THERE is a new festival coming to Letterkenny, An Focal Beo, in which the richness of the Irish language which is utterly entwined with the folklore, poetry, philosophy, song, heritage, history, mythology, creativity and self-understanding of her people will be celebrated.
“We want to showcase the energy of the Irish language and to invite people to engage through song, story, creativity and poetry. There is a saying, that a country without a language is a country without a soul. We want to show how vibrant and energising the Irish soul is,” said Bairbre Uí Chathail, Líonra Leitir Ceanainn’s Language Planning Coordinator.
As part of the festival there will be excerpts from the work of Donegal poets Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, Dubhán Ó Longáin, Máire Dinny Wren and Sam Ó Fearraigh on display in the shop windows of businesses and organisations around the town from May 5 – 13.
Everyone is invited to find all 16 and send in the details of where they are to be entered into a draw for a €100 prize.
The QR code on each poster also enables people to access the poems in full on the website, where you can also find full competition conditions.
There will be a Festival Meal on Friday 5, with Gearóidín Breathnach as a special guest. After dinner they will move on to another venue for a session of song and story-telling.
There will be a writing workshop with Réaltán Ní Leannáin and Dubhán Ó Longáin on Saturday, May 6 for anyone interested in writing Irish prose or poetry the opportunity to learn from two excellent published authors.
On Wednesday May 10, An Cailín Ciúin will be shown in Century Cinema and tickets, costing only €5, can be bought on Eventbrite or through the Líonra Leitir Ceanainn office.
During the week there will be a variety of story telling events in local schools, St Eunan’s Nursing Home and in the National Learning Network as well as a slam poetry workshop facilitated by Dubhán Ó Longáin for 6th class children in Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin and a poetry recitation competition on Saturday 13.
There will also be a story sack workshop on Saturday 13 with Anne Quinn where families will have the opportunity to create story telling props to go along with Myra Zepf’s wonderful book Rita agus an Dragún.
Booking is essential and can be done through the Líonra Leitir Ceanainn office or by calling 086 0751663 or emailing pobal@lionralc.ie
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