By Paul Murphy
Photo: Meath County Council Arts Officer Gerardette Bailey, left, with artists onstage
The old courthouse in Kells had seldom seen such a packed jury. The verdict was unanimous, the event to honour Slane poet Francis Ledwidge was an outstanding success, and the prolonged applause at the end of the night’s performances of song, music, and poetry was proof that the Poet of the Blackbird had received due deference.
Ledwidge committee members.
“Where Angels Listen: a response to Francis Ledwidge”, supported by Meath County Council Arts Office, comprised the world premiere screening of “Where Angels Listen”, two beautiful short films produced as a creative and affectionate response by some of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary artists to the life and works of Ledwidge. Filming was done at Slane Castle, the studio of artist Liam O Broin and the Ledwidge museum. The event at the courthouse was part of the Hinterland Festival.
Curated by award-winning playwright Deirdre Kinahan, it featured Oisin Leech musician (The Lost Brothers), Steve Wickham musician (The Waterboys), Perlee, Lewis Kenny poet/spoken word, and Kwaku Fortune actor. Dermot Bolger read a new work commissioned especially for the occasion.
Guests of honour were Meath County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Sarah Reilly and members of the Ledwidge Museum Committee led by chairperson Terry Wogan.
Meath County Council Arts Officer Gerardette Bailey said the night would not have been possible without the generous help of the artists who were present . She thanked the late Henry Mountcharles and also Alex and Carina Conyngham for allowing the castle to be used for filming, Liam and Margaret O Broin for their welcome at the studio and home beside the Ledwidge cottage, and the Ledwidge committee “whose dedication, hard work and commitment over many years has ensured that Francis Ledwidge’s work has been kept alive.”
