Padraic Colum Gathering returns on Saturday, 5 October

Takes place in Granard Library from 10.30am to 3pm

Press Release: Monday, 30 September 2024 

This year's Padraic Colum Gathering will take place in Granard Library on Saturday, 5 October from 10.30am to 3pm. All are welcome to attend. 

This annual event celebrates the work of Padraic Colum, one of Longford's greatest writers. It also promotes Mary Colum, Padraic's wife, who was also a writer and literacy critic.

The Gathering is organised by Longford County Council through its Library, Archives, Arts and Heritage services. It is supported by the Commemoration programme, run by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. 

The morning session of the Gathering runs from 10.30am to 1pm and features two speakers: local historian Gearoid O'Brien and University College Dublin (UCD) Prof Margaret Kelleher will follow. Prof Kelleher is currently writing a joint biography of Padraic and Mary Colum. She previously spoke at the Gathering in 2021. 

A poetry reading will take place at 2pm, led by poet and dramatist Noel Monahan, a Granard native. The poetry reading will feature the work of those who are participating in a workshop to be facilitated by Noel in Granard Library on 1 October.

The Gathering will close with a performance from children of the Sacred Heart National School in Granard based on Colum's play Thomas Muskerry. The performance will be directed by drama facilitator Hannah Carleton, who has been working with children over several weeks. 

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey welcomes the Gathering. "This long-standing event promotes the excellent work and legacy of Padraic Colum, an Irish playwright, poet and novelist born here in Longford in 1881. His work is important for our heritage and culture, and I encourage everyone to turn out for this important celebration of his work."

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, "Longford has a very strong literary tradition and events like the Padraic Colum Gathering help to promote this for future generations. The Council proudly supports this event, which this year has an excellent showcase of Colum's work and new creative work as we expand upon our literacy heritage."

For further information on the Padraic Colum Gathering call 0433341124. 

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