Inaugural Latin Hedge School May Gathering in north Longford is a resounding success
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An Evening with best selling Longford author John Connell was one of the highlights of the inaugural Latin Hedge School May Gathering
The inaugural Latin Hedge School Gathering last weekend was a huge success.
On Friday evening the event, supported by Longford County Council, Longford Tourism and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, began with a welcoming reception, a talk on the life and times of hedge schools in the locality, the story of Bishop William O’Higgins, followed by a lively panel discussion with questions and comments from the floor.
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Young Liam Doherty of Moyne Community School recited his prize-winning poem about growing up near Ballinalee and his beloved grandfather, there was a brief reading of letters written in 1926.
The evening concluded with great traditional music by Noel Carberry and his daughter Maebh. It was attended by a large appreciative crowd.
The festivities continued into Saturday with a well -attended workshop on Gardening for Biodiversity by Annette Corkery of Scealta Beo. This was followed by Paint a Local Scene with artist Siobhan Cox Carlos.
There was a brilliant open-air talk from Larry Mitchell of Bird Watch Ireland on the Swift, as there is a colony of Swifts at the Latin school. He had us all in the palm of his hand as he re-enacted the hedge school gathering with the resident pupils flying around us.
There was traditional boxty making demonstration and tasting with excellent chef David Jordan, after which there was an exhibition of beautiful paintings by the Latin School Art Group. Saturday’s activities finished up with a Social Dance with live country music by the well- known and popular Noel Briody.
Sunday saw an hour of comhrá, craic agus cupan tae, a sing-song and traditional polkas from Noel Carberry once again. The friends re-union took place at 3pm with obvious enjoyment, fun and laughter in the pleasant sunshine.
An Evening with John Connell, local best-selling author followed and concluded the Festival. He spoke eloquently to a full house. It was most enjoyable and a fitting end to the whole festival.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, a very talented young artist, Nicole Forster of Ballinalee created fantastic portraits for those who sat for her. Everyone was most impressed by Nicole’s work.
Tours of the Heritage Centre were conducted on both days and attracted many.
The festival was a joint event between the Latin School Heritage Committee, the Hall Committee, Dromard Area Men’s Shed and Dromard Foróige.