Tag Archives: Thomas O’Grady

FAIR OF EMYVALE

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Unveiling of plaque at Blue Bridge, Emyvale, by Michael Fisher

Unveiling of plaque at Blue Bridge, Emyvale, by Michael Fisher

On day three of the William Carleton summer school, the focus moved to Emyvale in County Monaghan. In association with Emyvale Development Association and with the co-operation and assistance of a number of local people, I unveiled a restored plaque about William Carleton at the Blue Bridge, Inishdevlin.

Blue Bridge, Emyvale

Blue Bridge, Emyvale

The wooden backing of the plaque had rotted and earlier this year it fell down. It was found by a walker and was handed in to the nearest house, the residence of Paul and Ann Bowe. I had been talking about the plaque already to Peadar McMahon and when I told him that the plaque had vanished at Easter, he was quick to establish its whereabouts and to ensure that it was repaired and replaced.

Restored Blue Bridge Plaque

Restored Blue Bridge Plaque

On behalf of the William Carleton Society, I would like to tank Peadar once again for all his assistance in making sure that this afternoon’s event ran smoothly. A minibus service (Morans) was provided to and from Emyvale Leisure Centre to the Blue Bridge.

Singer Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich at the Blue Bridge

Singer Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaoich at the Blue Bridge

Later the Carleton Players were joined by actor Pat Deery (narrator) for a reading of Carleton’s story, the ‘Fair of Emyvale’. Around seventy people attended and received refreshments afterwards.

Seamus McCluskey, Emyvale greets Professor Thomas O'Grady at the Blue Bridge, Emyvale

Seamus McCluskey, Emyvale greets Professor Thomas O’Grady at the Blue Bridge, Emyvale

All in all, a very pleasant afternoon in Emyvale followed by a successful performance of Carleton’s story to an appreciative audience at Emyvale Leisure Centre.

Breege Lenihan, Tydavnet at unveiling of Blue Bridge restored plaque

Breege Lenihan, Tydavnet at unveiling of Blue Bridge restored plaque

CARLETON & KAVANAGH

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William Carleton summer school in Monaghan

William Carleton summer school in Monaghan

For the first time in its 22-year history the William Carleton international summer school held lectures in Monaghan town. The official opening was performed by the Mayor of Monaghan Cllr Sean Conlon in the presence of the Mayor of Dungannon & South Tyrone, Cllr Sean McGuigan. The guest speaker was Professor Thomas O’Grady from the University of Massachussets in Boston. He will be delivering the keynote address at the summer school on Monday at 2:30pm at Corick House in Clogher, talking about Carleton’s story, ‘The Donagh’. The other speakers were poet Mary O’Donnell (originally from Monaghan), Art Agnew from Inniskeen, who performed brilliantly in the role of Patrick Kavanagh, Aidan Walsh and Dr Brendan O Cathaoir on Charles Gavan Duffy and Felix Larkin who spoke about the Shemus cartoons in the Freeman’s Journal. Fifty people were there by lunchtime but the crowd grew to almost 300 by 6pm, when I launched the book: ‘Memories amidst the drumlins: Cavan and Monaghan’ by the late Terence O’Gorman. It is a beautifully produced book of his poems and stories, compiled and edited by his daughter Patricia Cavanagh. It was an honour to be asked to write a foreword for the publication and to speak at the beginning of the event. One of our guest speakers from Dublin decided to stay on for the launch and commented how he had never seen such a display of community spirit as was evident amongst the crowd.

Professor Thomas O'Grady at William Carleton summer school in Monaghan

Professor Thomas O’Grady at William Carleton summer school in Monaghan