The organising committee for the annual Peadar O’Donnell Weekend is pleased to announce the details of this year’s event, which will take place in Dungloe this weekend.
As usual, the Weekend will feature a wide range of topics and events, reflecting the broad sweep of Peadar’s activities over his long lifetime. Peadar made his mark as one of the foremost Irish writers of the 20th century, but also as a teacher, trade unionist, soldier, revolutionary and tireless champion of the common people.
In keeping with this tradition, the opening session on Friday evening will feature the renowned artist Robert Ballagh, known for his support of progressive causes. This will be followed by a lively music session in Beedy’s Bar featuringDublin group, the Craggy Men.
On Saturday morning people will have an opportunity to take part in a guided excursion through some of the history and scenery of the Maghery/Crohy area of the Rosses. The trip will include visits to the 13th century Templecrone Church, the 18th century Kelp Factory, the Napoleonic Signal Tower and discussions on the local islands.
Saturday afternoon has a literary flavour, with a book fair inIonad Teampaill Chroine from 12 noon onwards. Nigel Jess will give a personal appreciation on perhaps Peadar’s most famous book, ‘Islanders’ , followed by a bi-lingual presentation by Peadar O Baoill on ‘Clann Mac Grianna agusPeadar O Domhnall’, dealing with the famous Rannafastauthors and Peadar O Donnell.
A feature of Irish political life in recent elections, includingthis week’s two bye elections, has been the growing role of independent candidates. But what does ‘independent’ mean? Does it simply mean ‘non-party’ or does it tell us anything about what a politician stands for? This topic will be discussed by a panel comprising Donegal Mayor John Campbell, Derry & Strabane Councillor Gary Donnelly, and Sligo Councillor Declan Bree.
Saturday’s events will be rounded off by a musical evening in the Ionad featuring popular local duo Anne and Tony Crokewith guests.
Sunday will feature two interesting discussions. At 12pm a panel of speakers including Clare Daly TD, Belfast Trade Union Organiser Kerry Fleck, and community activists Paula Leonard and Clarrie Pringle will address ‘Women in Struggle, Yesterday and Today’.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Republican Congress, in which Peadar O’Donnell played a leading role. To mark the occasion and consider what ongoing relevance it may have today, Sinn Fein Councillor and author Eoin OBroin and Eugene McCartan, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland will debate the subject at 2pm.This session will be chaired by Thomas Pringle TD.
Following on the success of last year’s essay competition, thepupils of the Rosses Community School have been invited to address the topic, ‘How can we make the Rosses an even greater place to live?’ The Weekend will conclude with thepresentation of prizes to the winners in the Ionad at 6pm.
There’ll be plenty of interest for everyone over the Weekend, and we hope to see big crowds there!
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