Posts
Listowel, Marrakech and Further Afield
It has been said that a storyteller can’t afford the luxury of
an ordinary life. If that is the case there were many extraordinary
lives in Listowel, Irelands’ Culture capital, for the 7th Annual
Listowel International Storytelling Festival- September 18th to
September 21st.
After a week of sharing stories and weaving magic in
Ireland, Master storyteller Omar Belaarej returned home to his
residency in the World Storytelling Cafe Marrakech. As Omar said
goodbye at the bus-stop it was obvious that a bridge had been built
between the World Storytelling Café in Marrakesh and the storytelling
hearts of Ireland. A World Storytelling Festival with eighty
storytellers from all continents taking part in Marrakesh earlier this
year. And I’m sure Omar Belaarej would agree that Sonny Egan and
Frances Kennedy could hold their own with any of them.
As the 7th Annual Listowel International Storytelling
Festival finished for another year, Cara Trant, Executive Director of
Kerry Writers’ Museum, and Festival Director of Listowel International
Storytelling Festival, thanked everyone associated with this, now
legendary, festival. Ms. Trant said a big thank you, “To our
volunteers, sponsors, partners, and the dedicated team in Kerry Writers’
Museum — your support makes this festival possible. Listowel has long
been a home of the story, and it’s a privilege to see that tradition
grow stronger each year. Here’s to the stories we’ve shared, and those
still to come. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone
who made this year so special. To our incredible storytellers,
musicians, poets, and artists — thank you for sharing your voices and
traditions with us. To our audiences — local and international — your
warmth and enthusiasm keep the spirit of storytelling alive in Listowel.
We were especially honoured by the presence of Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui,
Moroccan Ambassador to Ireland, Morocco in Ireland, and his wife Leyla,
whose support underlined the growing cultural bonds between our
countries. Listowel has long been a home of the story, and it’s a
privilege to see that tradition grow stronger each year."
This year's line-up included many incredible storytellers,
musicians, poets, and artists. From local legends like Sonny Egan,
Frances Kennedy, and Seosamh Ó Maolalaí, to the former Storyteller in
Residence and Festival Director Maria Gillen, and international guests
Ines Alvarez, Storyteller (Spain), Omar Belaarej (Morocco), John Row
(UK), and Godfrey Coppinger (USA) — their stories reminded everyone
that tales travel across generations, cultures, and borders.
Part of the festival was held by the cosy fireside of
Sheehans Storytelling Cottage in Finuge, which has been a “Rambling
House” for generations, a few miles outside the town of Listowel.
This year also saw artist Priscilla Donovan open her inaugural solo
exhibition, while Aidan O’Leary and Sandra Behan launched their debut
books, milestones that remind us how deeply creativity thrives in Kerry.
* * * * * *
Sonny Egan. There has never been anyone before quite
like Sonny Egan. He is not just a champion storyteller, he is a
musician, a singer, a podcaster, an actor and an expert on many
subjects. He is generous with his talents and for years opened his door
to everyone in his famous rambling house.
On the opening night of the festival, a tribute was paid to Sonny,
one of Kerry’s cultural icons. Featuring music, song and dance with
Lixnaw Comhaltas, of which Sonny is a member, with storytellers Frances
Kennedy, Daisy Kearney, Conor Cox, and other special guests.
* * * * * *
Frances Kennedy. Frances Kennedy is one of North Kerry's
most popular traditional storytellers, and entertainers. Originally
from Freemount, Co. Cork, Frances now calls Listowel, Co. Kerry her
home.
|
* * * * * *
Brendan Kennelly. On Tuesday, 30th September 2025, at
midnight, a Midnight Court was held at Carrigafoyle Castle in
partnership with the OPW - Office of Public Works and the Brendan
Kennelly Literary Trust.
There was a rare screening of a short film featuring Brendan
Kennelly (1936–2021) reading his poetry within the walls of the castle –
a unique opportunity to experience the voice and words of one of
Ireland’s most celebrated poets in an unforgettable setting.
This screening formed part of the Rivers of Words archive
project, which has preserved over 100 original recordings of North Kerry
writers. Thanks to Jimmy Deenihan, Joe Murphy, and The Heritage
Council, these tapes have now been digitised by Kerry Writers’ Museum,
ensuring that an important part of our literary heritage is safeguarded
for future generations.
I’ll check if it is available on disc and let you know next month.
See you in November.
No comments:
Post a Comment