Éigse Michael Hartnett to kick off with lights parade

THE ANNUAL Éigse Michael Hartnett festival gets underway in Newcastle West this weekend and people of all ages are invited.

The festival, which has been running since 2000, kicks off with an exuberant Drums and Lights Parade this Thursday evening at 7.30pm and continues with a packed programme until Sunday.

Among the highlights are an hour-long show by actor, comedian and writer Jon Kenny, a reading by Rita Ann Higgins and a performance by folk group Kíla but there is plenty more to choose from.

Twenty five years after his death, the Newcastle West born poet, Michael Hartnett, is remembered in a walkabout tour culminating in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and Newcastle West in Olden Times is recalled in an exhibition of photographs and film clips at the Red Door Gallery.

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Other guests include former State pathologist and crime writer, Dr Marie Cassidy, debut novelist and crime writer Claire Coughlan as well as poets Vona Groarke, Mark Roper, Paddy Bushe and Natasha Remoundou.

Journalist, author and commentator Mick Clifford is certain to entertain as well as to stimulate debate and there will be a special screening of 'That They May Face The Rising Sun,' the Irish film based on the John McGahern book of the same title.

The winner of the Michael Hartnett Poetry Award 2024, Tara Bergin, will give a reading and the programme also includes book launches by Limerick writers, Mike Mac Domhnall and Michael Dooley.

Many events are free. Full details on the festival are available on www.eigsemichaelhartnett.ie.