ARTS WEEK

Durrow Development Forum extends a hearty welcome to all our patrons, artists and performers to our 3rd Annual Arts Festival at picturesque Durrow Co. Laois.

The aims of our festival are to showcase local talent and to promote the arts in rural areas.
This year we have reduced the duration of our festival from nine days to five days. This was necessary due in part to the prevailing economic climate but also to the lack of suitable venues to house planned events. Despite the latter we have no desire to fold up our tent and go away. In fact the groundswell of support we have received for our art festivals has given us a platform to build on our success. To this end, a vision for the long term needs of art promotion in this area is now emerging and preliminary plans are in place to provide a state of the art facility combining the Old Infants School and the existing Community Hall. This proposed facility would provide art exhibition, art tutorial and music tutorial space in addition to a performance area, sports hall, gym, laundrette, youth café, meeting rooms and office space. (see proposed elevation design on reverse of brochure) This is an ambitious long – term plan but one that can be achieved if we receive the commitment and support of the relevant funding agencies, the local community and the wider arts network.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS

The Art Exhibition & Craft Fair: was a huge success. There were 180 pieces on display with a large number of sales. The Community Centre was a very suitable venue. Our thanks to the FAS workers, the Hall Committee and the small army of volunteers who were ready and willing to come on board and help. A special word of thanks to co-ordinators Aileen Phelan and Noleen Dunphy for their great work.

Children’s Art and Music Workshops were enjoyed by the young boys and girls who took part. Our thanks to Evelyn Clancy and staff at the Happy Day’s Creche, to Robby Campion and Brian Sheppard for holding the workshops.

The Amateur Open Photographic Competition: for the Joe Brophy Memorial Cup was won by Hugh Sheppard, Derry Road and the runner-up was Teresa Kennedy, Castlewood. The Juvenile Competition was won for the second year running by Joseph Phelan, Knockanoran with Kate Campion, Erkindale Drive runner-up. Congratulation to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered. The Competiton was very successful with 9 entrants taking part in 2010. Next year (2011) we plan to have all entries in one week prior to the opening of the Arts Festival to have all photos on display over the Arts weekend. There was great interest in this year’s competition and we look forward to a large improvement next year. There will be advanced advertising for entries in the Newsletter and posters in local shops.

The Young Voice of Laois Grand Final: was held in the Castle Arms Hotel on Saturday 1st May. This competition was in association with the Laois School of Music. There were eleven finalists on the night from all over the county. The standard of singing was exceptionally high with a wide range of songs performed. We extend our thanks to the judges: Geraldine Ryan, Helena Begley and Damien Bowe. To special guest Heather Fogarty and accompanist Mary Wisley, Vicky Murphy and Nuala Kelly of the Laois School of Music, Evelyn Clancy, Mary Walsh and Nicola Kavanagh and to sponsors: The Leinster Express and Midlands Radio, and the management and staff of the Castle Arms Hotel Thanks to Oliver and Ethel Lawlor for the beautiful bouquets of flowers. A special word of thanks to Musical Director Peter Coe for his long hours of rehersals and his excellent accompaniment on piano for all the finalists. Congratulations to the winner and runners-up on the night. 1st Place: Dylan Kerr, Ballyfin, who was presented with the Ronan Lawlor Memorial Cup by Oliver Lawlor and with a Voice Training Scholarship with The Laois School of Music. 2nd Place: Aisleen Murphy, Ballybrittas and 3rd Place: Ruth Hearn, Portlaoise. Compere for the night was Fergal Hassett who did an excellent job communicating with the audience and introducing each finalist. A fantastic night’s entertainment was enjoyed by all present. We are already looking forward to next year’s competition and no doubt will see some of the excellent singers back competing again.

SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE CASTLE “Woman’s Voices, Woman’s Stories”: A great night’s entertainment of song, drama and poetry featuring renound artists: Noirin Ni Riain, Eileen Sheehan, Micheal P. O’Suilleabhain and Eoin O’Suilleabhain. It was an excellent show enjoyed very much by the large attendance. The show was preceded by a Cheeses and Wine Reception. Our thanks to Peter and Shelly Stokes and staff of Castle Durrow. A special thank you to local artist Nicola Young who gave an excellent performance on the night and also played a major part along with Noeleen Dunphy in organising the event. Our thanks to both again.

SCENE ON THE GREEN: On Bank Holiday Monday the Arts Festival drew to a close with excellent children’s entertainment by the White Lady Drama Group. Thanks to all involved. And finally, there was a huge Durrow welcome for Na Fianna ( All Ireland Talent Show runners-up). They created great excitement with their live show for fans of all ages. Another excellent performance by Na Fianna. Thanks to the band members for a great close to the festival.


To download the Durrow Arts Week Brochure for 2010 please click here

Big Thanks

A Big Thank You To;

Our Festival Team:
Hugh Sheppard, Noeleen Dunphy, Nicola Young, Aileen Phelan, Vicky Murphy, Nicola Kavanagh,
Evelyn Clancy, Mary Walsh and Nuala Kelly (Laois School of Music)

Durrow Development Forum Members:
Sarah Gaughan, Delphine Lawlor, Mary Dowling, Oliver Clooney, Mary Donohue, Sean Conroy,
Fergal Hassett, Deirdre Hassett.

Web Maintenance Team: Jonathan Walsh, Daniel Dunne

Durrow Development Forum gratefully acknowledges the support of the following: Muireann Ni Chonaill and staff at Laois Arts Office, Laois School of Music, Our Media Partners – The Leinster Express Newspaper and Midlands 103 FM, Local Gardaí, Paddy Quinn and the local FAS team, Canon Sean O’Doherty, Louise Donlon, Teachers staff and children of Our Lady’s Meadow Primary, All tutors and artists who give freely of their time for the benefit of this festival, Pat Farrell Photography, Seamus Clancy and Laois Civil Defence, Medite Ltd Clonmel, Local and National press, their reporters and photographers and last but byno means least the local community and our “small army of local volunteers.

We also acknowledge the ongoing contribution and support of participating local business interests.

Without the continued efforts of all these people this festival would not be possible.