On April 30, Mayo Day will be taking over the historic Linenhall with its very own programme of locally based, and locally inspired talent and events to suit all ages. Courtesy of Mayo County Council, this massive celebration of all things Mayo falls on the Saturday of the May Bank Holiday this year, with the Linenhall’s Lá Mhaigh Eo schedule kicking off at 11am with ‘Gráinne Mhaol’.
Gráinne Mhaol was the pirate queen of Ireland! An Irish chieftan in the West of Ireland, who was loved at home and feared abroad for her command of the seven seas. Through a mix of comedy and physical theatre (as Gaeilge! ) production company Mumbro Top tells the story of her life.
Mumbro Top specialise in creating Irish language productions and they deftly present this imagined version of Gráinne, a voice to dispel the myths, rumours and legends. According to her, anyway! Suitable for children from second class age onwards, this is a free event but booking is essential.
Later that afternoon, the ‘Best of Mayo’ feast of short films makes a triumphant return from 3pm. This collection of award winning Mayo centric short films debuted as part of the Mayo International Film Festival in February to a sold-out audience. Mayo has become an international hub of interest for filmmakers the world over, as well as boasting its own wealth of homegrown talent in the film industry.
How apt, having a selection of some of the finest short films Mayo has to offer form part of the county wide Mayo Day 2022 celebrations. As these are independent short films, no formal age rating is assigned. Elements of the programme may not be suitable for younger audiences, therefore parental discretion is advised.
From a visual arts perspective, as part of Mayo Day 2022, the foyer exhibition space at the Linenhall will be showcasing the works of renowned Achill based photographer ‘Terry O’Brien’. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the filming of the Ballroom of Romance in Ballycroy in 1982, this exhibition brings together 50 photographs from the film. Cyril Cusack, Niall Tobin, Bríd Brennan, Brenda Conroy and a remarkably youthful Mick Lally all feature.
All Mayo Day 2022 events are free of charge but booking is essential. For more information please see www.thelinenhall.com or contact box office on (094 ) 9023733.
