Roscommon seminar to mark the life and legacy of Percy French
Are you right there Michael: The monument marking the birthplace of Percy French at Clooneyquinn. Pic. Gerry Faughnan
A one day seminar, marking the life and legacy of Percy French will take place this Saturday, May 25th at Roscommon County Library, beginning at 10.30 a.m..
Across the world, Percy French’s legacy is celebrated in story, song and verse with songs such as ‘The Mountains of Mourne’, ‘Gortnamona’ and ‘Are You Right There Michael (Are You Right)’.
French’s artwork is also celebrated across the world with renowned auction houses selling his work for well in excess of five figures. His watercolours capture the beauty of rural Ireland in its simplicity. French was also a gifted sketcher and was renowned for his etchings on plates from the smoke of candles!
The event marks the 170th anniversary of Percy French’s death. He was born in Clooneyquin, Tulsk, in 1854 and died in Formby, near Liverpool in January 1920. This Saturday’s seminar reflects a renewed interest in the life and work of French.
The event opens with a spiritual and ecumenical reflection on the life of Percy French by Fr. Francis Beirne, Parish Priest of Four Roads. There will also be a local reflection on the landscape that inspired Percy French as well as a talk on Percy French’s songs, by leading Gaelic Scholar, Tomás Ó Moráin from Ballaghaderreen.
Music will also form a backdrop to the day’s proceedings with performances by the children of the local Killina National School and Killina Ceili Band, acclaimed banjo player Norman Cairns from the North Down Percy French Society will also perform as well noted raconteur and Ballyleague native, Paul Lindsay.
The event is free. However those interested in attending are advised to contact Roscommon County Library in advance to confirm their attendance as capacity is limited. The library can be contacted during normal office hours on 090-6637270 or roslib@roscommoncoco.ie.
Saturday’s event is organised by Roscommon County Council’s Library services, with the support of the recently formed Clooneyquin Percy French Society.
Executive Librarian of Roscommon Library, Ruairi Ó hAodha, said there was considerable public interest ahead of the event: “We’re delighted to be supporting this seminar in conjunction with the newly formed Clooneyquin Percy French Society. The enduring popularity of Percy French is testament to his immense ability to highlight the lives of ordinary people, in a gentle, humorous manner.
Chairman of the newly formed Clooneyquin Society, Darragh Kelly said Saturday’s event is likely to inspire young and old alike in a renewed appreciation of French’s work: “With the support of the community of Clooneyquin, we are in the initial stages of forming a new Society to celebrate French’s work.
“We invite anyone with an interest in French’s work or who would like to hear and know more about French’s work, to join us next Saturday in the County Library buildings. We are grateful to the library service for their support of what is sure to be a relaxed and fun event,” said Mr Kelly.
