THE group behind the lively, eclectic event that is the Séamus Ó Néill Summer School believes the move on line makes the festival even more exciting with people from all over the world now able to contribute and of course, everyone can now participate.
Castlewellan’s Irish language group, Glór Uachtar Tíre, are delivering all the events free of charge – although donations are always most welcome.
Highlights include a Conversation and Music with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Gráinne Holland and Ciara McCrickard, featuring an exclusive new video of these three wonderful artists performing together!
Glór Uachtar Tíre is also delighted to welcome Eithne Ní Néill back to the festival which pays tribute to her father, Séamus.
Eithne will discuss Séamus O’Neill’s ground-breaking book Tonn Tuile.
Remaining on a literary bent, poet, author and singer, Belfast man, Seán Ó Muireagáin will be interviewed.
The weekend includes a three-session workshop on creative writing coordinated by local teacher, Ian McMillan (places limited to eight, please book early).
Other events include a rhyme-time session for young children, stone-painting for primary school children and a water-colour workshop for high school kids.
Parents will be interested in Dr Francesca La Morgia’s talk entitled Irish Medium Education for Children with Additional Language and Communication Needs.
The festival also boasts a talk on the elusive Patrick Lynch (1756-1838) from Loughinisland, a talk on our local birds and a baking workshop.
All the above events will be interactive, but opportunities to really use and improve your Irish are provided by the Intensive Irish Language Course with four levels of classes, the conversation circle and, the only non-virtual events in the festival, the (Social distance) Walking group.
No matter what level of Irish you have, there’s something there for you!
Details of the fourteen events in the programme are available on Glór Uachtar Tíre’s website, www.gloruachtartire.com – but it’s necessary to register on-line to participate. For more information contact Glór Uachtar Tíre on 07501 252027, email gloruachtartire@hotmail.co.uk or see www.gloruachtartire.com.
