The biannual series of cultural events at Coole Park is now drawing to a close but there are still a few events to look forward to before the end of the programme.
Gael Linn will present two Louis Marcus films, Christy Ring (1964 ) and Peil (1962 ) this evening. These films feature sporting greats of the 1960s in both hurling and football. Additional material consists of evocative Amharc Éireann newsreel footage of major Gaelic games from the years 1959 to 1963. Each film has an instructional section at its core, preceded by a nostalgic look at the past, followed by extended highlights of a major game. Both films feature colour footage from games rich in atmosphere and detail, accompanied by a rousing soundtrack of music from the Artane Band. Commentaries for both films were written by Breandán Ó hEithir, author of Over The Bar, a personal relationship with the GAA (1984 ) and voiced by Pádraig Tyers. The screening will take place from 8pm to 9pm.
Tree Week activities for children and families will take place at Coole over the weekend with a guided walk on Saturday at 2pm. Niall McCoitir will give an interesting and informative walk around the grounds of Coole Park. McCoitir is author of the two renowned books, Irish Wild Plants, Myths, Legends and Folklore (2006 ) and Irish Trees, Myths, Legends and Folklore (2003 ). This event is sponsored by the Galway Advertiser. On Sunday March 8 there will be a family day starting at 2pm with story-telling with Niall de Burca for children from four years upwards. Booking is essential for this storytelling session. Nature games will take place from 3pm to 3.30pm (small group only ). From 2pm to 4.30pm it will be time to explore the woods, learn about trees and birds, have scavenger hunts, and learn about Coole Park. Binoculars, tree books, and bird books can be brought along but are not essential.
The final lecture of the heritage programme will be on Monday March 9 from 8pm to 10pm with the local history publications course. The lecture is entitled Compilation and Printing Publications and it will give the perspectives of the writer and printer. Speakers on the night are Sr De Lourdes Fahy, John Joe Conwell, and Jack Cunningham. The course is now fully booked. Contact Coole Park if you have any queries as it may be possible to attend as there is not usually full attendance on the night.
The final event of the spring 2009 season takes place on Thursday March 12 from 8pm to 9pm when Galway poet Pete Mullineaux will read mainly from his recent collection, A Father’s Day. Mullineaux grew up in Bristol and had his first poem published by Macmillan and recorded on vinyl at age 13. He has appeared from Trafalgar Square to Glastonbury alongside such luminaries as Salman Rushdie and The Pogues. His latest work has been described as tender and lyrical, gorgeously resonant, and grimly funny. He reflects in this collection on themes relating to fathers and fatherhood. The writing overall experiments with a variety of forms and reflects a quirky but challenging personal politics, laced with a rich irony and humour. This event is sponsored by Poetry Ireland.
All these events are free to the public and take place at Coole Park Visitor Centre. Contact Coole Park 631804 or [email protected] for details on any of the events.
