The headlining act at the Percy French Summer School this July 13-15 will surely kick-start proceedings in an energetic fashion as it reflects the current political and economic crises. The talk, given by Tim Pat Coogan, journalist and editor, will prove a lively forum for discussion and debate and will receive an added colourful dimension as proceedings are chaired by Roscommon’s own Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan.
The talk is one of many that aims to address current socio-economic issues at this year’s Percy French Summer School at Castlecoote House. Some of Ireland’s leading academics will gather at Castlecoote House between July 13 and 15 to celebrate the work of Percy French and debate issues such as ‘The Irish conscience’, ‘The Female education debate in 18th century’, ‘Trades, crafts and people of old Fuerty’, to name but a few.
The theme of the school this year is ‘Lead Kindly Light’, which will explore further the relationship between Cardinal John Henry Newman and Percy French as well as Joyce, and Somerville and Ross. There will also be an illustrated talk on Percy French’s paintings called ‘A light in the darkness’ and of course plenty of music with lunchtime recitals and a concert.
Tim Pat Coogan’s talk is of course taken from Percy French’s well known song “The West Clare Railway” and to celebrate the occasion, the Percy French Summer School have commissioned a song entitled “Sure we’re not right Michael sure we’re not” which can currently be heard and viewed with its hilarious captions at www.percyfrench.ie
The official launch this year will take place in King House, Boyle on Friday July 1, where an exhibition entitled ‘French Miscellany’ will be displayed and guests on the evening entertained by the Percy French Quartet.
For more information on the Percy French Summer School and ticket sales please contact [email protected] or phone (090 ) 6663794.
