Longford continuing to keep the worth in Maria Edgeworth

On Friday May 9, Edgeworthstown commenced its three-day festival to commemorate the achievements made by Maria Edgeworth, encompassing an interactive, intellectual and interesting dynamic. With fantastic weather, the festival’s opening reiterated why Maria Edgeworth is as vital in the literary world as all the other greats.

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Taking place in the Maria Edgeworth Centre, a quaint and rustic building with a charming aesthetic, was the ‘Fashion in the Lifetime of Maria Edgeworth’. Thoroughly engaging, this talk went through the many types of outfits worn by women of the era, as well as the makeup and hair. 

The main speaker, Melissa Sheils, was a thoroughly enchanting presenter in her period clothing, with her assistant, Niamh Coughlan, also donning the iconic look. The two gave demonstrations of how certain items were worn. Sheils explained early into the presentation that she is to be conferred as a UCC doctorate in October, showing how educated and knowledgeable those leading the talks and activities were. 

One of the organisers, Angela Tuite, who is a founding member of the Maria Edgeworth Festival, came to comment on the purpose of the event:

“The festival started back in 1995, and we are very proud to say that we are still going strong, and we are building on it every year. People are coming far and wide for the event, and for all the competitions that we run. We run poetry and short story competitions. It’s unbelievable the amount of worldwide entries. This year, we have branched into movement and yoga, which is a new venture for us. As Maria Edgeworth was very innovative, it is the first outdoor yoga event in Edgeworthstown.”

In relation to Edgeworth’s impact, Tuite added:

“She initiated the novel. Even Jane Austen would send work to Maria to get approval for it, and where Jane went further in the monetary field for her writing, Maria Edgeworth was thought very highly in the circles.”

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In the Edgeworthstown Library, the first female provost, Dr. Linda Doyle, spared a moment to chat about her intrigue with Maria Edgeworth, and the writer’s relevance today:

“What I love about Maria Edgeworth is her feminist nature and what she has done for education for women, which makes me extra proud of having the role in Trinity, and to be reading about her and what she did in that context. If women had been allowed in Trinity at that time, there would be no doubt that she would’ve been there. I was really pleased to have been asked, as I’m not a historian, but what I love about things like this is that Trinity is very Dublin-focused, so I love the opportunity to go to different places.”

Doyle gave an hour address to the full crowd from 12 to 1pm, which included an introduction by Longford Councillor Mark Casey. 

The address focused on the history of Trinity, it being founded in 1592, and gave an overview of events that have happened since Trinity was built. There were references to Edgeworth’s own quotes to connect with the festival, such as : “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” The provost emphasised how capable people do not have the opportunity, hence the Trinity Access Project. Other topics were on the importance of rewilding on Trinity grounds, STEM conflict, feminism and other challenging times that are faced throughout society. 

One of the highlight experiences of the opening day was the Heritage Walk through Edgeworthstown. Like with all the events on the opening day, the attendees varied in age, with many giving questions to learn more about Edgeworth’s life. Led by Matt Farrell, his engaging and understanding guidance was both captivating and enjoyable in the summer weather. 

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The attendees were supplied with earpieces for easy listening, and were able to stop to look at the various buildings throughout the town, including the wall garden in the old Edgeworth residence. Able to recite the entire poem from Oscar Wilde, that was partially engraved into Isola Wilde’s grave, there was a lot of passion and dedication shown by Farrell. 

The Arts Festival was opened by Shane Crossan, County Longford Arts Officer.

The Mostrim Youth Theatre stole the show with comedy sketches full of humour and wit. It was directed by Kate O’Donoghue. Other events like the Artisan market, and 18th century Monstrim tea party were massive hits, too.

Having hit its 30th year, the Maria Edgeworth Festival continues to show signs of growth and expanding interest for locals, literary lovers and a worldwide audience. With a special shout out to all the sponsors, participants and visitors, this event will be looking ahead for another year.