We thank Brendan O’Keeffe for the following important update. (S.R.)
Carriganima Community Development has been making steady progress in organising the centenary celebrations for An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire. An tAthair Peadar, who was born in the townland of Liscarriguane, spent his formative years here. He was a renowned Gaelic scholar and a champion of the spoken Irish of the people. He wrote several works, and his novel Séadhna was the first novel in modern Irish. He died in March 1920, and it is only fitting that we, his own people, mark this important centenary.
The commemoration will commence on Friday, March 20 with an opening ceremony and a gathering of musicians in ‘The Pub’ – beginning at 8.30pm. Representatives of Carriganima Community Development will speak. Tim Joe O’Riordan will be the anchor musician, but all others are very welcome to join in.
On Saturday, March 21, there will be a guided bus tour to sites associated with An tAthair Peadar and his ancestors, including Carrignacurra Castle, Carraig na Madraí and Liscarrigane (the family homestead). The bus will leave the village at 12 noon, and return at approximately 4pm. Soup and sandwiches will be available for purchase in The Pub afterwards. All those on the tour must stay together, and comply with the Country Code. Carriganima Community Development is very grateful to the affected landowners for their permission to allow people to access sites as part of this tour. Prior booking is essential via Eventbrite. To book your place, please click here (You may need to hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key at the same time), or Google Tour An tAthair Peadar. This guided tour is compliments of Carriganima Community Development.
At 6pm, Rt. Rev. Msgr. James O’Donnell will lead a concelebrated bilingual Mass, before which he will bless a commemorative plaque, which is due to be installed in the Church. Local singers and musicians have been rehearsing for the Mass, and we welcome others to join in. After Mass, there will be a social gathering in The Pub, and refreshments will be served. Murt Kelliher will lead musicians, and again, others are welcome to join in.
The community has, under the stewardship of James O’Leary, compiled a book ‘Ár Scéal Féin’ – brimming with genealogy, stories, tales, heritage, history and folklore from the wider locality over the past one hundred years. This will be formally launched after Mass. Copies will be on sale, on the night, and patrons will have to be quick to get their copy of this momentous publication.
For further information, or if you would like to assist in any way, please email: carriganima2020 @gmail.com
All are welcome / Fáilte roimh chách.
