Ledwidge Day at Slane hotel
AN afternoon of song, poetry and music is promised when the annual Ledwidge Day commemoration is held at the Conyngham Arms Hotel, Slane at 3pm on Sunday 29th July next.
The programme of events is held to mark the death of Slane poet Francis Ledwidge who was killed in the First World War on 31st July 1917.
The afternoon’s proceedings will be opened with an address of welcome by Collette McDonnell, Chairperson of the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee followed by an address from the newly-elected Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Tom Kelly.
Ledwidge poems will be read throughout the programme by Paul Murphy (Lament for Thomas McDonagh and Soliloquy), James Doherty (June), Collette McDonnell (A soldier’s Grave) and Terry Wogan (At Evening).
Young Navan violinist Julieanne Forrest will play Nocturne by Chopin and It ain’t necessarily so by George Gershwin. Music will be provided by the ni Mhaolain sisters Katie, Sophie and Elizabeth, and also by Rachel O’Malley, Mary Clarke, Eugene Gallagher, and Frank Bruton.
Shona Loughran and Terry McDonnell will sing The Green Fields of France and The Ballad of Waltzing Matilda (both by Eric Bogle).
Well-known historian and county councillor Noel French will give an address on “Meath and World War 1” and Collette will outline the exploits of the Martin Family during World War 1 (including those of Mother Mary Martin, Foundress of the Medical Missionaries of Mary).
The Roll of Honour of Meath men who fought in the 1914-18 war will be read by James Doherty.
Tickets are e12 and bookings can be made by phoning the museum at 0419824544.