Edgeworthstown’s tourism industry was given a welcome shot in the arm last weekend as it provided the setting for a hugely successful literary festival. The four day showcase, held in honour of prolific Anglo-Irish novelist Maria Edgeworth, saw visitors from as far as the USA, France, Guiana, Italy, England and Scotland descend on the mid Longford town what was an occasion that came in for universal approval. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO The weekend took in an eclectic mix of music, readings, workshops, talks, drama much more. It all got underway last Thursday evening with a screening of Requiem for the Big House, drawing a packed and attentive audience for the screening of a documentary which was commissioned by Longford Library, Archive and Heritage Services department of Longford County Council. One of the highlights of the weekend came via an International Conference on Education centred around Maria Edgeworth’s ‘Practical Education’ which was published in 1798 and was the catalyst for the establishment of our primary school system. The organising committee expressed their own satisfaction at the interest shown in an event which attracted over 100 educationalists from Ireland and abroad who discussed various aspects of the book. A panel of International experts highlighted to the audience the significant role played from Edgeworthstown in the field of education during what was an arduous period in Ireland’s history. The six acclaimed educationalists were drawn from all across the globe with praise also coming from attendees who were amazed that a small town like Edgeworthstown could undertake such a major conference, having the facilities to facilitate it and to be able to attract such high-profile speakers. The guests were welcomed by Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Turlough Mc Govern with the conference itself being opened by Senator Micheal Carrigy. One of the aims of the festival was to promote Ireland’s culture, give performers a platform for their work and to highlight the many
Major tourism boost for Longford as Maria Edgeworth Festival of Literature & Arts ticks every box possible
Caption: Marian Mulligan and Anne Dunne Picture: Shelley Corcoran
6.
Caption: Thomas Quinn, Joe Rooney and Robert Gorman Picture: Shelley Corcoran
7.
Caption: Innyside Singers performing on Sunday at the 18th Century Mostrim Tea Party at The Green, Edgeworthstown as part of the Maria Edgeworth Festival of Literature & Arts Picture: Shelley Corcoran
8.
Caption: Poetry Readers who recited some of their work during the 18th Century Mostrim Tea Party on Sunday at The Green, Edgeworthstown as part of the Maria Edgeworth Festival. Sarah Murphy, Halyna Budilova, Pauline McNamee, Vincent Kenny, John Noonan, Darragh Coady, Mark Lawlor, Shelley Corcoran, Imelda Kilmurray, Mary Bhawnani, Eileen Moynihan, Rose Moran and Clara McShane Picture: Shelley Corcoran
