Commemorating the writer Seumas O’Kelly.
Where: 94 Lower Georges St., Dún Laoghaire. Time 5pm Saturday 17th Nov.
We welcome Mairdhia Ni Murchu with the terrific group of actors, Val O’Donnell and The JoyceStagers, who will perform rehearsed readings from the short stories of Seumas O’Kelly this evening for our event, (one of a series of events spread over the week of his anniversary, which falls on Wednesday 14th November)*
Most of these events will be held in Dublin city centre, but it is so exciting to have this event in Dun Laoghaire. Seumas was living in the borough at the time of his death. He also has family connections here. His nephew lived locally and reared his family here, many of whom still live in the area and will join us for the event.
The readings from his work, music, poetry and song will take place in our bookshop upstairs, preceded by a guided walking tour of Dún Laoghaire, with discussion on places associated with Seumas, his brother Michael and nephew Alphonsus Sweeney.
All will be invited to take part this evening in the readings, so be ready! After the readings there will be ample time for questions. Refreshments will be served with plenty of time to mingle and chat.
There will be plenty for younger visitors to do too. We’ve arranged Art Tables & stacks of paper printed with a selection of quotes from Seumas O’Kelly’s works ( the short stories are wonderfully descriptive!) for the children to illustrate in paint, crayon, pencil, markers…afterwards the children are welcome to display their finished works in the window of 94 Lwr George’s street throughout the following week.
Timetable:
1. 36 Parnell Square, the Teachers’ Club Yarnspinners
storytellers present and re-tell stories by Seumas O’Kelly 8pm -10pm Thurs 8th Nov.
2.Sweny’s Pharmacy Lincoln Place Tuesday 13th Nov.
reading circle with short stories by Seumas O’Kelly 1pm-2pm
3.Dublin Writers’ Museum Parnell Sq west Wed.14th Nov.
staged excerpts of readings of Seumas O’Kelly’s stories by Val O’Donnell and The JoyceStagers from: 1pm
Nuala Hayes on “The Weaver’s Grave” and how it was dramatised by Micheal O hAodha winning the Prix d’Italia in 1961
Patrick Deeley, poet and author of “The Hurleymaker’s Son”speaks about his connection to Seumas O’Kelly
Jack Lynch actor and storyteller re-tells some stories of Seumas O’Kelly
4.Pearse Street Library Thurs 15th Nov.
Rehearsed readings of the stories of Seumas O’Kelly by Val O’Donnell and The JoyceStagers 5p.m.- 8p.m.
Breege Fahy and The Dublin Shakespeare Society perform a dramatised reading of “The Weaver’s Grave”
5.St.Patrick’s College /DCU Drumcondra (theatre in new library building) Fri 16th 6.30pm – 8pm
Patrick Deeley poet and author of “The Hurleymaker’s Son” reads from his memoir and speaks about his connection to Seumas O’Kelly
Val O’Donnell and The JoyceStagers perform rehearsed readings from the short stories of Seumas O’Kelly
“I’m writing to thank you for your contribution to the Seumas O’Kelly event at the Museum of Childhood Ireland office in Dun Laoghaire – it was a great venue, and one of the most special of the Seumas O’Kelly centenary commemoration week.
We look forward to collaborating with you on some more events to bring Seumas O’Kelly’s work to a whole new generation.”
Mairdhia Ni Mhurchu.