Bishops of Clogher: Rev. John McDowell & Dr Liam MacDaid with Dr Joseph Duffy

Day Four of the William Carleton international summer school was centred in Corick House Hotel, Clogher, County Tyrone. The programme continued across the border, having started in Monaghan on Friday and Saturday, then moving to Emyvale on Sunday. For more on the events in Emyvale see emyvale.net.

Caesar Otway

The opening address by the Honorary Director of the William Carleton international summer school Professor Owen Dudley Edwards was on Carleton, Caesar Otway and Irish literature.

Professor Thomas O’Grady of the University of Massachussets, Boston, spoke about Carleton’s story, ‘The Donagh’, in which he revealed the connection with the Carnmore area of Sliabh Beagh near Roslea. He later went to see the are himself for the first time.

Gerry McCullough & Raymond McCullough

Author of ‘Belfast Girls’ and several other books, Gerry McCullough and her singer/songwriter husband Raymond made an interesting contribution to the summer school. The programme finished with committee member Aidan Fee in conversation with well-known broadcaster and columnist Tom McGurk, who hails from Brockagh in County Tyrone. He began by recollecting his early years in the parish at a primary school where conditions were at times primitive.

Deputy Mayor Dungannon/S.Tyrone Cllr Robert Mulligan with Jack Johnston President WCS

The day was rounded off with a session in a local pub where guests were entertained by singer Seosamhín Ní Bheaglaoich and a new Irish traditional music group, Síoda.

William Carleton Society committee members: Frank McHugh, Sam Craig, Gordon Brand, Isabel Orr