Bill & Denise...event. Venues and times are subject to change due to COVID-19 Restrictions....

Bill & Denise Whelan

john sweeney

EJ kings

helen & Vincent foley

terry sweeney

ABBEYGLEN CASTLE HOTELALCOCK AND BROWN HOTELCLIFDEN BOOKSHOPCLIFDEN GLENCLIFDEN LOTTERY FUNDCLIFDEN STATION HOUSE HOTELCONNEMARA CREDIT UNIONMARGUERITE COURTADE

EDWARD AND MARY DOWNEFOYLE’S HOTELBOBBY AND TRULY GILMOREGMT IRELANDALAN AND MARY HOBARTJOE AND JOAN MCBREENTERRY AND TONI MCCOYKATE AND NOEL NOONAN

ROSEANNE & PETER O’GRADY WALSHPADDY POWERS BOOKMAKERSSUPERVALU CLIFDENPETER AND PAULA VINECATHAL AND JOAN WALSH (WALSH’S BAKERY AND COFFEE SHOP)PEGGY AND TOM MCMANUS

Táimid buíoch de na daoine seo a leanas a thug cabhair dúinn agus an Fhéile Ealaíon á eagrú.

We would like to thank the Arts Council and other key funders, sponsors and friends for their continued and vital support. We would also like to thank you, the audience and look forward to seeing you in Clifden in September.

Providers of Internet access to the Festival

Micheal Nee Bus & Coach

HireProviders of the Festival

Shuttle Bus Service

Ann Corcoran

clifden arts festival 2020 1

RéamhráClifden Arts Festival 2020 will be different from other Festivals over our 43-year history. Regrettable due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic audience capacity at venues will be severely reduced. It is regrettable that many who wish to be present at live events will not be able to attend this year due to the reduced number of tickets available.

In continuing with a Festival for 2020 Clifden Arts Festival is in a sense hoping to keep a glow in the artistic fire at the

heart of our community and by doing so we will blaze a trail to bigger audiences and a return to the larger Festivals of previous years.

Clifden Arts Festival will endeavour to ensure that as many people as possible can get to enjoy events through the Arts-On-Air on Connemara Community Radio and our Digital Events on the Festival website.

2VISUAL

ARTS

12GENERAL

PROGRAMME

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INDEX

36DIGITALEVENTS

Online Tickets SalesTickets can only be bought online this year. Please go to clifdenartsfestival.ie to pre-book your tickets.

Tickets will not be available at the box office or event venues this year.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating capacity is limited and no patrons will be admitted without a valid ticket. We ask all patrons to wear a facemask when attending each event.

Venues and times are subject to change due to COVID-19 Restrictions.

Telephone 087 331 5009

Email: [email protected]

Full Programme online at clifdenartsfestival.ie

We ask patrons to be seated at least 10 minutes before scheduled performance times. It may not be possible to admit latecomers at some events.

clifden arts festival 20202

Lydia Brow, Untitled

VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMME


The Visual Arts Programme 2020 In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and with concern for the well being and safety of staff, volunteers, artists, performers and the public health in general, it has been decided to cancel exhibitions and scale back the Visual Arts component of this year’s Festival.There will be a scaled-back Art Trail and a few special events programmed adhering to Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines.

The Art Trail - 15 Years The Art Trail is celebrating its 15th year this year. To mark this special milestone, the Trail will again feature work of artists with a strong Connemara Connection - some resident, some visiting, and others simply inspired by our place.The listing for The Art Trail will appear on www.clifdenartsfestival.ie in September.

THE OPEN STUDIO

Margaret Irwin WestPainter and printmaker

Born in India of Irish parents, Margaret returned to Ireland at the age of nine and grew up in Co Wicklow. She was schooled at home for three years. This enabled her to attend regular drawing lessons with Lilian Davidson, RHA from whom she received a thorough classical foundation. After taking her primary degree in languages at the University of Dublin, Trinity College, she studied painting at the studio of the cubist teacher André L’Hôte, in Paris, as did many other Irish painters of the twentieth century.Margaret has exhibited in many juried

and open shows, in the UK and Ireland. She has received various awards and residencies. Her work is held by a number of public bodies, as well as by private collectors. In 2008, she received a “Lifetime Achievement” Award from Galway County Council. In April 2015, she held a retrospective solo exhibition in the Leinster Gallery, South Frederick Street, Dublin.

Her imagery is drawn from observation. Much of it refers to the early Christian and prehistoric sites, which abound in the area where she lives. She says, “from my figurative images I seek to draw out greater resonances that suggest their cultural and social contexts.” The Open StudioMargaret Irwin West, Claddaghduff, H71 C578Contact Details: 086-8374542Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 6 pm Strictly by appointment.

VENUE | THE OPEN STUDIO, CLADDAGHDUFF

The Studio Trail


Interface is a studio and residency programme located in a centre of scientific research – formerly a salmon hatchery - in the Inagh Valley, Connemara. Artists are offered the opportunity to explore intersections between science and art in this extraordinary environment.

Three exhibitions under one roof, booking essential:www.interfaceinagh.comwww.byevid.com/[email protected]

ConnectInterface presents site-specific performance, experimental music & exhibition, curated around themes of connection by artistic director Alannah Robins.

During COVID19 lockdown, a group of Interface artists have been meeting weekly online. The meetings were initially set up with a view towards overcoming isolation and towards mutual support and stimulus.

Artists took it, in turn, to present their work, with diverse fields ranging from experimental music in New York to Walking Drawing in Bath, medieval egg tempera painting, performance and site-specific installation in Tehran. The meetings have grown not only to be a stimulating weekly marker for many but a warm place to share work and to connect. It is a natural evolution for the group to engage in some collaborative making together, exploring ideas of connection. The exhibition

Laura McMorrowLeitrim artist Laura McMorrow was the artist in resident at Interface for March 2020, during which period the coronavirus lockdown started. This work is a response to the remote location of the hatchery and the self-isolation that followed the residency. Lo-fi filmmaking techniques were used to build suspense and heighten the tense atmosphere at that time.

Laura McMorrow is a visual artist from Leitrim, Ireland. She holds a Masters in Fine Art from the University of Ulster, Belfast (2012) and a BA in painting from Limerick School of Art and Design (2008). She was awarded the Emerging Irish Artist Residency Award (2017). Recent exhibitions include The Lost Acre (2018) Leitrim Sculpture Centre and Cut/Paste (2019) The Source Arts Centre. Her practice incorporates video installation, sculpture, collage, and painting.

will combine work made in response to the connections the artists have made during- and post- lockdown, and in response to the Interface environment.

Carrying The SongsCarrying the Songs project sees a story travelling from Inis Mór to Istanbul, like Chinese whispers, across Europe passed from person to person via zoom, being translated over twenty times – and including many minority languages - along the way. In parallel with this, a drawing is passed from artist to artist. Each artist’s version contributes towards the development of a stop motion animated film.

At this exhibition, you can see the drawing at different stages of its development, listen to the story at different stages, and track its progress across Europe.

VENUE | INTERFACE, INAGH VALLEY

Interface


Bernie DignamBernie Dignam has lived in Connemara since the 1990s. In this time she has developed a reputation as a professional artist and one the most important art educators in the area. In addition to her work with several third-level institutions, she has engaged with all levels and abilities within her community. She delivers workshops and programmes in printmaking and textiles from her home studio, where she also showcases her work. These workshops are catalysing for many and are essential to the creative pulse of the community.

Having completed a degree in design from D.I.T. Bernie completed a further year of study at Limerick School of Art & Design. During this year she was introduced to a variety of media were printmaking and textiles left an indelible mark on her.

Connemara Creative Gallery

EmergenceAn exhibition of mixed media.

We are emerging from an old way of life to a new ‘normal’. This body of work was developed during ‘lockdown’ with optimism that reflects a new vision of the world as it could be. Reflecting the beauty of the natural world enhanced by a spirit of cooperation instead of careless interference.


Lydia BrowAt The Lavelle Gallery Lydia Brow was born in Dublin but now lives here in Clifden, Connemara. She creates abstract paintings using acrylics and mixed media. Her work is based on textures, colour and mood. Dramatic varied landscapes and the Atlantic imprint themselves in her mind then transcend later into her work organically.

VENUE | THE LAVELLE GALLERY, MAIN ST., CLIFDEN

The Covid-19 Safety Charter has been completed and the gallery is Covid-19 compliant.

Please Note:Visual Arts programme of events as listed are correct at the time of publication. Events and venues may be subject to change.

Acknowledgements: Clifden Arts Festival wishes to acknowledge the support of John Sweeney, Royal Hibernian Academy, Margaret Irwin West, Patricia Morrison, Alannah Robins, Bernadette Dignam, Dr Eimear O’Connor HRHA, John and Joan Nagle, Isobel Marinot-Wood, Janet Mercer, Veronica Sanderson, James O’Sullivan, Stephen Ward and finally to all the artists, businesses, volunteers and our friends, neighbours, visitors and the public in general who support the Art Trail and the Visual Arts.

The Lavelle Gallery

She has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally for the last two decades and her work is in many private collections worldwide. Drama in nature focuses my attention and offers me a challenge in representing this intensity in my environment. As well as a variety of themes, she likes to explore personal issues through my work.

As an interdisciplinary artist, she uses a variety of materials & processes, each medium conveys a different narrative about my environment & the various themes that inspire my work.

Connemara Creative GalleryTooreen, GarraunbaunContact Details: 087 690 8137Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 6 pm

Strictly by appointment:[email protected]


COVID-19 Procedures

Clifden Community Arts Festival is committed to protecting your health. All our events will observe social distancing and all government guidelines. We have significantly reduced the capacity at our venues and the number of venues in use to operate within these limitations.

We ask that you carefully read Clifden Community Arts Festival signage at events, observe guidelines and follow staff instructions with regard to public health measures. We request that you wear a facemask to all indoor events in this programme and if you have any mobility issues, please contact us in advance so that we can plan for your attendance.

Your health and that of our artists, staff and volunteers are of utmost importance, so if you are feeling unwell on the day of an event, we ask that you stay at home for your safety and that of others.

Venues and times are subject to change due to COVID-19 Restrictions.

For further information please visit clifdenartsfestival.ie

Stay Safe.

Observe social distancing

Wear a facemask

Wash your hands regularly

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friday 18th 11am - 12 noon & 5 - 7pmsaturday 19th 11am - 12 noon & 5 - 7pmsunday 20th 10am - 12 noon & 5 - 7pmmonday 21st 11am - 12 noon & 5 - 6pmtuesday 22nd 11am - 12 noon & 5 - 6pm

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The Clifden Arts Festival Schools programme is deferred until the end of October and the beginning of November or to quote Seamus Heaney “the mid- term break.”

The Arts in education has been a core part of the Clifden Arts Festival since its foundation in 1977. It is an honour to have been so closely involved with the primary and secondary schools in the Connemara area for the past 42 years.

We are grateful to all the teaching and school staff past and present who have helped in so many ways to facilitate artists and performers to visit the schools. Without their help and support, this decades-long link with the community would not have been possible. We look forward to a continuing vibrant and creative relationship with all the schools in the area as we follow Seamus Heaney’s inspirational words...

“The books stand open and the gates unbarred”Seamus Heaney


Clifden Arts Festival acknowledges and thanks the great contribution made to the festival by our talented local musicians.Eugene Barry, Marie Walsh, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Michael Roche, Mirella Murray, Peter Carey, Peter Carey Jnr, Michael Carey, Martin Conroy, Sean Halpenny, Kevin Barry, Michael McNamara (Clifden), Michael McNamara (Roundstone), Feichin Mitchell, Adam Conroy, Aidan Curran, Kieran Coyne, Frank Coyne, PJ McInerney, Pat Flaherty, Pat Keaney, Phil Coyne, Gerry Hannon, Simon Kearns, Tom Scullion, David Slevin, Danny Scullion, Nicholas Timothy, Tom Mullen, Paddy Newman, Richie Newman, Eamon McLoughlin, Tom Wallace, Liam Aspell, John Durning, Jarlath Hession, Paul Mulligan, Pat O’Toole, James Mullen, Michael Connolly, Martin Sullivan, Eileen O’Malley, Shane Flaherty, Kenneth Coyne, Alan Shattock, Fionnuala Hannigan-Dunkley, Lol Hardiman, Shona Flaherty, Tommy Kenny, and Fiachra O’Regan.

Thanks to the Clifden Town Hall Committee and Chair Sean Henaue as well as Kevin Gavin, Anna Carey, and all staff.

Thanks to Bernhard Sanders for his digital archiving expertise and the use of his photos.

Thanks to James Sweeney at all staff at the Station House Complex.

A big thank you to Clifden Tidy Towns for their hard work and dedication to the townof Clifden all year round.

Special Thanks to Isobel Marinot-Wood for the use of the Church of Ireland.

We are profoundly grateful to Fr. James Ronayne for the use of St. Joseph’s Church.

We would like to thank the Board of the West Connemara Leisure Centre and Stephen Gibbons.

Clifden Arts Festival acknowledges the support of Dublin International Piano Competition.

Clifden Arts Festival Remembers Eavan Boland, John Claro, Johnny Connolly, Tara Coyne, Christy Dignam Sr, Paddy Fahey, Kay Fanning, Jean Kennedy Smith, Madeline King, Noel Kirby, Ben Lennon, Seamus Mallon, Artie McGlynn, Tom McIntyre, Hal McNab, TeTe Murray, Colm Ó Briain, Dessie O’Halloran, Joe Steve Ó Neacthain, Michael Roche, Tim and Mairead Robinson, Jordan Ward.

Clifden Arts Festival Volunteer ProgrammeThe Festival Committee would welcome the participation of members of the community in giving a little of their time and help as volunteers in various areas during the festival.

All help and assistance would be greatly appreciated. For further information, we can be contacted at: [email protected]

Thanks to Veronica Sanderson and Janet Mercer for all their help with the Volunteer Programme.


GENERAL PROGRAMME


IMRAMHTo the traveler arriving from the mountain pass, the town’s spires and chimneys resemble a tall ship making ready. When approaching from the sea she sees the town, through the coastal mist, as the embroidered saddles of a pony train that will carry her to freshwater springs.IMRAMH is a roving vignette performance, an exotic procession, traveling amongst new people in the streets of a strange land.

Clifden’s favorite spectacle company LUXE will present IMRAMH in and around the town a number of times throughout the weekend.

Exact locations and times will not be publicised so keep your eyes peeled for random acts of celebration.

www.luxe.ieInstagram @luxelandscapetheatre

DAY | FRIDAY 18TH, SATURDAY 19TH AND SUNDAY 20TH


Thursday 17th September

LECTURE BY HUGH DUFFY

The Diary of a NobodyThe history of a nobody’s first 31 years before he became a tyrant, psychopath and implementer of a ruthless programme of racial extermination in his final 23 years this is the story of Adolf Hitler and the long shadow his short reign has cast over today’s world.

Hugh Duffy is a forensic student of history now in his 87th year. Hugh has been a frequent visitor to Clifden since 1980 to his holiday home which has become his permanent residence for the last ten years. After a long and varied career ranging from Public Service through the hospitality industry both in Ireland and abroad culminating in the protection of copyright. He retired in the year 2000 from full-time employment but still engaged in a non-executive capacity in several industries.

Sponsored by: John Sweeney

TIME | 10AMDAY | THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION | €5

Clifden Historical Walking Tourswith Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill

Explore the history of this 200-year-old town with an expert guide. Hear stories of famine, war, religious conflict, street riots and political rallies in the Capital of Connemara. Kathleen is the author of several books on the history of west County Galway and has a wealth of knowledge about the history and heritage of her native Clifden.

TIME | 11AMDAY | THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBERMEETING POINT | STATION HOUSE HOTEL ADMISSION | €10, Under 15 Free

LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH

Ultan ConlonUltan Conlon is a Galway based Singer-Songwriter, and Recording Artist who has to date recorded four studio albums, scored a feature film and compiled its soundtrack. His latest album ‘There’s a Waltz’ was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Grammy Award Winner Sean Watkins (Nicklecreek).

“Waltzing along lyrically with the worlds greatest” The Irish Independent

His songs have been covered by John Martyn and Mary Coughlan to name but a few. Ultan has appeared on RTE Television, and his songs have played across the National Airwaves on RTE Radio 1, Lyric FM, Today FM and also on BBC Radio in the UK. He tours Europe and the USA regularly and continues to write, perform and record new material.

Sponsored by: Pat and Anne O’Malley

TIME | 2PMDAY | THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | €10


POETRY WITH

Patrick Deeley and Catherine MacCarthyLoughrea native Patrick Deeley is a poet, memoirist and children’s writer. The Recipient of the 2019 Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Poetry Award, the 2014 Dermot Healy International Poetry Prize, and the Eilis Dillon Children’s Book of the Year Award. His critically acclaimed memoir, ‘The Hurley Maker’s Son’, was a bestseller in 2016 and 2017. His seventh collection of poems with Dedalus Press, ‘The End of the World’, has been shortlisted for the 2020 Farmgate National Poetry Award.

Catherine Phil MacCarthy was born and grew up in Crecora, Co. Limerick. A graduate of University College, Cork. She has published five collections of poetry and a novel, most recently, The Invisible Threshold (2012) and Daughters of the House (2019), both from Dedalus Press Dublin. She received the Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Award for Irish Poetry from the University of St Thomas, St Paul, Minnesota, in April 2014; the Dromineer Literary Prize in 2012; and the Fish International Poetry Prize in 2010. She is a former editor of Poetry Ireland Review and has lived in Dublin since 1987.

Sponsored by: Anne and Robert Jocelyn

TIME | 4PMDAY | THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CHURCH OF IRELANDADMISSION | €5

Official Openingwith Maureen Kennelly & Marie Walsh ensemble

Official Opening of the 43rd Clifden Arts Festival by Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council followed by a concert with an ensemble of local musicians and dancers: Marie Walsh, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Mirella Murray, Eileen O’Malley-Mannion, Seamus Flaherty and Nathan Pilatzke.

Maureen Kennelly was director of Poetry Ireland from 2013 until April 2020. She was previously director of Kilkenny Arts Festival, artistic director of the Mermaid Arts Centre, general manager with Fishamble Theatre Company, and she also worked with Druid Theatre Company, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, The Arts Council and the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. On a freelance basis, she worked with a wide range of organisations including Theatre Forum, Sing Ireland, the Performance Corporation and Age and Opportunity. She was Primary Curator with the Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival and Programme Director with the Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

Maureen grew up in Ballylongford, Co Kerry, and is a graduate of NUI Galway and of UCD.

Sponsored by: Foyle’s Hotel

TIME | 7PMDAY | THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | FREE (SEATING LIMITED)

Thursday 17th September

Seating strictly limited, reservations must be made online at clifdenartsfestival.ie or tune in to Connemara Community Radio (connemarafm.com) to listen live.


TALK BY BENIG MAUGER

Our Resilient Soul-Riding, the Waves of our Emotions

Most of us grapple with our emotions and with the understanding that our feelings and our reactions are transient. We often get bogged down or overwhelmed and find it hard to simply ‘detach’. In this talk, we will learn how to balance the spiritual teachings of yoga with those of depth psychotherapy as we move towards feeling centred and whole. Learning to recognise when our ‘ego’ is dictating terms and blocking our greater sense of Soul will help us navigate and ride the waves of our emotions while recognising the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

TIME | 10AMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CHURCH OF IRELANDADMISSION | €5

Friday 18th September

Clifden Historical Walking Tourswith Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill


TIME | 11AMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERMEETING POINT | STATION HOUSE HOTEL ADMISSION | €10, UNDER 15 FREE

Dante and the Irish Writera lecture by Declan Kiberd

Declan Kiberd was for many years Professor of Anglo-Irish Literature at UCD and later Keough Professor of Irish Studies at Notre Dame. He has served on Board of Directors of Abbey Theatre and as Director of both Yeats Summer and Winter Schools. Among his books are Synge and the Irish Language, Inventing Ireland, Irish Classics, The Irish Writer and the World, and After Ireland. He has been a visiting professor in many places, including Cambridge University, Sorbonne, Duke University, Cluj Romania, Trento Italy.

Sponsored by: The Quay House

TIME | 11AMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATRE ADMISSION | €10


LUNCHTIME CONCERT WITH

Laoise Kelly

Laoise Kelly originally from Westport, but now living on Achill Island, Co.Mayo. She is one of Ireland’s leading traditional harpers. Laoise uses a new style of harp playing, combining the techniques of fingerpads in the bass and fingernails in the melody on a thirty-four gut-strung Paddy Cafferky harp.

Laoise has performed and recorded with the foremost artists in Irish music from The Chieftains to Kate Bush. She represented Ireland at the World Harp Festival in Paraguay. She has three critically acclaimed solo albums, and she is the director of the Achill International Harp Festival.

www.LaoiseKelly.ie

Sponsored by: Tom King’s Bar

TIME | 2PMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CHURCH OF IRELANDADMISSION | €10

DúchasCeiliúradh ar thraidisiún litríochta agus ceolmhar Tuaisceart Chiarraí le Gabriel Fitzmaurice and Danny O Mahoney.

A celebration of the literary and musical tradition of North Kerry with Gabriel Fitzmaurice and Danny O Mahoney.

Celebrated poet and raconteur Gabriel Fitzmaurice hails from Moyvane. Critically acclaimed musician and broadcaster Danny O’Mahony comes from Ballyduff. Collectively, they share a passion for the traditional music, song and poetry of their native North Kerry.

Fitzmaurice and O’Mahony collaborate in this unique project to bring the audience on a journey, celebrating the legacy of North Kerry’s past masters of poetry, music and song.

‘Dúchas’ is a live one-hour bilingual performance, interwoven with an audio/visual presentation featuring images and old recordings of the selected artists. It promises to be a captivating and engaging show, which will appeal to a wide audience. Dúchas made its debut at Listowel Writers’ Week in 2015.

Sponsored by: Mary and Alan Hobart

TIME | 3PMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | €10



The Artist “Paint-In” at Clifden Arts Festival

The place of the visual arts as part of the Clifden Arts Festival has grown over the years. This grew from various small individually curated solo and group shows and it has rapidly become one of its strongest attractions. The establishment of the now popular Art Trail has had a major role in bringing this about seeing the finished artwork in every window.

But now you can watch how that artwork is created from the blank canvas to the finished masterpiece. Margaret “Mo” Irwin West and her group of fellow artists will excitedly demonstrate how individual artists, using various materials but using an identical “source”, be it a giant vase of flowers, or a group of figures posing together, produce utterly different pictures of what they were looking at.

TIME | 5PMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | THE SQUAREADMISSION | FREE

POETRY READING WITH

Lorna Shaughnessy and Moya Cannon Lorna Shaughnessy has published three poetry collections, Torching the Brown River, Witness Trees and Anchored (Salmon Poetry) and a chapbook, Song of the Forgotten Shulamite (Lapwing). Lark Water, her fourth collection, will be launched in 2021. She lectures in Hispanic Studies in NUI Galway and translates Galician, Spanish and Latin American poetry. In 2018 she was awarded an Artist’s Bursary by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Moya Cannon is an Irish poet with six published collections, the most recent being Donegal Tarantella (Carcanet Press, Manchester, 2019). In her poems, archaeology and geology figure as gateways to an understanding of our relationship with our endangered earth. Music, mainly traditional Irish music, has always been a deep interest and is a constant theme. She has received the Brendan Behan Award and the O’Shaughnessy Award and, in 2011, was Heimbold Professor of Irish Studies a Villanova University P.A.. She has edited Poetry Ireland Review and is a member of Aosdána. Her Collected Poems is due from Carcanet Press in 2021.

Sponsored by: Pat Molloy

TIME | 5PMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10



CONCERT WITH

Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve CooneyIarla and Steve have forged a unique musical partnership over many years. They now look forward to a series of concerts together in 2020.

Their interpretations of songs from the sean-nós tradition have set a new standard of artistic integrity and creative innovation within the traditional structures of the Gaelic song tradition.

They have explored their separate paths in their careers. Iarla was performing with such renowned groups as the Afro Celt Sound System and the Gloaming as well as his collaborations with classical ensembles,

opera and film performances. Steve was performing in many Irish traditional instrumental ensembles and contributing to more than 250 CDs as a guitarist, bass player and producer.

They had long shared an empathetic link that had grown out of their love of the melodic and poetic art forms created when Gaelic culture was in its full flowering.

Iarla grew up immersed in this culture in Cúil Aodha, County Cork; Steve grew up in Australia and brought an imaginative perspective to the accompaniment of the songs, based on the traditions of the harpers.

Sponsored by: John and Treena Sweeney

TIME | 8PMDAY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | ST JOSEPH’S CHURCHADMISSION | €20


Saturday 19th September

TALK BY MICHEAL GIBBONS

Ancestral Voices: from the Maritime Lakeland and Upland landscapes of Ireland WestThe various landscapes and seascapes of the area continue to reward the efforts of field archaeologists with a steady stream of exciting discoveries coming to light. Drought conditions provided a rare window of opportunity to explore the strange dried up Turloughs of Coolepark and their surrounding tree covered rock tables. Normally inaccessible part of the lake strewn Roundstone Bog was explored and a number of bog bound island settlements and stone causeways were revealed. Investigations In the mountains of the Connemara National Park and Joyce Country led to identification of further examples of Prehistoric Rock Art, a number of new tombs and a range of seasonal settlements known locally as bracaí. The inexorable march of coastal changes resulting from sea level rise continues to uncover traces of a lost drowned landscape on Inis Meáin the Cois Fharraige shore and on Clifden Bay.

Sponsored by: Kevin and Suzanne Cronin

TIME | 10AMDAY | SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €5

MUSIC WITH

Peadar Ó Riada and Seán Ó Sé Peadar Ó Riada is a man who does not let the grass grow under his feet. When the Covid19 pandemic lockdown began, Peadar started writing new tunes and finished up with 19 a few of which he will be playing for the first time at the Clifden Arts Festival.

During the lockdown, Mass was broadcast from Cúil Aodha each Sunday on Raidió na Gaeltachta with hymns from Cór Chúil Aodha founded by Seán Ó Riada and directed by Peadar since Seán died in 1971. Peadar has written an amount of new music for the choir. He has now embarked on a most ambitious and demanding project, namely to compose music for all 150 Psalms. As far as can be ascertained, no one person ever did this before.

And as if all that were not enough Seán Ó Sé and Peadar have recorded around 70 songs, Seán singing to Peadar’s piano accompaniments. Seán himself keeps busy doing gigs around the country and does a tour of UK Irish Centres annually around St. Patrick’s Day.

Sponsored by: EJ Kings

TIME | 1PMDAY | SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | €15


Saturday 19th September

TALK BY DAVID MCCULLAGH

Éamon de Valera Rule: 1932-1975David McCullagh is a broadcaster with RTÉ, presenting Prime Time on television and This Week on the radio. He is the author of A Makeshift Majority. This is a history of the first Inter-Party Government; The Reluctant Taoiseach, a biography of John A. Costello; and most recently of a two-volume biography of Éamon de Valera – Rise: 1882-1932 and Rule: 1932-1975.

Sponsored by: Peter and Paula Vine

TIME | 3PMDAY | SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10

Sean-Nós ar an LochJohnny Mháirtin Learaí Mac Donnchadha is one of the finest sean-nós singers in Ireland. He has won numerous awards for his singing. Johnny is a long-time friend of the Clifden Arts Festival, and we welcome him back to this glorious location. Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin is also a master of this musical style. We are fortunate that this special event brings together two of the most foremost exponents of sean-nós.

Strictly Limited Seating.

Thanks to Máire O’Connor, Dominic O’Moran and staff.

TIME | 2PMDAY | SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | LOUGH INAGH LODGEADMISSION | FREE (STRICTLY LIMITED SEATING)


influences and unique compositional voices. The consummate button box player and national treasure, Máirtín O’Connor, was one of the driving forces behind the Riverdance phenomenon.

Fiddle player Zoë Conway is a remarkable talent equally at home playing and singing Latin jazz with Rodrigo y Gabriella, as a guest soloist with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, or touring the world with Riverdance.

Guitar and bouzouki player Donal Lunny needs no introduction, having made his name as a member of the hugely influential groups Planxty, The Bothy Band, Altan and Moving Hearts.

Sponsored by: Bill and Denise Whelan

TIME | 8PMDAY | SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | €20

CONCERT WITH

Máirtín O Connor, Zoë Conway and Donal Lunny“Máirtín O’Connor is a squeezebox player in the very top echelon.” Irish Music Magazine“Virtuoso - one of Ireland’s most gifted young musicians.” The Irish Independent on Zoe Conway“Donal Lunny. a man who has been at the coal face of Irish music for the past five decades.” Hot Press

This new group brings together the dazzling talents of three of the country’s finest traditional musicians; button accordion master Máirtín O’Connor, fiddle player Zoë Conway and guitar and bouzouki player Donal Lunny. Don’t miss this illustrious trio in what promises to be an atmospheric and unforgettable tour, drawing on an eclectic mix of the old and new where traditional tunes and songs meet each of their diverse


Sunday 20th September

Memories of Leo RowsomePresented by Peter Browne and Kevin Rowsome

One of the most noteworthy people in traditional Irish music and the world of uilleann piping was Leo Rowsome and this event today recalls his lifetime of music, achievement and importance as a piper, pipe maker, teacher, recording artist and radio performer. It is often said that the piping tradition was much enriched by Leo’s contribution and work over many years. His home and pipe making workshop was in Dublin’s northside in Donnycarney. He was of robust Co. Wexford heritage and on the 20th September 1970 - 50 years ago on this day - he passed away. Today’s presentation is by his grandson, Kevin Rowsome and broadcaster Peter Browne, both of whom will play music and talk about Leo’s legacy. Kevin Rowsome is the fifth generation of uilleann pipers/pipe makers in his family. An award-winning musician and composer of traditional music, Kevin has two solo recordings to his name, “The

Rowsome Tradition“ (1999) & “Cuisle Ceoil an bPiob” (2006) and has vast experience as a performer and instructor of the uilleann pipes.

Peter Browne was a pupil of Leo Rowsome in Dublin in both the Municipal School of Music in Chatham Row and Piper’s Club in Thomas Street. He is well known as an uilleann piper and RTÉ Radio broadcaster for over 40 years specialising in traditional music in programmes such as The Long Note, Áirneán and the Rolling Wave.

Sponsored by: JJ Mitchell

TIME | 11AMDAY | SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10


Spirorbis tells stories from Vine’s life rather than the story of his life – stories of adventure, of exploration, of romance, of risk-taking, and of narrow escapes.

Doug Allan is one of the world’s best known and respected cameramen. He specialises in natural history, expeditions, and science documentaries in some of the wildest and most remote places on our planet.

50% of proceeds from the sale of Spirorbis will go to support the work of The DublinNeurological Institute at the Mater Hospital.

A recording of the launch with an interview of Peter Vine and Doug Allan by Lorna Siggins will be broadcast on Connemara Community Radio and a video recording of the interview will be available on Clifden Arts Festival www.clifdenartsfestival.com

Tune in to Connemara Community Radio on 87.8 and 106.1 FM or via www.connemarafm.com at Sunday 20th at 6 pm to hear the interview (repeat broadcast on Monday 21st at 1 pm)

TIME | 6PMDAY | SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | ROSLEAGUE MANOR HOTELADMISSION | Due to current restrictions, admission to the launch will be by invitation only.

CONCERT WITH

John FeeleyJohn Feeley was described as ‘Ireland’s leading classical guitarist’ by The Washington Post, which also judged his CD “The Immigrant’s Song” to be the best classical guitar CD of 2013. He has won several prizes in international competitions and performed with major orchestras throughout the world. In recent years he has specialised in arrangements of J.S. Bach, which have been viewed over seven million times online. He has been awarded a PhD from Maynooth University for a dissertation on contemporary Irish music. His performances of Irish airs receive high praise for their subtlety, brilliance and originality.

Sponsored by: Brendan and Deirdre O’Connor

TIME | 1:30PMDAY | SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CHURCH OF IRELANDADMISSION | €10

BOOK LAUNCH

Spirorbis, a memoir by Peter VinePublished by Artisan House, launched by Doug Allan

Peter Vine travelled extensively and worked in over thirty countries encountering some of the world’s most intriguing cultures and places. From deep-sea diving in the South Pacific islands to book publishing and film production in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates, fish farming in Greece and Ireland and conducting research on the Spirorbis worm in waters from New Zealand to the Red Sea, Vine is a sympathetic observer and participant of life in the widely varying and rich milieux in which he has lived and worked.


Samba Drumming WorkshopMusic Generation Galway presents a Samba drumming workshop for kids and families! Join us for this fun uplifting experience in the Town Hall.

No experience necessary. Pre-booking essential as places are limited.

To reserve a spot call: 091 875447or email: [email protected]

Music Generation Galway is funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, and the Department of Education and Skills.

TIME | 4PMDAY | SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | FREE (BOOKING REQUIRED)

Ciúnas (Silence)Written, Directed, Produced by Tristan Heanue.

Tristan, from Derryinver in Renvyle, is a former student of Clifden Community School. In recent years he has written screenplays, produced and directed films, as well as developed his acting career. He plays the lead role in Paddy Slattery’s feature debut Broken Law (2020) which is currently on national release.

Synopsis: ‘A couple embark on a journey in the midst of a family crisis’ Academy Award longlist 2021- Short Film IFTA Nominee 2020 - Best Short Film

Sponsored by: Tom and Peggy McManus

TIME | 4PMDAY | SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €5

Sunday 20th September


CONCERT WITH

Finghin Collins: Beethoven 250One of Ireland’s most successful musicians and significant musical ambassadors, Finghin Collins was born in Dublin in 1977 and, following initial lessons with his sister Mary, studied piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music with John O’Conor and at the Geneva Conservatoire with Dominique Merlet. His international career was launched by winning first prize at the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Switzerland in 1999. He has performed in recital and with major orchestras throughout Europe and the United States, as well as in the Far East and Australia.

ProgrammeLUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN 1770 – 1827 Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1 1796-1798Allegro molto e con brioAdagio moltoFinale: Prestissimo

Photo credit: Frances-Marshall

Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’ 1804-1806Allegro assaiAndante con motoAllegro ma non troppo – Presto INTERVALPiano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90 1814Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck (“With liveliness and with feeling and expression throughout”)Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen (“Not too swiftly and conveyed in a singing manner”) Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111 1821-1822Maestoso – Allegro con brio ed appassionato (Mysterious - brisk, with vigour and passion)Arietta: Adagio molto semplice e cantabile (slowly, very simply and singing)

Sponsored by: Helen and Vincent Foley

TIME | 8PMDAY | SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBERVENUE | ST JOSEPH’S CHURCHADMISSION | €20


Monday 21st September

POETRY WITH

Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin and Seán Ó Coisdealbha Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin won the 2011/2012 Irish Language poetry Slam.He is an Irish language rap poet from the stronghold of county Kerry. Seamus brings a youthful, vibrant and fresh approach to the world of Irish poetry.

Seán Ó Coisdealbha has been Chief Executive Officer of Muintearas from 1996. He has spent thirty-two years working with Muintearas, where he started working as Youth Manager in 1985. He has considerable experience in community development, education and the Irish language. He has published two poetry books, Stadhan in 2012 and Dídean in 2002. He has been closely involved in Irish language theatre since 1980, taking many parts in plays with the Taibhdhearc and Aisteoirí an Spidéil.

Sponsored by: Mannion’s Bar

TIME | 11AMDAY | MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10

MUSIC WITH

The Far-Flung TrioThe Far-Flung Trio are Katherine Hunka (violin), Dermot Dunne (accordion) and Malachy Robinson (double-bass): the name reflects their sense of fun and the eclecticism in their programming and performances. They are all leading Irish players and are drawn to this Trio by the sheer joy generated by playing together. This evident rapport is one of the elements that particularly delights audiences.

They have been warmly received at festivals and in concert series all over the country, delighting audiences with our mix of virtuosity and playfulness, tradition and innovation. A dizzying array of styles characterises Their concerts. They include music by Bach, Biber, Gershwin, Kreisler, Liszt, Offenbach, Edith Piaf, Piazzolla, Prokofiev, also Klezmer and other folk music -- and lots of surprises. The Trio arranges all the repertoire. The Irish Examiner in 2014 wrote, “The trio’s enthusiasm and sense of enjoyment in what they were doing simply oozed from the stage and the audience loved it”.

In January 2020 they released their debut album LIVE AT THE LARGE ROOM - still available on Spotify, Youtube, and can be purchased at the usual online stores.

Sponsored by: Mary Banotti

TIME | 1PMDAY | MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBERVENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | €10


MUSIC WITH

John Feeley and Fran O’RourkeJohn Feeley and Fran O’Rourke have until recently specialised in traditional songs (in both English and Irish) that feature in the writings of James Joyce. They have given concerts in Shanghai, New York, Philadelphia, Princeton, San Diego and Washington. In 2012 they gave a series of recitals with James Joyce’s guitar, repair of which they sponsored. Their CD “JoyceSong” is a live recording of a concert in Monaco on St Patrick’s Day 2015. Earlier this year they recorded a CD of traditional songs in Irish, “Casadh na nAmhrán / Turning the Song”.

John Feeley was described as ‘Ireland’s leading classical guitarist’ by The Washington Post, which also judged his CD “The Immigrant’s Song” to be the best classical guitar CD of 2013. He has won several prizes in international competitions and performed with major orchestras throughout the world.

Fran O’Rourke acquired a love of Irish songs as a schoolboy during a three-month stay in the Connemara Gaeltacht. His first public performance was on the popular children’s television programme, “Seoirse agus Beartlaí”, hosted by a ventriloquist’s dummy. While studying on the Continent during the ’70s, he took part in major festivals in Belgium, Germany and Holland, as well as appearing on radio and television.

Sponsored by: Lowry’s Bar

TIME | 5PMDAY | MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBERVENUE | CHURCH OF IRELANDADMISSION | €10

Marita Conlon-McKennaMarita Conlon-McKenna is an award-winning Irish writer of adult and children’s fiction whose books are enjoyed by readers all across the world.

Marita’s best-selling novels include, The Magdalen, Rebel Sisters, The Stone House, The Rose Garden, The Hat Shop on the Corner, Three Women and The Hungry Road, Marita’s new book was inspired by true Irish heroes. Set during The Great Irish Famine, it is a story of great courage and the strength of the human spirit.

Sponsored by: John Fanning

TIME | 3PMDAY | MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10


Listen Now AgainA Celebration of Seamus Heaney with Neil Martin and Eleanor Methven

Clifden arts festival is delighted to host this celebration of the work of Seamus Heaney, a long time friend of the Festival who gave his first reading in Clifden Community School Library in 1978 and his last in St Joseph’s Church in 2009.

Neil Martin is a composer and musician with an international reputation who enjoys amost varied and rewarding career encompassing opera, dance, theatre, film, television, radio, symphonic concert hall and studio.

Originally from Magherafelt, South County Derry, Eleanor Methven is one of Ireland’s foremost actresses. She has worked with all the major Irish theatre companies, received an E.M.A. and three Irish Times Awards for her stage work, as well as The Irish Times Special Tribute Award. She is also a regular on Television and Film, most recently seen in Little Women BBC, Derry Girls Ch4, and Virgin TV’s The Deceived.

In collaboration with the National Library of Ireland and with thanks to Lorelai Harris.

Sponsored by: National Library of Ireland

TIME | 7:30PMDAY | MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10

Bob Quinn Interview with Lorna Siggins

Bob Quinn has been variously a writer, filmmaker, photographer, forester and wood sculptor for the past fifty years. Born in Dublin, he began as a producer-director in RTÉ and has lived in the Gaeltacht of Connemara, Co. Galway since 1970. He is a member of Aosdána, and the Irish parliament of artists, as well as being the recipient of an honorary doctorate by NUIG.

His 70-odd drama and documentary films include ‘The Atlantean Quartet’; ‘Poitín’; ‘Budawanny’, ‘Cloch’; ‘Graceville’, etc. His work has largely featured the Irish-speaking community in which he lives. His last film, ‘Bog Graffiti’, a short meditation on climate change, was shown at the Galway Film Fleadh and the Rome Film Festa. This event also features a screening of ‘Cloch’, Bob’s personal favourite of his short works.

Lorna Siggins is a print and radio journalist, and former Irish Times western and marine correspondent. She is author of Everest Calling, Mary Robinson: The Woman Who Took Power in the Park, Mayday!Mayday!, and Once Upon a Time in the West: the Corrib gas controversy.

Sponsored by: GMT Ireland

TIME | 10AMDAY | TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBERVENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10

Monday 21st September Tuesday 22nd September

Photo by Hugh O’Conor


Clifden Historical Walking Tours with Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill


TIME | 11AMDAY | TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER MEETING POINT STATION HOUSE HOTEL ADMISSION | €10, UNDER 15 FREE

‘BEETHOVEN 250’/ConTempo25 with ConTempo String Quartet, Galway-Ensemble-in-Residence

ConTempo Quartet, Bogdan Sofei and Ingrid Nicola(violins), Andreea Banciu (viola) and Adrian Mantu (cello) was formed in 1995 in Bucharest, Romania and were appointed as Fellows of Royal Academy of Music, London in 1999, The Galway Music Residency’s Quartet in Residence in 2003 and the RTÉ’s Quartet in Residence in 2014. The Quartet has won fourteen international prizes in prestigious competitions across Europe (London, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Rome, Graz, Hamburg) performing over three thousand concerts worldwide in venues such as Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, Tel Aviv Opera House, Geidai Tokyo, NCH Dublin and Théatre du Châtelet Paris.

In 2018 the National University of Ireland awarded its members with honorary doctorates in recognition of their cultural work. The Quartet’s discography can be found on the Sony, Universal, RTÉ, NDM, Quartz and HBO labels.

Programme:“Rasumofsky” String Quartet, op 59 no 1“Serios” String Quartet, op 95

Sponsored by: Anne Corcoran

TIME | 1PMDAY | TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER VENUE | CHURCH OF IRELANDADMISSION | €10


Tuesday 22nd September

DruidGregory A Galway 2020 CommissionDirected by Garry Hynes

Druid returns to live theatre with an extensive rural tour, in a tribute to the life and works of Galway’s Augusta Lady Gregory. Performed entirely outdoors and fully embracing all restrictions in place due to Covid-19, DruidGregory, a Galway 2020 commission, presents Lady Gregory’s Hyacinth Halvey at Clifden Arts Festival, directed by Garry Hynes and performed by a company of actors and musicians including leading members of the Druid Ensemble.

The fount of all knowledge, Mrs Delane, the postmistress of Cloon, is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new SUB-SANITARY INSPECTOR, Hyacinth Halvey. Laden down with recommendations of good and saintly character, can Hyacinth possibly cope with the high expectations of the villagers?

Tickets available only on druid.ie

TIME | 2:30PM and 6:30PMDAY | TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER VENUE | STATION HOUSE COURTYARDADMISSION | €14

JOHN MORIARTY MEMORIAL LECTURE

In Search of a Seal’s Breathing Hole - Mary McGillicuddy

Originally from Cork, and now based in Listowel, Mary McGillicuddy has lived and worked in North Kerry for the past forty years. During a long career in education, she made the acquaintance of the extended family of John Moriarty, and eventually of John himself. Fascinated by both his story and his themes, she embarked on a voyage into his books. This enormously enriching personal experience left her with a sense of the importance and the urgency of his message. Recognising that his own books can be daunting, she set about writing a book that might provide the key to open the door into his genius, to ensure that his legacy will not be lost. That book, John Moriarty, Not the Whole Story, was published in 2018.

Thanks to Damien Joyce.

Sponsored by: Ciaran and Anne McLoughlin

TIME | 5PMDAY | TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER VENUE | ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCHADMISSION | €10

Photo by Dominic Walsh


CONCERT WITH

Sean Keane Sean comes from a musical family in Caherlistrane, Co. Galway, and has been performing around the world for nearly 40 years. Born in 1961, he won his first of 13 Fleadh Ceoil medals for solo singing at seven years of age. He joined his first band, Shegui, in London and released an album with them, before touring America with his sister Dolores in a band called Reel Union. After that, he was a founding member of Arcady.

Sean released his first solo album in the early ’90s and is still recording new material. His compilation three-CD set, Never Alone, still proves popular among his followers. Come along to hear his distinctive Irish tones pull at the heartstrings and hear him play up to five instruments on stage.

Sponsored by: Anne Ueltschi

TIME | 7PMDAY | TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER VENUE | CLIFDEN TOWN HALLADMISSION | €20


Friday 25th September Upcoming Events

CLIFDEN ARTS SOCIETY PRESENTS

Ye Vagabonds and Cormac BegleyMusic Network presents triple RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards winners Ye Vagabonds on tour in a new collaboration with renowned concertina player Cormac Begley.

Ye Vagabonds, brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, are fast earning a ticket on the legend bus. With trademark close harmony singing, lean and tasty accompaniment and the rare ability to tell a good story in song, it’s little surprise that they became triple RTÉ Radio 1 Folk awardees last year. In September they take to the road in a new Music Network collaboration with the superb West Kerry concertina player Cormac Begley. No stranger to musical acclaim himself, Cormac’s spectacular debut solo album received nine 5-star reviews and was shortlisted for the Irish Times Album of the Year 2018. Weaving seamlessly between traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, this spellbinding trio will remind us just how precious live music is.

Thanks to Music Network.

Sponsored by: Anne Ueltschi

TIME | 8PMDAY | FRIDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER VENUE | STATION HOUSE THEATREADMISSION | €10

Mirror Pavilion by John GerrardMirror Pavilion by John Gerrard was commissioned by Galway International Arts Festival for Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture. One of the largest outdoor installations ever to be seen in Ireland, Mirror Pavilion is a 7-metre cubed mirrored structure fronted by a high resolution LED screen. The Pavilion will host two new artworks - Corn Work and Leaf Work; virtual worlds created by one of Ireland’s most internationally renowned artists, John Gerrard. Following its opening at the Claddagh Quay in Galway city as part of GIAF’s Autumn Edition programme, this beautiful and striking Mirror Pavilion will move to Derrigimlagh Bog in Connemara. There we will see Leaf Work unfold on the LED screen where it will reflect and respond to the landscape.

DATE | 1 - 31 OCTOBER 8AM - 6PM DAILYLOCATION | DERRIGIMLAGH BOG, CONNEMARAADMISSION | FREE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Art Ó Briain Film CelebrationA celebration of the work of documentary film marker Art O Briain. His work has captured the life and work of artists such as Martin Hayes, Joe Boske, and Fergus Bourke. This event will screen four of Art’s films with a discussion afterwards.

DATE | FEBRUARY 2021VENUE | CLIFDEN STATION HOUSE


Clifden Arts Festival - Quick Find Index

THURSDAY 17TH The Diary of a Nobody Station House Theatre 10AM p.15Clifden Historical Walking Tours with Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill Station House Hotel 11AM p.15Ultan Conlon Clifden Town Hall 2PM p.15Poetry with Patrick Deeley and Catherine MacCarthy Church of Ireland 4PM p.16Official Opening by with Maureen Kennelly Clifden Town Hall 7PM p.16

FRIDAY 18TH Our Resilient Soul-Riding, the Waves of our Emotions Church of Ireland 10AM p.17Clifden Historical Walking Tours with Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill Station House Hotel 11AM p.17Dante and the Irish Writer, a lecture by Declan Kiberd Station House Theatre 11AM p.17Lunchtime concert with Laoise Kelly Church of Ireland 2PM p.18Dúchas Clifden Town Hall 3PM p.18The Artist “Paint-In” at Clifden Arts Festival The Square 5PM p.19Poetry reading with Lorna Shaugnassy and Moya Cannon Station House Theatre 5PM p.19Concert with Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney St Joseph’s Church 8PM p.20

SATURDAY 19TH Ancestral Voices: from the Maritime Lakeland and Upland landscapes of Ireland West Station House Theatre 10AM p.21

Peadar Ó Riada and Seán Ó Sé Clifden Town Hall 1PM p.21

Talk by David McCullagh Éamon de Valera Rule: 1932-1975 Station House Theatre 3PM p.22Sean-Nós ar an Loch Lough Inagh Lodge 2PM p.22Máirtín O Connor, Zoë Conway and Donal Lunny Clifden Town Hall 8PM p.23

SUNDAY 20TH Memories of Leo Rowsome presented by Peter Browne and Kevin Rowsome Station House Theatre 11AM p.24

Concert with John Feeley Church of Ireland 1:30PM p.25Book launch: Spirorbis, a memoir by Peter Vine Rosleague Manor Hotel 6PM p.25Samba Drumming Workshop Clifden Town Hall 4PM p.26Ciúnas (Silence) Station House Theatre 4PM p.26Finghin Collins: Beethoven 250 St Joseph’s Church 8PM p.27

MONDAY 21STSéamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin and Seán Ó Coisdealbha Station House Theatre 11AM p.28The Far-Flung Trio Clifden Town Hall 1PM p.28Marita Conlon-McKenna Station House Theatre 13PM p.29John Feeley and Fran Ó Rourke Church of Ireland 5PM p.29Listen Now Again. A Celebration of Seamus Heaney with Neil Martin and Eleanor Methven Station House Theatre 7:30PM p.30Bob Quinn Interview with Lorna Siggins Station House Theatre 10AM p.30Clifden Historical Walking Tours with Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill Station House Hotel 11AM p.31

‘BEETHOVEN 250’/ConTempo25 with ConTempo String Quartet, Galway-Ensemble-in-Residence Church of Ireland 1PM p.31

DruidGregory A Galway 2020 Commission Directed by Garry Hynes Station House Courtyard 2:30PM&6.30PM p.32

In Search of a Seal’s Breathing Hole - Mary McGillicuddy St Joseph’s Church 5PM p.32

Concert with Sean Keane Clifden Town Hall 7PM p.33

FRIDAY 25THClifden Arts Society Presents Ye Vagabonds and Cormac Begley Station House Theatre 8PM p.34


DIGITAL EVENTSClifden Arts Festival has commissioned three shorts by local videographer Barry Ryan. These films represent the importance of community Arts endeavours from young musicians, teachers and mentors to the profound power of the visual arts that pulses through the local Connemara Community. These shorts will available on the Festival Website on the lead up to the Festival. www.clifdenartsfestival.ie

CommunityBrendan Flynn, Founder of the Clifden Arts Festival, speaks on this year’s Festival and what it means to the local community.

MusicConnemara based musician and teacher Marie Walsh with local musicians and students gather at Derrigimlagh Bog to fill the air with music.

Visual ArtsA tour of the studio of artist, Bernie Dignam. Watch as she uses a variety of media to convey different narratives about the local environment and other themes that inspire her work.

Digital TalksClifden Arts Festival will be presenting the services of digital talks over the course of the Festival. Consult the website for more information.

Colum McCannColum McCann is the author of seven novels, including Let the Great World Spin and Transatlantic. and three collections of stories. He will read from his newest and Booker Prize Nominated novel, Apeirogon.

Sponsored by: Bill and Denise Whelan

Áit agus Anam: Remembering Tim and Mairéad RobinsonAn interdisciplinary, online panel discussion celebrating the lives and legacies of Tim and Mairéad Robinson. Chaired by Dr Nessa Cronin and co-hosted by the Centre for Irish Studies and Moore Institute, NUI Galway and Clifden Community Arts Festival.

Sponsored by: Richard Sheehan


Sinéad Gleeson and Elaine FeeneyA reading by Sinéad Gleeson Chaired by the poet Tony Curtis.

Elaine Feeney has published three collections of poetry, Where’s Katie?, The Radio was Gospel, Rise, and a drama piece, WRoNGHEADED, commissioned by Liz Roche Company. She teaches at The National University of Ireland, Galway and St Jarlath’s College. Her work has been widely published and anthologised in Poetry Review, The Stinging Fly, The Irish Times, Copper Nickel, Stonecutter Journal and others. As You Were is her fiction debut and was named Top Ten Debuts for 2020 in the Observer.

Sinéad Gleeson is a writer of essays, criticism and fiction. Her writing has appeared in Granta, Winter Papers and Gorse, and a story of hers will appear in Being Various: New Irish Short Stories published by Faber in May 2018. She is the editor of three short story anthologies, including The Long Gaze Back: an Anthology of Irish Women Writers and The Glass Shore: Short Stories by Women Writers from the North of Ireland, both of which won Best Irish Published Book at the Irish Book Awards. Sinéad has worked as an art critic and broadcaster and has presented The Book Show on RTÉ Radio 1. She lives in Dublin. Her debut book of essays Constellations was published in

Tomi Reichental

Tomi Reichental in conversation with Students of Clifden Community School and Des Lally

Tomi, author of I was a boy in Belsen, has lived in Dublin since 1959 for 55 years he did not speak of his wartime experience; since breaking his silence he has been back to Bergin-Belsen and his home village of Merasice. He is a regular speaker in schools where he is a living testament of the Holocaust for a new generation.

Sponsored by: Community Foundation of Ireland

A Tune for John GA collaboration video featuring over 20 Well Known Button Accordion Players from all over Ireland playing a specially composed tune in memory of well-known Accordion Player and festival stalwart, the late John Gerard Walsh from Clifden. They perform a reel composed by his daughter Marie in his memory. John was a well-known musician all over Ireland, one of the founding members of the Clifden Comhaltas Branch and he would have performed at and supported the festival with many other local musicians throughout the years.

2019 and won The Non-Fiction Book of the Year at 2019 An Post Irish Book Awards, the 2020 Dalkey Literary Awards (Emerging Writer) It was also shortlisted for the 2020 Rathbones Folio Prize, the 2020 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Biography and the Royal Irish Academy’s Michel Déon Prize. Her latest anthology The Art of the Glimpse, an anthology of 100 Irish short stories, past and present will be published later this year.

Sponsored by: Bobby and Truly Gilmore


Friends of Clifden Arts Festival

The staff and Board of Management, students and parents of Clifden Community School, Clifden. Sr. Agnes, Aisling House, Jonathan Powell and Amanda Burke (All Things Connemara), Angler’s Return, Aquinas College - Michigan, Jim Avcone, Mary Banotti, Tania Banotti, Kevin Barry, Orla and Wayne Baylis (Upstairs Downstairs Coffee House), Anne Beatty, Dave Beecher, Ben View House, Margaret Bennett Gillian Binchy (Failte Ireland) Alice Black (Manager AIB, Clifden), Louise Borre, Charlie Bourke, Fr. Ronnie Boyle, John Brennan, Jonathan Broderick, Enda Broderick (Lightnet-Festival Broadband), Stuart Burford, Tommy Burke, Lynda Burke, Natalie Byrne, Jim Carney, Martin Casey, Anne and Pat Casey, Dr. John and Brenda Casey, Maureen Chambers, Clifden Fire Service Station Officer, David McNamara, and Clifden Fire Service members, Clifden Gardaí, Roseanne, Maureen, Amy and staff at the Clifden Post Office, James Sweeney, and all the staff of the Clifden Station House Hotel and Theatre, Clifden Tourist Offce (Barbara Ward and Jeanie Linnane), Paddy Collins, Finghin Collins, Joe Conaty (FORUM Connemara), Michael and Kathleen Conneely, Charles Conneely (Digital Offce), Josie Conneely, Laurence Conneely (Cleggan Claddaghduff Festival of the Sea and the Claddaghduff Hall Committee), Packie Conneely, Martin and Lourdes Conneely, John Conneely, Connemara Community Radio (Grainne O’Malley, and all the volunteers), Sean and Rosalind Coyne, Yvonne Flaherty and all staff at Connemara Lettings, The Connemara Pony Breeders Society, Connemara West, Catherine Connolly T.D., Paddy Joe and Pam Conroy, Bernard Corbett, Marie and Joe Coyne, Oliver Coyne, Louise Coyne (Clifden Glen), Cregal Art, Mary Foyle and all the staff at Criost Linn Centre (Ability West), John Crumlish (Galway Arts Festival), Seamus and Mary Cullen, Barry Davy (Pobal) Josephine De Courcey, Michael Delahunty, David Delahunty), Design Platform, Bernie Dignam, Dolphin Beach Country House, Mary Donnelly, Marie Donoghue, Niall Doyle (Head of Music), Fr. John Dunleavy SMA, Rev. Elaine Dunne, Pat Charleton and all the staff at E.J. King’s Bar, Dr. Sophie Faherty, Frank Fahey, Vincent Fahy (ESB, Clifden), Paul Fahy (Galway Arts Festival), Pat Fallon, Martin Farragher, Anthony Farrell (Lilliput Press), Bernie Coyne and staff at the Fatima Hospital Clifden, Fidget Feet, Keith Finnegan - Galway Bay FM, Fr. Raymond Flaherty, Margaret Flannery (Arts Assistant, Galway & Roscommon Education and Training Board), Bronagh Flynn, Dearbhaile Flynn, Veronica Folan, Christine Folan (Clifden Glen), Billy Foyle, Mark Foyle (Rosleague Manor), Lisa and Stephen Foyle (Foyles’ Hotel), Eddie Foyle, Fearghus Foyle (Aerial Eye), Jason Foyle (Mullarkeys Bar), Stuart and Margaret Freeman, Galway Arts Centre, Carmel Gaughan, Sean Gavin, Kevin Gavin, Martina Gavin (FORUM Connemara), Helen and Lorcan Geoghegan, Erin Gibbons, Stephen and Mary Gibbons, John and Jeanette Glynn, Noel Grealish T.D., Tom Grealy, Claire Griffin (Steam Café), Hugh and Eileen Griffin, Laura Griffin (Claddaghduff NS), David Griffin, Pat Guy, Eileen Halliday, Lol Hardiman, Mike Harding BBC Radio, James Harold (Arts Officer Galway City Council), Roger Harrison, Tom Healy, Padraic Heanue, Sean Heanue, PJ Heffernan Brian and Michele Hehir, Tim Hickey, Carol Hinch, Paul Hughes, Brian Hughes, Sr. Immaculate, Bernie Jefferies (Clifden Library), Julian Jefferies, Peter Jefferies, Joseph Joyce Auctioneers, Neasa Joyce Sean Joyce, Kevin Joyce, Aidan Joyce, Emer Joyce, Valerie Joyce, Damien Joyce, Oliver Joyce (GMT), Brendan Joyce, Derval Joyce, Carol Anne Joyce, Shane Joyce, Peter Keane (for broadband installation), Michael and Anita Keane, Malachy Kearns, Kevin Kelly, Anne Marie Kelly, Mary Kelly - Principal, Clifden Community School, Brendan Kelly, John and Margaret Kelly, Geraldine Kelly (FORUM Connemara), Christina Kennedy, Bro. Kenneth, Jackie and Carmel Kenny, Tom and Des Kenny, Paul Keogh (Clifden Library), Brendan Keogh (Keogh’s Ballyconneely), Emma Keogh, Jim Killcrest, Alan King (Steam Café), Anna King, Ciara King,Helen King, Gerry King, Cllr. Gerry King, Malachy King, Noel and Madeline King, Micheal King (Dun Rí Guesthouse), Noel King (Roundstone), Tom King, King’s Paper Shop, Kingstown House, Mary Kirby (St. Joseph’s Parish Office), Noel Kirby, Sean Kyne T.D., Patricia Jean Lacey,


Gavin Lavelle, Joan Ann Lloyd, Kathleen Loughnane, Eilish Lowry, LUXe, Padraic Lyden, Kurt Lydon (Galway County Council), Brendan and Sally Madden Grainne Miller (Fáilte Ireland) Sharon and Declan Maher, Mallmore House, John Malone, Liam Malone, Maurice Maloney, Maureen Maloney, Adrian Mangan, Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Eleanor Mannion, Marie Mannion, J.J. and Caitriona Mannion, Noel Mannion, Seamus Mannion, Francie Mannion, Martin V. Mannion, Marty Mannion Dara McAleer (Scoil Mhuire, Clifden), Augusta McCabe, Úna McCarthy (Director - Limerick City Gallery) Padraic McCormack, Michéal and Grace McDonagh, Ellen McDonagh, John McDonagh, Petria McDonnell, Joanne McGrath, Yvonne McGuire, Tom McHugh, Eamonn and Theresa McLoughlin, Neil McLoughlin, John McMenamin, David McNamara (GMT), Mary McNamara, Ronnie Millar, Felicitas and Herbery Miller, Feichin Mitchell, Cailin and Teresa Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Declan Moran, Pat and Jean Mullan, Johanne Mullan, Tony Mullen, Bro. James Mungovan, Vincent Murphy, Pat and Antoinette Murphy, Judy Murphy (Connacht Tribune), Music Network (Deirdre, Sharon, Andreas, Niamh), Hildegarde Naughton TD, Malachy Nee, Sean Nee, Mrs. Nolan, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Dr. Gearóid Ó’Tuathaigh, Sharon O’Grady (Arts Officer Galway County Council), Gerry and Betty O’Malley, Tina and Donal O’Scanaill, Dave and Mary O’Shaughnessy, Sheila and Peter O’Toole, Colm O’Brien, Mairtin O’Cathain (Connacht Tribune and Galway Bay FM), Rory O’Connell - Findhorn, Martin O’Connor, Keith O’Connor, Jonty O’Dallaigh, Aoife O’Dhallaigh (Connemara Journal), Helen O’Donoghue - IMMA, Mary O’Donoughue, O’Dowd’s Restaurant, Sean O’Farrell, Patrick O’Flaherty Aidan and Máire O’Halloran, Jane O’Hanlon, Bernie O’Leary - The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Enda O’Malley, Brian O’Malley, Bríd O’Malley, Jim O’Malley, Aine O’Neill, Michael O’Neill, Bridie O’Neill, Breandan O’Scanaill, Claire O’Shaughnessy, Fionnula O’Shaughnessy, Emer O’Shaughnessy, Regina O’Shea, Brendan O’Sullivan, Padraic O’Sullivan, Tommy O’Sullivan (Galway County Council), Henry O’Toole, Maeve O’Toole, Rory O’Toole, OpenStreetMap, Mike and Sharon Prendergast, Anthony and Christina Previté, Paddy Pryce, Jane Queally, Brian Quinn, Aidan Reade (Sound), TJ Redmond GCC, Brendan and Virginia Ridge, Lorna Roberts, Paddy Roe, Canon James Ronayne, Ciarán Ryan (Piano Tuner), Barry Ryan (Festival videographer – Limelight Productions), Philip and Mary Ryder Davies, Bernhard Sanders (Festival Archivist), Peter Savage, Raymond Schley, Shamrock Dry Cleaners, Alan and Sandra Shattock, Rev. Krzysztof Sikora, Lorna Siggins, Alan Stephenson, Mary Smyth, Sandia Joy and staff at St. Anne’s, James Sullivan, Joe Lynch and Noel Kavanagh (SuperValu), Michael and Iris Taylor, Ronan Tierney (Pobal) Georgie Thompson, Rodney Thompson, Brian Thornburgh, Fergal McGrath and staff at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderlee, Vassar College, Sean Vaughan, Danny Vaughan, Vaughan’s Hotel, Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill, Karl Wallace (Head of Festivals and Events), Melissa Wallace, Coliosa Wallace (Hardiman Wallace Accountants), Cllr. Seamus Walsh, Pat and Margaret Walsh, Mary Claire Walsh, Michael Walsh, Marie Walsh, Johanne Webb, Cllr. Thomas Welby, Joe Woods and Joe Young.


Notes/signatures


Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this programme, the organisers of Clifden Arts Festival can accept no responsibility for errors, omissions or inaccuracies – neither can they be held liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon the contents of this programme. Details are correct at the time of publication. Updates can be found online, visit www.clifdenartsfestival.ie.

Michael and Toni Barrett, Rosemary Carr, The Celtic Shop, The Central Bar, Clifden Supply Centre, Stephen and Celia Cullinane, Des Moran Butchers, Faul Guest House, Ann Fuller, Gannon Sports, Tom Healy, Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), Des and Mary Kavanagh, Dr Ronan Kavanagh, Conor Killeen, Lavelle Art Gallery, Lowry’s Bar, Declan and Kiara Mannion, Matt O’Sullivan Auctioneers, Petria McDonnell, Dr Ciaran and Ann McLoughlin, Ronnie and Francoise Millar, Mitchell’s Restaurant, Pat Molloy, Brendan and Deirdre O’Connor, O’Dalaigh Jewellers, Shane O’Grady (Guy’s Bar), Catriona and Patrick O’Toole (Buttermilk Lodge), The Quay House, Patrick O Malley, Kevin Cronin, Chris Shanahan, Stanley’s, Steam Café, Paul and Anne Summerville, Tom King’s Bar, Conor and Mary Devally, and Vassar College. And last, but by no means least, a BIG thank you to the legion of voluntary helpers without whom it would be impossible to stage the Clifden Arts Festival. In particular; former board members Catherine Lowry and Eunan Gill.

Clifden Arts Festival Board Members:Chairperson: Breandan O’ScannaillSecretary: Nicola SnowTreasurer: Percy Hyland,Financial Controller: Karen MannionMary Ruddy, Ursula Flynn, Judy Murphy, John Fanning.

Artistic Director: Brendan Flynn

Programme Coordinator: Des Lally

Health and Safety Officer: Gerard King

COVID-19 Compliance Officers:Des Lally, Gerard King, Ellen McDonagh

Primary School Coordinator:Eily O’Grady

Secondary School Coordinator:Carmel Hanley

Visual Arts Curator: John Durning

Staging Manager: Danny Vaughan

IT and Operations: Sean Mulkerin

Box Office Manager: Mary McDonagh

Schools Committee: Mary Keating, Caitriona O’Brion, Irene Conneely, Gerry Claffey, Nicola Snow, Ross Molloy

Special thanks to the staff of the Clifden Community School and Primary Schools for their kind cooperation and involvement over the years.

PR: Pamela Finn | PR Pam

Special Advisors: Fidelma Mullane, Mary Coyne, Johanne Webb

Brand & Design: Hashtag Media

Cover / Poster Illustration:Jimmy Lawlor

Bill & Denise...event. Venues and times are subject to change due to COVID-19 Restrictions....

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Transcript of Bill & Denise...event. Venues and times are subject to change due to COVID-19 Restrictions....