Meantime Theatre Company presents The Good Father at The Mall Arts Centre – March 13th 2010

Directed by Maria Moynihan and starring James Browne and Una Kirwan, Christian O’Reilly’s ‘The Good Father’ is a contemporary love story of how two people starting at the end try to reach a new beginning.

Tim and Jane are from different sides of the class divide, but when a random meeting at a New Year’s Eve party leads to an unexpected pregnancy they attempt to form a relationship against all odds.

Jack O’Rourke, music teacher at Pobailscoil na Trionoide, will provide an originally-composed live piano score for The Good Father. Jack studied music and composition at University College Cork and has worked musically on other exciting theatre projects such as Dark Week, a promenade piece at the Everyman Palace Theatre for Cork Midsummer Festival 2005, where he collaborated with Cork chanteuse Annette Buckley. He also composed the haunting piano score for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at The Granary Theatre last year. He fronts folk-rock band, Front Porch and will be supporting Luka Bloom in St. Mary’s Church, Youghal, on Saturday 20th March.

Jack is hugely enjoying his first year at Pobailscoil na Trionoide and is delighted to find himself in the Mecca of budding musical talent. He hopes that the inhabitants of his new hometown will come out to support The Good Father at the Mall Arts Centre, and that everyone enjoys the show!

Tickets on sale on the door at €15/€12,  show starts at 8pm !

Cork Textiles Network (CTN) is a, not for profit, group of Cork based artists whose combined media ranges from Ceramics, Stitch art, jewellery, printed textiles, felting, and weaving among others.

On the weekend of the 6th & 7th March they will be holding their annual Conference. As a part of this week they are incorporating an Arts and Crafts sale and demonstrations day.
Artists and supply companies are invited to exhibit at this event all monies raised will go towards the sponsoring of 2 midwives from the CUH Maternity Dept to go to work in Haiti.

GREAT ART AND CRAFT FAIR

COLAISTE STIOFAN NOAFA

TRAMORE ROAD CORK

SUNDAY 7TH MARCH 2010

AS PART OF CORK TEXTILE NETWORK CONFERENCE 2010 EVENT RENOWNED ARTISTS (INCLUDING RDS AWARD WINNER 2009) OF PRINTED TEXTILES, FELT, WEAVING, APPLIQUE, JEWELLRY INCLUDING FRESHWATER PEARL, CERAMICS. PAINTING, ART SUPPLIERS, PLUS MANY DEMONSTRATIONS.

IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST OF ARTS & CRAFTS SUPPLIER AND WOULD LIKE TO SELL OR DEMONSTRATE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SKILLS PLEASE CONTACT US TO BOOK A SPACE.

COST OF TABLES:      INDIVIDUALS: 25 EURO

COMMERCIAL: 50 EURO

PROCEEDS FROM EVENT WILL HELP FUND A TRIP TO HAITI BY TWO MIDWIVES

Email: barbhall@eircom.net

Sean O’Neill is a well known and highly respected Playwright and Director. He lives in Youghal, where he is happy, comfortable, and back in the town he has loved all his life.
By Denise FitzGerald  Photo: Michael Hussey Youghalonline.com email: news@youghalonline.com

Born in Dublin, the son of a Kilkenny man, Sean remembers being told by his father and uncles many times during his lifetime, that he was related to Fr. Peter O’Neill – the Irish Catholic Priest born in Coona, County Cork in 1757, brother of the famous Fenian Michael O’Neill Crowley.  During those troubled times,  Fr. O’Neill was accused of sanctioning the murder of a United Irishman suspected  of being a Government Spy.  Fr. O’Neill refused to give information, was arrested, received 275 lashes without trial, held in prison for two years, and then transported in 1800 to Australia.   He was released on January 15th 1803 and sailed to Ireland where he was reinstated as Parish Priest of Ballymacoda on July 29th, 1803 and where he remained until his death on June 30th, 1846.   All Youghal natives will be familiar with the memorial erected to his memory in Green Park.

Sean O’Neill may, or may not be related to this much revered son of Youghal but his love of the town and surrounding areas is the reason why he has decided that the World Premier of his new One Man Show, entitled ‘The Passion,’ will be staged in the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal with the opening night on Tuesday March 30th, running through to Saturday, April 3rd. Sean said he had options of premiering in theatres in different cities, including Dublin and Cork, but decided to bring his Show first to the town of Youghal.

Despite studying drama in London in his teens, and working in films following this, Sean’s real love is writing and directing.  Some of the diverse shows with which he was involved include Playboy of the Western World (Director), West Side Story (Director) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, to name but a few.

The title ‘The Passion’ indicates immediately the theme of this One Man Show, but Sean assures that this is a ’Passion’ with a difference.   For several years he tossed the concept around in his mind, and gave great thought to the life of Christ as we have been taught.  This Show, he says, ‘is about an ordinary man doing extraordinary things’.   It tells the story of Christ from the beginning of His ministry at age 30 when he was baptised by John the Baptist.    The story is based on the perspective of humanity, with all the feelings and emotions of man, and the circumstances that moulded the character of Christ.  Why did Christ do what He did?   Why did all of this happen?  What were His thoughts, feelings, ambitions?   How was He to deal with them?

The role of Christ is played by well known Youghal actor, Brian Hogan.   This is a very exciting and challenging role for Brian who, in this Show, will play the diverse parts of not only Christ, but also Peter, Judas, Joseph, and a Centurian.   Sean is delighted with his choice of actor, and says that Brian has all the talents, emotions and, most importantly, he has a ‘presence’ which will captivate any audience.

Sean confirmed that everything to do with this Show is being done on a local level.  All the stage props, carpentry, lighting etc., are in the hands of local Youghal people, and he is delighted to be able to bring employment to the area.

And so, we introduce Sean O’Neill, Playwright and Director, to the people of Youghal where the Fenian, Brian Crowley O’Neill and the Priest, Fr. Peter O’Neill  from Ballymacoda in the 1800s may be his ancestors.  Then again, they may not.

Make a firm date to go along at Easter time, from March 30th to April 3rd to the Mall Arts Centre, and get another perspective on the wonderful theme of Christ, the man, in the World Premier of Sean O‘Neill‘s, ‘The Passion’.

Brideview Drama’s festival entry for this year, “Pied a Terre” was played to a very appreciative audience in Tallow over the weekend. The feedback received from those who attended was most encouraging and comments like “the best festival production coming from Brideview in a long time” and “superb set” were most encouraging.

Directed by Jack Aherne the play is an adult story with comedy as well as some very emotional scenes playing out the drama between three characters; Katie, a nineteen year old prostitute (Irene Kelleher), Jack, a fifty year old lawyer (Eddie Kelly) and Jack’s sister (Vanessa Hyde). There are many twists and turns in the plot and the audience is kept guessing right up until the final scene. With a superb set designed by Mary Sheehan and built by Peter Seeley, Mary Sheehan and Judy Burton and with help from James Hyde and Des Fitzsimons – the drama is played out in the New York apartment setting which is plush and not at all “conventional”.

Brideview would like to thank our Sponsors, Ted Keniry and Daybreak in Tallow and all those kind supporters who donated raffle prizes. Thanks once again to Paddy and Margaret Geary for handling front of house and to Mary Curley, Carmel McDonnell, Audrey Sheehan and Veronica Henley for their help with the interval refreshments.

Pied a Terre will now be performed at the Cork Arts Theatre this week from Thursday to Saturday (25th – 27th February) so please let your friends and family in Cork know that we are on! Tickets €15 can be pre-booked at 021 4505624 are at the door on the night. Curtain at 8pm.
–
Vanessa Hyde
PRO
Brideview Drama, Tallow
Co Waterford, Ireland
087 6733 782

Pauline Neville Scott started painting in her teens and, from the very first time she took a paint brush in her hand, she knew that painting would be one of the loves of her life. Pauline paints in oil and her work covers mainly landscapes and seascapes.
Denise FitzGerald Reports – Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

In a chat with the East Cork Journal, Pauline said  “All my life I got a lot out of this town and it was time that I gave something back to the community”, Youghal Community Hospital,” she continued, “is a most wonderful institution giving the very best in care to those from the town and area who require it. It means that patients can remain close to home, where family and friends can visit them on a regular basis.”

Funds are always needed to maintain such a great Community Hospital, and so Pauline decided that her way of “putting something back” would be to produce a Calendar of her paintings which could be sold to raise much needed funds for the Hospital. Pauline first of all sought, and received, the permission of Youghal Community Hospital to sell the calendars in their name. Flanagan Printers came on board to print them, and Youghal Credit Union kindly agreed to exhibit the paintings, all of which helped very much to promote the calendar. Pauline herself selected the various paintings from her collection, and decided on an appropriate painting for each month of the year so that the four seasons were reflected throughout.

On Wednesday last, Youghal’s Pauline Neville, presented a cheque to the value of €4,000 to Anne Dwyer, Acting Matron of Youghal Community Hospital, which was the proceeds from the sale of 800 calendars sold in the town over the past five months or so. Pauline herself was delighted with the great response of the people, and with the huge financial success of her calendars. She extended sincere thanks to Flanagan Print, Youghal Credit Union and “especially to the wonderful people of Youghal who bought the calendars which raised this great amount”.

Everyone is a winner in this story – Youghal Community Hospital for the funds, the artist herself for organising such a great event, and the people who bought the Calendars and can enjoy forever, Pauline’s wonderful paintings.

One of east Cork and Ireland’s most beloved craft industries has been given a new lease of life with the sale of Stephen Pearce’s pottery and emporium centre. Youghal’s Jack O’Patsy Pottery (under the special purpose title of Hassium Ltd.), has acquired the 5,000sq ft manufacturing base, while the 12,000ft emporium has been bought by top Irish craft retailers, the Kilkenny Group. Report: Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email news@youghalonline.com

Established in 1953, Stephen Pearce’s Pottery entered examinership in October 2008 and entered receivership under KPMG four months later. Jack O’Patsy owner Pat Collins reveals that a combination of high quality facilities and the region’s established tradition of pottery making” had spurred his interest in the manufacturing centre. He says he hopes to commence trading within two weeks and to “create 11 jobs within two months, rising to 25 over two to three years.”

Further job creation can be expected on the Kilkenny side of the fence. The retail group says its plans for the two-storey emporium will be announced in the coming weeks, “once existing staff and tenants have been notified of intent.” It is hoped however, that the company will bring their full craft range, including ceramics, fashion, jewellery, etc., to market. Synonymous with promoting Irish design and quality Irish craftsmanship, the Kilkenny Group is 100% Irish-owned and trades across seven retail outlets and one restaurant in Ireland. It caters for the domestic and tourist trade under the retailing under the retail brands, ‘Kilkenny’ and ‘Christy’s’. Despite the economic downturn, the group expanded further over the past year, adding fashion to its stores in Cork city and Cashel.

When Jack met Stephen

Meanwhile, the development enhances the remarkable resurgence of Jack O’Patsy, which Pat Collins re-opened last September, following a six-year closure. The Youghal base currently employs five workers, three of them in manufacture, but under a gradual expansion scheme, he hopes to double that in the coming year.

As the new year gathers pace, the Youghal operation has forged a dual purpose with its Shanagarry neighbour. Pat believes ‘gradual development’ is the key to sustainable growth and is confident of doing so at both plants. While “the majority of sales would service the home demand, we will be keeping a very close eye on the foreign markets too, especially the American seaboard, through mail order and catalogues particularly,” the 47 year-old proprietor elaborates.

Methods and ranges, old and new

Reclaiming and consolidation old markets while searching for new footholds, defines a resolute and imaginative approach being undertaken by the former electrician-turned-pot maker. The way forward may lie in reverse: “I think the trend towards mechanisation in recent years has been retrograde,” he suggests. “It sacrifices some of the unique and individual characteristics that made the wares popular in the first place. So we would plan to concentrate more on the basics of hand thrown wares, employing potters rather than machines.”

In terms of what the human hand can be expected to create, “the traditional Jack O’Patsy and Badger Hill (the Wexford brand that Jack O’Patsy purchased in 1997) will remain crucial to our initial production,” he explains. Unlike the traditional Stephen Pearce terracotta range, these are stoneware products that be fired at 1,260 degrees and of a tough quality suitable for modern kitchen appliances. “Add in Celtic designs and you further enhance their marketable attraction,” says Pat.

While updating and re-invigorating the popular, basic products, he also hopes to develop a high-firing terracotta clay, equally suitable for repetitive rigours of the microwave/dishwasher/oven, with obvious potential to outshine rivals in the terracotta market. Additionally, Shanagarry’s large production facilities “suggests we can develop reduction gas fired pottery with the potential for stunning effects in vibrant colours and copper reds,” adds the businessman.

His belief in the ‘individuality’ of his products is further emphasised in his commitment to innovative designs. “We’ve been working on developing high quality, hand painted pottery, reflecting Irish historical and mythological themes, as well as local and national landscapes and seascapes,” he enthuses. “For example, we are doing a range of Irish lighthouses painted by local artists, another range of historical and local scenes and scenes of Irish interest generally. This type of thing is not common in the market and I think such value added products have great potential at home and amongst the Irish diaspora abroad.”

Not satisfied with merely making pottery, Pat Collins intends teaching other people to do so as well. “We have definite plans to start run pottery courses in the coming months,” he insists. “I’ve been encouraged by the from floating the idea to our clients in Youghal, “he adds. “In fact I’ve been very encouraged by the enthusiasm for our products generally since re-opening in Youghal and I want to thank everyone for that support. I think there is great goodwill at present for local produce, perhaps moreso in hard times. And what can be more indigenous than the native soil?!” Only native ideas, one supposes…

Craftspeople from ten Cork businesses in South Cork, West Cork and Cork City will be representing the county at the Showcase Expo in Dublin this month, meeting thousands of international buyers from across Europe, North America and Asia. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Thanks to the support of the Cork County and City Enterprise Boards, Kieran Higgins, Dunbeacon Pottery, Custom Quilting, Julian Smith Ceramics, Bagoose Fleece Clothing, Belinda Northcote Design, Liz Burgess Ceramics, Hilary Nunan, Turner Glass and Martha Cashman Sculptural Ceramics will be exhibiting their creations in the R.D.S. at ‘Area A’, along with over 30 other exhibitors which have been supported by their local Enterprise Board.
An estimated 5,000 buyers from Ireland, Japan, the US, France, Germany and Italy will be attending Showcase over the four days, to see the work of 450 craftspeople.
Speaking ahead of Showcase, Sean O’ Sullivan, the CEO of South Cork Enterprise Board said: “The Cork County and City Enterprise Boards are delighted to be involved
in supporting local gift businesses at Showcase 2010.  Over the years we have been pro-active in supporting this sector following the successful Gift Business Development Programme and more recently BT Cork Design Week.  The Boards in Cork remain committed to supporting the gift sector in 2010.”

The West Cork Enterprise Board is supporting Kieran Higgins, a woodturner from Skibbereen, Helen Ennis from Dunbeacon Pottery in Durrus and Beryl Cadman from Custom Quilting in Castletownbere. The South Cork Enterprise Board is supporting Julian Smith Ceramics from Kinsale, Simone O’ Shaughnessy from Bagoose Fleece Clothing in Passage West, Belinda Northcote Design from Shanagarry, Liz Burgess Ceramics from Belgooly and Hilary Nunan from Minane Bridge. The Cork City Enterprise Board is supporting Eoin Turner from Turner Glass in Blackpool and Martha Cashman Sculptural Ceramics on Upper Blarney Street.
Now in its 34th year, Showcase is Ireland’s creative expo and runs from Sunday January 24th to Wednesday January 27th in the Main Hall of the R.D.S. The initiative provides Irish designer makers, craft enterprises and gift brand manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their products to the world’s buyers. Organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland, the event is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland and more information is available at www.showcaseireland.com
Further information about the supports on offer to small businesses in Cork is available at www.wceb.ie (West Cork), www.sceb.ie (South Cork) and www.corkceb.ie (Cork City).

FOR ALL MEDIA-RELATED QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ENGAGE IRELAND:
Sarah Bohan on Tel: 01 8855162 / 087 65 39936 / sbohan@engageireland.com
Serena Bryans on Tel: 01 8855162 / 086 812 4106/ sbryans@engageireland.com

Supported by South Cork Enterprise Board:

About Julian Smith Ceramics (www.westcorkcraft.org)
Julian Smith has been working with clay for over twenty years, producing one-off cast and hand-built ceramic pieces, mainly based on figurative forms and Celtic mythology. From his studio in the fishing village of Kinsale, Julian has mastered raku-firing, a 16th century Japanese firing process.  His raku-fired ceramics have rich metallic lustres and crackle glazes, which Julian has become famous for.
About Bagoose Fleece Clothing (www.bagoose.com)
Award-winning designer, Simone O’ Shaughnessy, set up the Bagoose Children’s Clothing Label a decade ago in Passage West.  Designed and manufactured in Ireland using 100% polyester (made from recycled plastic), the clothing is fun, colourful and cosy. The range includes scarves, jackets, blankets and hats in styles and sizes to suit boys and girls.  “Easy wear, Easycare, Everywhere” is the Bagoose motto.
About Belinda Northcote Design (www.belindanorthcote.com)
Precise and detailed, colourful yet timeless, Belinda Northcote specialises in botanical and wildlife paintings, having graduated from the prestigious UK Society of Botanical Artists Diploma Course. Inspired by her surroundings (the picturesque fishing village of Ballycotton),  Belinda’s fine art prints and greeting cards have stunning botanical detail, which include all kinds of ‘creepy crawlies’.
About Liz Burgess Ceramics
Through the medium of clay, Liz translates her thoughts and ideas into raku-fired ceramics, such as figurative torsos, facial masks and ‘Painter’s Palettes’ ceramic bowls. Celebrating the beauty of the human form, Liz’s contemporary ceramic sculptures are complex, textured and vibrantly coloured. Based in Kinsale, Liz will be unveiling ‘Lava Flowers’ at Showcase – these pieces are rich in colour, lustrous and stylish.
About Hilary Nunan
From windy shores and wheat fields to choppy waters and reed beds – Hilary Nunan creates vibrant, textured works of art. An award-winning artist, Hilary draws inspiration from the working fields, hedgerows and coastline surrounding her Ringabella studio. Her striking applied art and craft is traditionally framed, uniquely combining acrylic and natural fibres. Hillary is launching a range of greeting cards shortly.
Supported by Cork City Enterprise Board:
About Turner Glass (www.turnerglass.com)
Working from his glass studio in Cork City, Eoin Turner has gained international attention for his “casually elegant” glassware that includes vases, bowls and candleholders from his ‘Vortex’ collection.  Eoin’s designs are clearly inspired by the sea, given his experiences as a West Cork fisherman and as a painter. Made from cast glass and formed metal, Turner Glass pieces project a subtle, yet ruggedly defined form.

About Martha Cashman Sculptural Ceramics (www.marthacashman.com)
Martha Cashman is an award-winning ceramicist who transforms the most humbling of objects, such as tools and spoons, into symbolic story boards. Using porcelain and bright lustre glazes, Martha crafts framed sculptures, unique porcelain brooches and Christmas Tree Hangings at her Cork city studio.  Having won the Scarva Award, Martha’s work can also be viewed at the Cork Institute of Technology.
Supported by West Cork Enterprise Board:
About Kieran Higgins (www.kieranhiggins.com)
Kieran crafts unique pieces in native hardwood timber and bog woods at his artist studio near Skibbereen in West Cork.  A member of the Irish Woodturners’ Guild, Kieran sculpts, carves and turns wood, highlighting its natural characteristics and defects to retain the wood’s heritage. The colour, grain and imperfection within the wood decides the shape and form of the finished piece.
About Dunbeacon Pottery (www.dunbeaconpottery.com)
For the last 30 years, West Cork’s Dunbeacon Pottery has been famous for its beautiful, yet functional hand-made ceramic tableware. Since taking over ten years ago, Helen Ennis has continued to craft ceramic pieces that capture the essence of Ireland’s Southwest coast. Her latest collection focuses on well-designed and affordable bowls, vases, jugs, mugs, butter dishes and tabletop pottery, all decorated by hand.
About Custom Quilting (www.customquilt.com)
Beryl Cadman is a textile artist and a grandmother, so she fully understands the importance of both beauty and function in children’s bedding. With decades of quilting experience, Beryl makes heirloom -quality quilts and accessories under the ‘Custom Quilting’ brand.  The ‘Bunny Love’ nursery collection of quilts, pillows and nursery accessories are all hand-made, designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life.

The Irish Canon (abridged) 10 plays, 70 characters, 3 actors, 1 hour

BACK WITH A BANG!
The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal – Saturday 30th January at 8.00pm
Tickets on sale – Cree’s Card Shop, North Main Street, tel 024 3606507

Further Info 0833606507

The Irish Canon(abridged) had a hugely successful summer run in the Half Moon Theatre Cork Opera House, Cork Midsummer Festival’s Spiegeltent, and at Spraoi in the Park, Waterford. Now it takes flight to a theatre near you for those of you who missed it!

Three actors hurtle through ten of the most famous Irish plays ever written whipping through over 70 characters in a show that’s crammed with culture, comedy and hilarious hysterics.

In a jam-packed hour, the stage will come alive with Irish figures who have dominated theatrical circles for over a century. Cathleen Ni Houlihan, Christy Mahon, Bessie Burgess, the Bull Maccabe and many more grace the stage in quick succession, running breathlessly through iconic Irish theatre of over one hundred years, unfurling into comic chaos.

Completely and unashamedly abridged, watch The Irish Canon flash before your eyes dragging Irish plays kicking and screaming into the future. This multi-headed parody is filled with oodles of imagination and a knock-about sense of fun, it’s a rip-roaring improvisational hour of theatre!

It’s back, it’s bigger and better than ever and it’s most certainly not to be missed!

“An engaging successful piece of comedy” – Irish Examiner

Liam O Maonlai of the Hot House Flowers and guest support Christine Deady play at St Marys Collegiate Church Youghal on Wednesday the 6th of January 2010 in support of youth music projects.

Tickets €20 on sale at Scott’s Treasure shop 137 north main steet Youghal also available at the door. Start time 8.30 dress warm.

Info: sacred-root.com or call 087 9957102 for details. Under 16’s are free  ID required and all ages are welcome.  Strictly no alcohol doors open @ 8.30pm
Dress warm its an outdoor gig inside.

COMING UP IN FEBRUARY KILA

Sound provided by www.claycastlerecording.com

Contact sacredroot@gmail.com

To hear Sacred root sounds
Visit www.sacred-root.com & www.myspace.com/sacredroot

Liam Ó Maonlaí
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6TH ST MARYS COLLEGIATE CHURCH YOUGHAL CO.CORK

Liam Ó Maonlaí

Born in 1964 mount Carmel Hospital. His Mother Eithne Lydon was a trained pianist and Actor from Galway. Her Father was also a passionate piano player who bought his own piano at the age of 19. Liam grew up with this piano in the house. It was on this piano he discovered a deep sense of musical satisfaction. Liam’s father taught him to sing in his native tongue. ‘He transmitted a love to me that no book or teacher could’ the love was of humanity expressed through culture. Liam recognises the huge importance of culture in the development of the human species. ‘We are connected. It has been said again and again and again. God knows the ecstasy that lies ahead. When the penny drops and we realise the wealth in music and culture the world over. The flowering of all life’

In 1981 he won the all Ireland final as bódhran player under 18. He has been a finalist on the tin whistle, piano and as a singer many years over. In Athlone he entered a group of dancers and led them to victory in a set dancing all Ireland. In Ennis in 1985 he and Fiachna Ó Braonain ,with the enchanting presence of Maria Doyle Kennedy won a music award called Gradam Shlogadh. They had put together a rhythm and blues group with all songs written in Irish. This was the seed beginning of Hothouse Flowers, which went on to be one of Ireland’s most successful rock bands and released seven albums.All through the Hothouse Flowers years, Liam remained faithful to his traditional roots. ‘Traditional music does not belong to me. I belong to it. The same as the land.’

Liam as been involved in the Nuclear Free Future movement for some time. In 2001 he helped host the same ceremony in Carnsore point and Wexford town. At the end of 2006 he will attend the nuclear free future award ceremony in Navajo country. In 2004 he was a guest of the barefoot college ,Tillonia, Rajisthan India. He played at the university in Jaipur in the company of the finest regional musicians around.

Liam recorded the album Rian with his close friend, renowned producer John Reynolds in 2002. It will be released in Ireland November 2005 and is also being released America, Canada, Japan, UK and Europe. He is releasing the album through Rian Records his own label.

Liam went to Mali in January 2006 where he played at the renowned Desert festival with Uillean Piper Paddy Keenan and participated in the making of a documentary. Himself and Paddy played with musicians from the greater region from very well known artists to local tribes people. It was an amazing experience of communication between distant people and races through the medium of music, and he learnt of the close relationship the Irish harp and the African Kora.

Liam has also travelled extensively in Australia, Japan, America, Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco and India and has played and continues to play with the traditional players of these places. ‘I believe the style known as séan nos, carries a sense of the soul of the land and the people who are awake in that land. I feel, when in the company of other cultures, the singing of this style opens a window into what it is that connects us. Every country has it’s own séan nos.’words particularly English words are not enough. They have been used to lie on a grand scale. They continue to be used to manipulate and confuse. Music has a purpose that remains to be seen. The potential is beyond imagination. ‘

“An A to Z of Cork”
Monday, December 14, sees the publication of “An A to Z of Cork”– an entertaining guide to Cork’s history and people.

The publisher is Youghal native Tom FitzGerald. “The first book in this series was “An A to Z of Youghal”, says FitzGerald. “That book was very well received in Youghal by advertisers, book-sellers and readers. The people of Youghal proved to be very enthusiastic and supportive for what was a new format in local history books. Now, there are several other titles in production, including another Youghal book. However, the next title for publication is “An A to Z of Cork”.

As with the Youghal book, the content is presented alphabetically as a series of stand-alone items that readers can dip into. Each item deals with an aspect of the city’s history or one of its remarkable people who have made history, either at home or abroad.

Topics from history include the impact of the Black Death during the Fourteenth Century when more than half of the population was wiped out leaving the city unable to pay its taxes. There is also an account of the Burning of Cork in 1622, which was seen as Divine retribution on a sinful city following a curious warning in 1621 in the shape of flocks of warring starlings. In 1922, the Civil War reached Cork when 800 Free State troops landed at Passage West and engaged in a three-day gun battle with 600 anti-Treaty guerrillas for possession of Cork.

Among Cork’s famous emigrants is Stephen Moylan who acted as George Washington’s aide-de-camp and secretary during the American War of Independence in the 1760s, and who achieved the rank of General in the United States Army. Another Cork man, Daniel O’Leary took part in the wars to liberate Spanish America in the 1820s, becoming aide-de-camp to Simón Bolívar and achieving the rank of General at the age of twenty-eight. The most famous Cork woman in the United States was Mary Harris. She became known as “the most dangerous woman in America” for her work as a political activist and union organizer and her campaign to abolish child labour in the 1900s. She is best remembered by the song “She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain (When She Comes)”, written about her work among the miners in the Appalachian Mountains.

Strange events in Cork include the resurrection of Patrick Redmond, hanged in 1766 but revived by surgeon-turned-actor William Glover, who was among the spectators at a public execution at Gallows Green. When Father Mathew started his campaign of Total Abstinence, little did he realise the craze for drinking ether that this would spark, which ultimately prompted government intervention.

The most famous character from recent history is Bernie Murphy. Regarded as a joke political candidate with radical policies, things look different in retrospect. His ambition to reduce the number of TDs, abolish pensions for sitting TDs, abolish state cars for politicians, introduce better regulation of banks, reform the health service and abolish the Senate are issues that are now being taken more seriously.

These are just some of the items that reveal the unique evolution of the city on the Lee.

“An A to Z of Cork” is from all good bookshops in Cork, Midleton and Youghal and on-line at eBay.ie.