation Convent.

There was indeed something for everyone. World champion Irish dancer David Geaney received a rousing reception from the crowd who enjoyed his gravity defying footwork in the room that houses Ireland’s only Fresco of the Last Supper by artist Eleanor Yates. In the afternoon children gathered in the gazebo in the grounds behind the church for a puppet show with puppet master Tonni Lemmens.

Meanwhile, Gene Courtney opened a posthumous exhibition of paintings by his good friend Jay Killian. Over 20 paintings were given on loan by their owners for the exhibition which will run until the middle of next week. During his opening speech Gene reiterated the theme of the day was to open up the building to the people of West Kerry.

There were copius cups of tea and coffee as well as locally madeeElderflower cordial to complement the tables ladens with cakes and buns made specially for the day.

Chairperson of the Board of An Diseart Fr. Jim Sheehy, thanked the organisers and all who had attended and made this a special day in an Díseart. Members of Cairde an Disirt who organ- iseed the event were very pleased with the day and put its success down to a great team effort.

Photo by Declan Malone Gene Courtney with Jay Killian’s ‘Carravaggio’ at the open day in An Díseart on Friday. The nativity scene, which includes Peig Sayers and Kruger Kavanagh among the cast of characters, was commissioned by Gene as a gift for Fr Tomás Houlihan who...

Members of Cáirde an Dísirt Mary Ruddy and Marian Uí Chofaigh at the open day in An Díseart.