Cultural week in Drumconrath August 20-25th

Féile Máire Ní Raghallaigh 2017, in association with Drumconrath Cultural and Heritage Society, takes place from August 20th – 25th.

The week honours Máire, a native of Drumconrath, who operated a bookshop at 87 Upper Dorset Street, and which became a safe haven for Irish Volunteers on the run during the War of Independence. She died aged 70, in June 1941 .

Sunday 20th.

11.15 a.m. Commemorative Mass in memory of Máire Ní Raghallaigh in Drumconrath Parish Church followed by Flag Raising Ceremony and short talk in Garden of Remembrance.

12.30 – 6 p.m. Drumconrath Mountmellick Craft Group present an exhibition of Mountmellick embroidery and other crafts in Drumconrath Parish Centre.

3 p.m. Official opening of exhibition by Clodagh McCormick, Society of Friends, (Quakers) followed by a lecture on Mountmellick embroidery. Admission free

8 p.m. A reading of a play by Déirdre Kinahan entitled Wild Sky in Parish Centre. Wild Sky, written by Déirdre and premiered in 2016, received critical acclaim in Dublin, New York and Washington DC. This play will be read by Déirdre with actor/writer and director Padraig McIntyre. A suite of songs inspired by the life and work of Roger Casement will be sung by Michael Brunnock, internationally celebrate singer/songwriter. Tickets €5. Thursday 24th

8 p.m. Off the Bog: The noted poet Tom French will read a selection of his poems which recount his experiences while working on the bog. A booklet of Tom’s ten poems with previously unpublished plans for the development of Corstown bog by John Hill, Dundalk and dated July 3rd 1839 will also be published on the night.

Friday 25th

9 p.m. An evening of entertainment with Céilí, Sets and Old Time Dancing in Parish Centre. Music by the Tara Céilí Band. Light refreshments served. Tickets €10.

Tickets for any of the above events available from members of Drumconrath Cultural and Heritage Society or from 041/6854161