Limerick man to host magic convention

IRELAND is set to host its first international magic convention in 10 years. Some of the most world renowned magicians will gather at Treacy's West County Hotel, Ennis on November 18-19 for the inaugural Mid-West Magic Convention.

Hosting the magical gathering is Leon Andersen from Limerick. Leon has been practising magic for over 20 years and has incorporated magic into the education system with magic programmes aimed at helping numeracy and literacy skills.

His time spent practicing magic has been well awarded, receiving the IBM Ring 85 Stage Magician of the Year award, and being named

Irish Stage Magician of the Year twice. Proud to be a part of the magical gathering, Andersen commented: “As Ireland’s first annual celebration of the art of magic in Ireland in over a decade, this is a significant moment for the country’s large community of magicians. The Midwest Magic Convention brings together magicians and magic enthusiasts from all over the world and features a diverse range of magic from close-up tricks to grand stage illusions”.

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World record holder, Jay Sankey, TikTok sensation Aidan Murphy, and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Ryland Petty are amongst the lineup for a gala evening performance on Sunday.

Here, event goers will be given the opportunity to mix with professional magicians, magical hobbyists, collectors of magical apparatus, and other students and enthusiasts of magic throughout the convention weekend.

The international event has been secured for the Mid-West Region through funding support from the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau and Fáilte Ireland.

The event will feature a magic marketplace where event goers can purchase tricks, books and other magical paraphernalia.

The weekend concludes with a special magic show on the main stage at Treacy’s West County Hotel on the evening of Sunday 19.

Danielle Devaney of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau commented: “We are excited about supporting this international event along with our partners Fáilte Ireland and look forward to establishing it as an important annual event in the magic circle worldwide.” There will be free entry to the Mid-West Convention for 14s accompanied by an adult.