Irish patriot remembered in song

THE story of Irish patriot John Boyle O’Reilly is recalled in ‘Message of Peace’ an evening of music and poetry on Friday in the Studio Theatre, An Táin Arts Centre.

Singer/songwriter Sean Tyrell recounts the story of John Boyle O’Reilly, born in Dowth, Co Meath in 1844, tracing his journey from early childhood, set against a backdrop of famine, rev- olution, and penal servitude for life in Australia.

The first man to escape from the penal colony in Australia on a whaling ship to the USA, O’Reilly settled in Boston and became the most influential Irishman in America of his day. In his writings, he championed the rights of native and African Americans.

Tickets, €15 and €12, from 9332332. 5

A Winter Wish, a delightful musical for young children, comes to the Studio Theatre at An Tain Arts Centre on Thursday with performances at 11.30am and 12noon.