Wicklow Arts Festival 2009 Events
Get ready for four full days of art and culture as the Minister for the Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr. Martin Cullen, comes to town to officially launch events for the Wicklow Arts Festival 2009.
To get the festivities started The Blood Red Mountain Band's unique mix of bluegrass and pop Americana is guaranteed to set the mood for two weekends of arts activities on the streets and in venues around Wicklow Town.
This year the Festival has a strong local theme as it incorporates a solo exhibition by artist Mary Duffy which will be opened by well known RTE presenter and broadcaster Pat Kenny. Mary's exhibition includes landscapes of the rich marsh and woodland around Blackditch, near Newcastle, County Wicklow.
Continuing the theme, the National Gallery of Ireland's talk and workshop on the stained glass art of Richard King is a rare insight into art that can be seen locally as Wicklow Town boasts fine examples of both his work and that of famous stained glass artist and book illustrator Harry Clarke.
With the Leinster Fleadh being held in the town this July, we're looking forward to a taste of traditional culture with a fun family ceili, so alongside the comedy show with Kevin McAleer, rock concert, film, Artisan Market and a host of children's workshops and entertainment, there will be something to suit all ages and all tastes at the Wicklow Arts Festival 2009.
MUSIC IN 2009........................
WICKLOW ROCKS SHOWCASE
Date : Saturday 2nd May
Time : 5pm - 7.30pm
Where : Wicklow Sailing Club
Admission : €4 Strict non alcohol policy
Come along and see the cream of local teen talent with the bands and singer-songwriters of the future. The six bands chosen to showcase this year are Rebel Diamond, Zebra, Furion, Scarlett Kiss, Don't fret It and Free Ride. Each act will have a 3 song slot to perform a cover and their own compositions. One lucky act will get the chance to win half a day's professional studio recording time kindly sponsored by Hideout Records. Special thanks to Ray Harman, composer and guitarist with Something Happens and Phil and Jay from Saccade who will have the difficult job of adjudicating. Professional singer Robyn Kavanagh will act as compere for the evening.
In association with Gavin Povey, Hideout Records, Ashford.
Congratulations to FURION, 2009 winners of the prize from Hideout Records
SABRINA PIGGOTT
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 3.45pm
Where : Kilmantin Arts Gallery, Main Street
Admission : Free
Sabrina's music defies description but she prefers the tag folktronica "because it makes me laugh". Taking her rich traditional music background and mixing it seamlessly with an eclectic range of influences from Bjork to Kristen Hersh, Tricky and Kate Rusby , her songs are full of space and fresh air. Newly embarked on a solo career, she plays regularly around the UK where she is creating a strong fanbase.
Originally from Cobh, Co.Cork, Sabrina Piggott is now based in the UK but keeps in touch with her Irish roots as trustee for the Irish Arts Foundation in Leeds and also as a tutor of the bodhran.
MIDDAY MUSIC
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 12.30pm
Where : Healthy Habits Cafe, Quarantine Hill
Admission : Free
Relax and enjoy a coffee or lunch away from the bustle of the main street accompanied by the soothing melodies of renowned flautist Brother Seamus.
Seamus Byrne - also known as Brother Seamus - is an international flute player, singer and performer. He has toured Europe, the USA, Canada and South America with his beautiful, haunting style of Celtic Spiritual Music. He's also a composer, poet and film-maker specialising in works for relaxation, de-stressing and meditation.
In association with Healthy Habits Cafe
THE AFTERMATH & SACCADE
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 9.15pm (Doors open 8.30pm)
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Room
Admission : €15 Strictly over 18s
Named after their favourite Rolling Stones record, The Aftermath are a 4 piece band founded by brothers Johnny and Mick Cronin who have been described as “The perfect pop machine” (The Sunday Tribune).Since the release of their debut album “Friendlier Up Here” in 2006, the band have toured extensively and played alongside Razorlight, The Streets and Ian Browne to name but a few.
www.myspace.com/theaftermathband
Saccade are a four piece indie-pop rock band hailing from the northside of Dublin. 2007 saw the release of their debut E.P 'Choose Your Own Adventure', with one of the tracks, 'Wasting My Time', reaching number 5 in the downloadmusic.ie chart. Having already enjoyed high profile support slots with bands such as The Coronas, Delorentos, The Flaws, and Ham Sandwich over the last 6 months, they have been steadily making a name for themselves on the live circuit. They have just released their debut single, 'Courtesy Class', from their forthcoming album which is due out in Summer 2009.
CONCERTO FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA
World Premiere by composer Cheryl Frances Hoad with pianist Bobby Chen and the Greystones Orchestra supported by players from the RTE Concert Orchestra.
Date : Sunday 10th May
Time : 8pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Room
Admission : €12 / €8 for OAP, Unwaged and Students
Wicklow County Council presents a new work by UK based composer Cheryl Frances Hoad with pianist Bobby Chen as part of Wicklow County Council's Per Cent for Art Commissioning Programme 2006 - 2008.
The three movements of the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra are inspired by the scenery, geography and history of County Wicklow and are based on Cheryl's experiences of time spent in Bray, Wicklow and Greystones as well as ideas from local schoolchildren.
The first movement musically describes a walk up Bray Head that she undertook one sunny day in early 2007. In the second, the majesty and serenity of the Greystones Cliffs are conjured up with monolithic piano chords and lyrical, peaceful orchestral melodies. The final movement is inspired by the rhythms and sounds of the railways that helped Bray and Greystones to thrive.
In association with Wicklow County Council Arts Office
VISUAL ART IN 2009........................
FESTIVAL ARTS TRAIL
Date : May 1st - May 10th
Follow a trail of wonderful paintings and photographs on display in the shops and businesses throughout Wicklow Town from May 1st to May 10th 2009. All of the art is available to purchase directly from the artist.
Artists who would like to register for inclusion can email info@wicklowartsfestival.ie for a submission form or telephone the Arts Trail co-ordinator on 087 2972254 before April 24th. There is a nominal entry fee of 5 euro per entry and no commission is payable on sales.
Thank you to all the shops and businesses who took part in 2009's Arts Trail.
ART ON THE RAILINGS
Date : Saturdays & Sundays 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th May
Time : 9.30am onwards
Where : Fitzwilliam Square
Stroll around the railings at Fitzwilliam Square where you can meet the artists and enjoy the array of artwork on sale.
This is open to all and no commission is charged to artists, for more information email info@wicklowartsfestival.ie. Registration forms will be available from the co-ordinator on the day.
ART LECTURE
Saints and Symbolism : The extraordinary work of
Irish stained glass artist Richard King ( 1907-74 )
Facilitated by Valerie Moffat of the National Gallery of Ireland
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 2pm - 2.45pm
Where : An Tairseach Ecology Centre, Dominican Convent
Admission : Free
Starting with work from the Dominican Convent, Wicklow Town, the talk will examine the career of Richard King in an attempt to highlight and give recognition to his unique and significant contribution to religious art in Ireland.
In association with the National Gallery of Ireland
ART WORKSHOP
Led by Valerie Moffat of the National Gallery of Ireland
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 3.15 - 4.45pm
Where : An Tairseach Ecology Centre, Dominican Convent
Admission : €10 / €8 for OAP,Unwaged & Student
Places limited to 25, Suitable for 16s+
This workshop will focus on examples of Richard King's illustrations of religious images for The Capuchin Annual.
Participants will be encouraged to explore through drawing the artist's use of line, shape and colour and to produce a finished piece of their own based on the style of the artist.
In association with the National Gallery of Ireland
ARTISAN FOOD & CRAFT MARKET
Date : Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May
Time : 11am til 4pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Street
Soak up the atmosphere at this colourful 2 day outdoor market at the Grand Hotel. Whether you're here for a taste or to treat yourself, there's something on offer for all the family with fine foods and unusual crafts.
Vendors wishing to take part can email info@wicklowartsfestival.ie for an application form.
ART EXHIBITION IN 2009........................
EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS BY MARY DUFFY
Date : Sunday 10th to Sunday 17th May
Where: Tinakilly Country House Hotel, Rathnew
Launch: Exhibition will be launched by broadcaster Pat Kenny.
Mary Duffy studied painting at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. After graduating in 1983, she established an international reputation as a photographer and performance artist. She exhibited in venues across the world, including the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, the National Museum of Photography in Tokyo and New Langton Arts in San Francisco. Mary has received numerous commissions and awards, including the Gracie Fields Live Art Bursary and was also awarded an honorary doctorate of laws by the NUI for her contribution to the disability rights movement. Her photographic work was acquired by the National Self-Portrait Collection.
Following a Masters in Equality Studies, in the mid-1990s, Mary took a creative detour into journalism and broadcasting, working as a programme maker, then researcher, and later as a producer. Her documentary for radio "The Lino Crossing- Tales of the Observed" was nominated for the Prix d'Italia.
Three years ago, she turned full circle, and returned to painting. In the last two years, she has mounted three solo shows. The first was at the Bold Gallery in Galway in 2007. In early 2008, "Sea, Sky & The Square Mile" was exhibited at the Signal Arts Centre in Bray. Last autumn she exhibited in The Old Market House Arts Centre, in Dungarvan.
Mary can be contacted through her website www.maryduffy.ie
I have been painting for just over a thousand days. Primarily, I am inspired by the unique landscape of the rare fen habitat where I live at Blackditch, near Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. This 'Square Mile', a place where land and water meet, is for me lovely and lush, squishy and wet. I've battled the elements, sunshine and showers, ploughed through the long grass, plunged through water and mud, wrestled with high winds and faced down frollicking bullocks. In this half-way world there is a wonderful merging of marsh, dyke and woodland, rich in blues, vibrant greens, sharp lemony yellows, deep ochres, vivid purples and burnished gold.
This exhibition at Tinakilly celebrates the work I have done in this period. It includes a selection of pieces from each of my three collections, as well as some new work, which includes life studies and portraiture.
Mary Duffy
Tinakilly Country House Hotel, Rathnew tinakilly.ie
FAMILY & CHILDREN'S EVENTS IN 2009........................
CHILDREN'S WRITING WORKSHOP FOR 8-12 YEAR OLDS
Date : Saturday 2nd May
Time : 11am - 1pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Blue Room
Admission : €5 Places limited to 20. Suitable for 8 - 12 year olds
David Donohue is the author of three books about Walter Speazlebud, the backwards spelling wizard and master of Noitanigami - Walter Speazlebud, Moon Man and Alien Timebomb.
David himself is a dab hand at backwards spelling too and promises to teach you the secret to successful backwards spelling in twenty minutes flat! His writing workshops are designed to give children the basics of storytelling with a large emphasis on fun. So bring along your pen and paper and let's teg gnitirw!
WASSA WASSA DRUMMING WORKSHOP
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 12pm - 12.45pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Friar Suite
Admission : Free Suitable for ages 8+
To start off Sunday's FunDay!, this is a hands on family workshop. Places limited to 30 so come early!
Facilitated by teachers who have trained with some of the great African master drummers, Wassa Wassa Workshops promise to have you all keeping the beat and grooving to the rhythm by the end of just one session. All participants will be provided with an instrument. So whether you are a competent drummer or a first timer Wassa Wassa invites you to come with us on a rhythmic adventure into the wondrous world of West African music.
CREATE WITH CLAY WORKSHOP
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 1 - 2.30pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Friar Suite
Admission : €5 Places limited to 25 SOLD OUT
Roll up your sleeves and be inspired in this 90 minute workshop suitable for ages 5+. Whether it's a flower vase or a model of your favourite character, after this session you will be taking home your very own work of art to place on the mantelpiece! Facilitated by the team from Daisy Play Cafe. www.daisyplaycafe.ie
FABULOUS FABRIC JEWELLERY WORKSHOP (12s+)
This workshop suitable for ages 12 and over is led by textile artist Maeve Hunter
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 3 - 4pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Friar Suite
Admission : €5 Places limited to 15
Learn how to design and make your own funky brooches, necklaces and earrings in this fun hour long workshop using a variety of materials, including recycled ones. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring along any bits and pieces you have at home to add to your fabulous creations!
ANDROCLES & THE LION
Presented by Spring Onion Puppet Theatre
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 3 - 3.50pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Room
Admission : €2 (Accompanying adult & under 2s free)
Come prepared to boo the baddies, cheer the goodies and join in all the fun of this wonderful 50 minute show!
Androcles, a kind African boy, goes to the aid of an injured lion only for them both to be captured by the evil Slyrenious, animal catcher and circus master to the Roman Emperor. The boy and the beast are lured to Rome to be the star attraction at the Emperor's "little party"! What fate awaits poor Androcles at the Coliseum? Is he to be lion's lunch?
"True magic!" - National Gallery of Ireland "Quality theatre for children" - Paisley Arts Centre, Scotland
TIE-DYE WORKSHOP
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 4.15 - 5.15pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Friar Suite
Admission : Free Suitable for all ages. Places limited to 25 so come early.
Learn different dye techniques and create your own style. Bring along your own plain white t-shirt to this workshop and by the end you'll be going home with an amazing and unique piece of wearable art!
Please bring a plastic bag to take your t-shirt home in and make sure you don't wear your best clothes!
FUN FAMILY CEILI
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 5.30 - 7pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Room
Admission : Free Donations Welcome
Get ready for the Leinster Fleadh coming to Wicklow Town July 10th - 12th !
For everyone who loves a traditional Irish party - this is the place to be! With singing, dancing and fine Irish music, young and old alike can take to the floor for this hour and a half long session. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a novice, the emphasis is firmly on fun, so bring the whole family along.
Musicians welcome to join the band on stage.
In association with the Leinster Fleadh Committee
ARTISAN FOOD & CRAFT MARKET
Date : Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May
Time : 11am til 4pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Street
Soak up the atmosphere at this colourful 2 day outdoor market. Whether you're here for a taste or to treat yourself, there's something on offer for all the family with fine foods and unusual crafts.
Vendors wishing to take part can email info@wicklowartsfestival.ie for an application form.
MARIE BURLINGTON
Suitable for 6 - 8 year olds
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 11am
Where : Wicklow Branch Library
Admission : Free Limited places available so put your name down at the Library in advance !
Come and meet children's author and illustrator Marie Burlington who will give an entertaining reading from her own books with plenty of surprises along the way!
Marie Burlington's books have been described as having "lively illustrations and snappy text" ( Irish Examiner ). Helpful Hannah was the first book she both wrote and illustrated herself, followed by others from the O'Brien Panda and Flyers series - Lighthouse Joey, Dear Me! and The Little Witch who can't spell.
In association with Wicklow County Council Library Service 
CHALK ART ATTACK!
A family event led by Pat Kavanagh and The Cave Creative Arts Venture.
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 11am-1pm
Where : Footbridge, Bachelors Walk
Bring all the family down by the river and let your imagination run wild as we create some temporary art on the footbridge. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the works of art before they’re washed away in the next rain shower!
Sponsored by Pat Kavanagh, The Cave
STORYTIME FOR 5s & UNDER 
Date : Saturday 9th May
Time : 2.30pm
Where : Wicklow Branch Library
Admission : Free Maximum 20 places available so put your name down at the Library in advance !
Boys and girls come and join us at Wicklow Branch Library for Storytime! Your friendly librarians will read a selection of stories and tall tales guaranteed to entertain and amuse. Looking forward to seeing you there!
(Due to space restrictions buggies/prams are to be parked in porch if possible)
In association with Wicklow County Council Library Service
SPELLBINDING STORIES
Niall de Burca brings to Wicklow his unique style of storytelling.
Date : Sunday 10th May
Time : 2.30 - 3.30pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Friar Suite
Admission : €2 (Accompanying adult & under 2s free)
More dangerous than the Pied Piper, Niall will cast a spell on young and old alike. He will relate some of his favourite tales of heroes, villains and derring do. Join him as he transports you to places near and far with stories that are funny, serious, wise and interactive - all at once.
De Burca was raised in Galway and displayed a talent from a young age. Using his voice with a craftsman skill, De Burca tells great stories with charm, humour and lots of surprises!
WARHAMMER
Date : Sunday 10th May
Time : 11am - 5pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Blue Room
Admission : Free
Warhammer, the game of Fantasy Battles, allows you to wage war with armies of Citadel miniatures across tabletop battlefields in the ultimate contest of strategy and skill.
The Warhammer team are coming to Wicklow Arts Festival. They will be supplying lots of models and paints for experts and novices to practice their painting skills. Many players enjoy painting their Citadel miniatures to amazing standards, lavishing extra detail and attention on their models to make their army extra special and unique. The Warhammer team will be here to guide you through the modeling and painting process. Feel free to bring your own models to paint.
A gaming table will be set up for battles so that you can practice your skills. Perhaps you'll get caught up in a small skirmish of just a few dozen models per side or a massive clash with many more miniatures.
LITERARY EVENTS IN 2009........................
THE MOUTH OF THE CAVE
Performance Poetry / Music - 1 hour show
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 1pm for Light lunch & Show / Show only 2pm
Where : Tinakilly Country House Hotel, Rathnew
Admission : Lunch & Show €20 / Show only €10
Package - includes Lunch, Poetry Show & Workshop €25
Poet Siobhan Mac Mahon, working with Musician Sabrina Piggott evokes the magic, myths and mayhem of the ancient Irish Goddesses and their modern day counterparts, creating a passionate, funny and provocative piece of Performance Poetry, interweaving word, sound, music and drumming. This show is suitable for adults (16+).
“Moving, funny and inspiring – a rare combination” www.myspace.com/siobhanmacmahon
In association with Tinakilly Country House Hotel
SPEAK UP!
Performance skills for writers (Over 16s)
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : Arrive from 3pm, workshop 3.30-5pm
Where : Tinakilly Country House Hotel, Rathnew
Admission : €10 Places limited to 15 so book early!
Package - includes Lunch, Poetry Show & Workshop €25
Explore the skills you need to breathe life into your own words - bring along a piece/s of your writing and spend the session learning performance skills to do justice to your words at a reading. Come prepared to move!
Siobhan Mac Mahon is an Irish Poet, Performer and Playwright resident in Leeds. The live experience of the Spoken Word is at the heart and centre of her work and she has many years of experience delighting audiences with her vital and often comic performances. Siobhan writes and performs widely as well as devising and running projects which explore and celebrate the spoken word.
In association with Tinakilly Country House Hotel
BOOK SIGNING BY AUTHOR EMMA HANNIGAN
Date : Saturday 2nd May
Time : 3pm
Where : Bridge Street Books
Designer Genes by Emma Hannigan
Designer Genes is based on Emma Hannigan’s story. In it, Emily Cusack has it all, a wonderful family and a comfortable lifestyle. She has the support of fantastic friends, particularly her childhood pal, Suzie now a brilliant psychotherapist. It is when Emily learns that she is a carrier of a cancer gene called Brca that her world is taken apart. She embarks on a journey to do everything she can to survive and for her the decision is clear cut. Emily decides to have surgery to remove her breasts and ovaries to eliminate the chance of cancer. The decision was simple; being a mother she wanted to be there, have fun with and be a mother to her two children; Tia and Louis. Not only did she want the surgery she wanted it completed by the end of the year.
The challenge lay in who would operate. Emily is a young woman and any doctor that she spoke to was unwilling to operate as she was still ‘well’. Although the surgery seemed the obvious choice to Emily, it was not quite so obvious to her husband, Robbie. Would Emily’s perfect life survive this upheaval? Was her decision for drastic surgery all too drastic? How was Emily going to juggle her family life, friendships and keep her marriage?
This rollercoaster of a read leaves you in huge admiration for Emily whose determination to fight her own battle against all the odds is incredible.
Background to the Author
When Emma Hannigan found out that many of the females in her family carried a gene called Brca, Emma knew she had to get tested. If not for her, for the sake of her husband and two young children. The blood tests showed that Emma had the gene too, which ultimately meant that she had an 85% chance of developing breast cancer and a 50% chance of ovarian cancer.
Emma decided there and then that she wanted surgery to remove her breasts and ovaries all within the year. She is the first ‘well’ person to undertake this surgery and it was a battle to get a surgeon to agree to do it. Quite simply, Emma felt like a ticking time bomb, having witnessed a close family member die of breast cancer, she did not want to be next.
Designer Genes was written when Emma was in hospital. Not been able to take constant daytime TV she found solace in her laptop. It is an inspirational & brave story told openly. It leaves you full of admiration for Emma who wants nothing in life but happiness with her family.
Irish book store Hughes & Hughes are delighted to donate €1 of every sale of Designer Genes to cancer research.
CULTURAL / HERITAGE IN 2009........................
Date : Saturday 2nd May
Time : 2pm
Where : Meet on the steps of the Grand Hotel, tour finishes at the Gaol
Admission : Free
Starting at the Grand Hotel, this fascinating walking tour is led by local experts in the history and heritage of Wicklow Town. Along the way you can enjoy aspects of art and culture, such as the Harry Clarke stained glass windows in Saint Patrick's Church, and explore the colourful characters and folklore of this ancient maritime town.
So whether you're a visitor to the town or a resident, come along and you'll discover there's more to Wicklow Town than meets the eye.
In association with the Wicklow Historical Society
COMEDY IN 2009........
KEVIN McALEER
Date : Saturday 2nd May
Time : 9pm
Where : Grand Hotel, Abbey Room
Admission : €20 Strictly over 16s
Kevin McAleer’s latest one-man show is an everyday tale of paranoia, delusions, language disorders and hallucinations. His alter ego grabs the wrong end of the stick in every situation, and hangs on for dear life. Ordinary events such as eating out, a trip to the bank or airport, a visit from the postman, become the starting point for epic mental voyages into the back of his own head and beyond. It’s insanity Jim, but not as we know it.
The original spark of inspiration for the show was provided by reading Gogol’s short story ‘Diary of a Madman.’ ‘I read the story about twenty years ago, and it stayed in the back of my head,’ says McAleer. ‘It’s very sad but very funny as well, and beautifully written.’ His own show is very carefully crafted and polished, drawing comparisons with Beckett and Flann O’Brien, but the timing and delivery are uniquely his own.
The Tyrone space cadet has been hugely influential for a whole generation of comedians in Ireland and the UK. David O’Doherty, for example, decided to become a comedian himself after seeing McAleer perform in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre- ‘I couldn’t believe how good it was.’ Stewart Lee is a big fan, modestly describing McAleer’s latest show as ‘probably the best piece of stand-up that I have ever seen.’
He learned his trade on the London comedy circuit back in the mists of the 1980’s with his classic slide show, which featured on C4’s ‘Friday Night Live’. His big break came in Ireland when he performed regular monologues on RTE’s ‘Nighthawks’ programme, leading to sell-out nationwide tours and the best selling EMI video ‘Turn it On.’
His latest show is widely regarded as his best ever. Not a word is wasted in an hour and a half of laughter that is so concentrated that people have been known to go home, drink a glass of water and start laughing all over again.
Visit Kevin's website at www.kevinmcaleer.co.uk
FILM IN 2009........................
WICKLOW FILM CLUB CELEBRATES BEALTAINE
Presenting " Miss Pettigrew lives for a day " (2008) USA Cert PG
Date : Sunday 3rd May
Time : 8pm (92 mins.)
Where : Wicklow Gaol
Admission : Membership €1 - All Welcome
Directed by Bharat Nalluri
Starring Frances McDormand, Ciaran Hinds, Amy Adams
Based on Winifred Watson's best-selling novel set in 1939 London, this delightful screwball comedy introduces Miss Guinevere Pettigrew, a middle-aged governess who finds herself once again unfairly dismissed from her job. Without so much as severance pay, Miss Pettigrew realises that she must - for the first time in two decades - seize the day. This she does by intercepting an employment assignment outside of her comfort level - as a "social secretary ".
Arriving at a penthouse appartment for the interview, Miss Pettigrew is catapulted into the glamorous world and the dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse. There she finds every dream she had given up on become reality - reminding us that everyone has a second chance to blossom in this world.
"This story of a dowdy governess who finds adventure and love when she works as a starlet's personal assistant for 24 hours is just the tonic for filmgoers eager for a film that celebrates the bearable lightness of being." - The Washington Post
"The chemistry between McDormand and Adams - the former slowly ceasing to be a squashed cabbage leaf, the latter fired with the energy of a great screwball heroine - causes happy sparks to dance about this production." - Donald Clarke, The Irish Times
In association with Wicklow Film Club & Access Cinema, Director's Cut and Wicklow's Historic Gaol
YOUNG WRITERS POETRY COMPETITION IN 2009........................
Congratulations to all of the entrants in this year's competition!
The standard was very high and the task of adjudicating very difficult - our thanks to Martin Swords and a panel from the Wicklow Writer's Group for taking on this responsibility. Enjoy the selection of entries below all on the theme of "Me".
1st PLACE Siofra Dempsey
I am a toy
I am a doll.
My plastic figure
Clothed in your warm memories.
My fake smile
Made alive by your imagination.
My synthetic hair
You brushed to perfection.
I am crushed, forgotten
In the bottom of your toy chest.
My perfect body
undamaged by time.
My plastic smile
Resolute in its joy.
My heart broken, destroyed
Cast away like some toy.
For I am not a doll
I am a real girl.
2nd PLACE Hannah Plomp
It's like a black shadow,
That lingers in front of me,
Escaping from my soul.
Releasing its hate at every opportunity.
Singing its anger.
It's like a damp wall,
That drips its blood,
When it shows it's hate.
Only I can control it,
And I fail to do so,
Sometimes.
It's like an angry dog,
That's released from its thick, metal chain.
Barking and biting,
When set free.
It is my fear to share with you,
That it is in fact my soul,
Ashamed and embarrassed,
But is learning,
How to control.
3rd PLACE Ferdia Fallon Verbruggen
It seems hard to imagine that one could sum up everything about ones life in just 25
lines when people far less interesting than me have written whole books.
But
That
Is
Not
To
Say
I
Can
Not
Do
It.
I
Simply
Choose
Not
To.
Please
Do
Not
Be
Mad.
It's not like you really wanted to haer about it in the first place and you know it. I'm
sure you have much more interesting things in your life than I.
Promise Owoeye
Me?! What about me?
In school, I am the queen bee,
Quiet and keeps her cool,
But at home, honestly I am louder.
I love dancing in my room with music,
Outside the room, I am training, to be more famous than
R. McGettigan,
And lazy too, that's really not a great click!
But when it is time to compete, I have to believe I can!
I am not one hundred percent geek,
Although I am a focused girl,
I am a fashion obsessed freak!
Except for pearls, I dislike pearls.
designing ladies clothing is one of my hobbies,
I love this as it's my original ideas too!
It would be great to design for any celebrity,
I also love to sing, I am pretty goood at that too.
Being a unique teenager is at times a sad picture,
Some people of my age think acting my way, is so immature
While older ones always say, "You are so mature!"
When the big question comes,
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
To be a doctor is always the sing songs,
And it puts great grins on their faces with glee, and also mine,
'Cause, it is really all up to me!
Alison Fahey
Yourself is me
beautiful and grand
Me is myself
who likes music and bands
Yourself is me
different and unique
Me is myself
small and petite
Yourself is me
an extreme wonderland
Me is myself
somewhat interesting at hand
But although yourself is me
and me is myself all of
it stays under my own
wonderful self
Nathanael Martin
Me, what can I say about me? I'm a 13 year old boy,
with 2 arms and 2 legs.
I have a body and a round head.
My hair is quite short and my eyes a deep blue.
So as you can guess this poem's about me and not you.
I like to run and jump and play.
That's usually how I spend my day,
But when I sit around in bed,
I like to read and fill my head.
That's how I spend my day,
When I don't like to run and jump and play.
Now as this poem turns a bend,
I feel it should come to an end.
So I say my goodbyes and a few farewells
And I hope you all live ever so well!
Fiachra Fallon Verbruggen
25 lines to describe in full
the entirety of one's life.
All happiness, joy, ecstasy, hurt,
Love, drink, Rock and Roll, strife.
How depressing
25 lines won't even begin
To reveal all the turmoil within,
And to describe how my appearance is just a mask..
Oh, what an onerous task.
How depressing
25 lines to tell you of my
Hair, eyes, skin, choice of belief.
So that's: blonde, blue and white and still Christian for now
Cue: breathes a huge sigh of relief.
How depressing
25 lines isn't a lot
There's more, i.e.30, though less, e.g.4,
And it's hard to decide
If I'd like less or more..
How depressing
So who am I? Who cares? Not I.
Fish of the sea and birds of the air
And the in-between, babies need not to know.
So why should I know? Why should I care?
How reassuring
