Annual Patrick Kavanagh Weekend Celebrations
FRIDAY 28TH – Sunday 30TH SEPTEMBER 2012
‘Leafy with love banks and the green waters of the canal
Pouring redemption for me, that I do
The will of God, wallow in the habitual, the banal,
Grow with nature again as before I grew.’
This year’s Weekend promises to be one of the most interesting and thought-provoking yet, featuring an array of literary talent, musical performances, drama, storytelling and of course the Annual Poetry Award.
We hope to stimulate, energise and debate, encourage participation and make new friends.
Events take place in the Patrick Kavanagh Centre which is dedicated to Ireland’s best loved poet and is situated in the picturesque and tranquil village of Inniskeen nestling among the Monaghan drumlins. Over the centuries, this ancient landscape has been an inspiration for legends, a home to poets and proved to be a rich source of inspiration for Kavanagh, prompting him to ‘dabble in verse’. The locale has changed little since his time, providing the perfect backdrop for the events.
The weekend will get underway on Friday 28th September at 7.15pm with the Annual Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Awards. Hosted by poet Brian Lynch, Adjudicator. Readings by the 2012 winners from their work.
This award, which is organised by the Patrick Kavanagh Society, is now in its 41st year.
At 8.00pm acclaimed poet, Micheal O’Siadhail will deliver the Keynote Address entitled ‘Patrick Kavanagh, Poet and Prophet’ posing the question; How seriously do we take Patrick Kavanagh’s claim the role is that of prophet and saviour. To smelt in passion / the common places of life? Is this just rhetoric or is he indeed prophet in some deep sense? Or what in fact do we mean by the word ‘prophet.
At 9.45, Sean Clarkin, first winner of the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award (1971) will read from his work. At 10.00pm Jimmy Crowley will bring the evening to a close with his unique voice and great wit.
The Saturday 29th September the programme will commence at 9.20am sharp with a conducted walking tour of the Patrick Kavanagh Literary Trail in Carrickmacross led by Larry McDermott. Assembly point: The Valley Lodge – opposite St. Joseph’s Church.
Back to the Centre for 11.00am for Dr. Tony Carroll’s talk, reminiscing on the Patrick Kavanagh he knew.
At 12.00pm Mary Turley McGrath will deliver her talk entitled ‘The Great Hunger’.
Then a break at 1pm for lunch.
At 2pm Pat Walsh author of ‘Patrick Kavanagh and The Leader’ will deliver his talk entitled ‘Kavanagh and the Leader; the poet, the politician and the libel trial’. This will be followed by a lively discussion on the trial at 3.15pm chaired by Dr. Una Agnew.
At 3.45pm Paddy Cullivan, singer, songwriter, comedian, radio and television contributor (Late Late Show resident) will entertain the audience with songs and poetry.
At 4.30pm acclaimed and well loved poet, Paula Meehan will read from her work.
At 7pm Commemorative Mass for Patrick Kavanagh and deceased family members at the Church of Mary Mother of Mercy, Inniskeen. Concelebrants: Fr. Martin Treanor, P.P. Inniskeen and Fr. Michael Maher, S.M. (Homilist)
At 9pm well known actor, Noel McGee will perform his one-man show: ‘I, Kavanagh’ followed by a lively seisiun with various musicians.
On Sunday morning a bus tour of Kavanagh Country led by Art Agnew will bring the visitors to sites of local and historic interest with Kavanagh links.
At 1pm lunch.
2pm Annual graveside commemoration with wreath-laying and poetry readings.
Back at the Centre at 2.15pm the Launch of Windows Anthology;
Windows Publications are celebrating twenty years of publishing emerging and established writers. To mark the occasion editors Heather Brett and Noel Monahan are publishing a special Anthology with poems from many of Ireland’s major poets.
They will be in attendance alongside some of the contributors.
At 3.15pm John Doherty, founder and director of the Beehive school which offers programmes in reflection meditation and deepening awareness skills will deliver his talk entitled ‘Mindfulness’
At 4.15pm the Annual Student Poetry Awards will take place with readings by the winners bringing the 2012 weekend to a close.
For information and booking Ph. 00353 (0) 42 9378560 E-mail: infoatpkc@eircom.net www.patrickkavanaghcountry.com
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