An obscure centenary

History at Galway

2013 is the centenary of some important events in Irish history. It is also the centenary of some very obscure ones. 1913 saw the publication of one of the earliest books of essays honouring an Irish academic. ‘A great Irish scholar’, the Irish Times called him in its review of the book, and ‘one of the most seminal minds now in mortal existence’.

Such books are common nowadays, and many professors and lecturers are presented with one when they retire, written by their colleagues, students and friends. A hundred years ago, it was a new practice and was imitating universities in Germany, hence its usual name, ‘festschrift’. In the later nineteenth century, German universities were the most advanced in the world, and a lot of the features of modern academic life were developed there, such as the PhD thesis and the research seminar. These then spread to the rest of…

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Book launch- Ireland, Africa and the End of Empire

History at Galway

For anyone who is in the Dublin area this week, I will be launching my new book, Ireland, Africa and the End of Empire: Small State Identity in the Cold War, 1955-75 (Manchester University Press), on Wednesday 12 June in Hodges Figgis Bookstore, Dawson Street, Dublin 2, at 18.30. All are welcome to come along – there will be plenty of refreshments to go around! You can download the invite in pdf format here, or click the image below to enlarge.

– Kevin O’Sullivan

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This Weekend I’ll Mostly Be Listening to…Rollerskate Skinny, Shoulder Voices

The Cedar Lounge Revolution

Here’s an Irish group from the early to mid-1990s, Rollerskate Skinny, famous, or infamous, for having for a time a Shields (yes, brother of one K. Shields) as part of the line up. But to reduce them to that fact alone would be to do a serious disservice to a group that locked neatly into a musical discourse which seemed of a piece with musical developments much further afield than this island – and a fair bit more experimental than most of their contemporaries in Ireland or outside it.

I recall reading, I think in Melody Maker, a scathing review of one of their albums – I’m guessing the first – which suggested that they were mere Boo Radley copyists. I kind of see how one could see them sharing – to a very limited extent – a similar approach in some areas, but the thrust of the two groups…

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Amnesty Documentary Screening of ‘A People Uncounted: The Untold Story of the Roma’ Wednesday June 12th 8pm @solidaritybooks

The Cedar Lounge Revolution

Join us in Solidarity Books Wednesday June 12th 8pm where we will host an Amnesty Documentary Screening of ‘A People Uncounted: The Untold Story of the Roma’

Nominated for Producers Guild of America Award (2013), this feature-length documentary recounts the persecution of the Roma throughout history, and explores the effects of racism and genocide on the lives of the Roma today.

‘A People Uncounted’ brings the Romani history to life through the rich interplay of their poetry, music, and compelling first-hand accounts.

For reviews, a trailer, and more see: http://www.apeopleuncounted.com/index.html

Organised by Amnesty International Cork, this screening will take place on Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 at 8pm in Solidarity Books, 43 Douglas St.

Venue information can be found at http://www.solidaritybooks.org

Admission is free and donations are appreciated.

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On this day – 5 June 1916 – The death of a reluctant Irishman, Lord Kitchener

Myles Dungan

 

 

A number of highly significant Irishmen died violently in 1916 – Patrick Pearse, Tom Clarke, James Connolly and their associates to name but a few who were shot in May. Tom Kettle, barrister, poet and former MP followed them in September when he died at the Battle of Ginchy on the Western front.

In between, another famous Irishman came to an unfortunate end. However not many people realise that Herbert, Lord Kitchener, hero of Omdurman, scourge of the Boers and War Minister in the British Cabinet was actually Irish. It was not something he tended to highlight himself.

But he was, in fact, as much a Kerryman as Mick O’Dwyer or John B.Keane. He was born Horatio Herbert Kitchener on 24 June 1850 in Ballylongford, near Listowel.  His father, Lt.Col. Henry Horatio Kitchener, had bought land under the terms of the Encumbered Estates Act designed to buy out…

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There was a real Copper Face(d) Jack – On this day, 8 June 1739

From http://mylesdungan.com/

Myles Dungan

 

 

 

It’s the most famous night club in Ireland. By day it’s an innocuous basement in Harcourt Street, by night it’s frequented by people out to have a good time, or to get drunk, or both. The legend of Copper Face Jacks has not dimmed despite the supposed impoverishment of the entire island of Ireland since 2007. But who exactly was Copper Face Jack.

Actually he was the grammatically more accurately Copper-faced Jack, and his real name was John Scott, 1^st Earl of Clonmel and Lord Earlsfort

Scott was born into a landed family in Tipperary in the mid 18^th century and was educated in Kilkenny College. While there he came to the defence of a fellow pupil, Hugh Carleton, who was being tormented by another student. Carleton was the son of Francis Carleton, a wealthy merchant from Cork. When he heard of Scott’s courage and…

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COLM WILKINSON In Concert

COLM WILKINSON In Concert

Thursday 13th & Friday 14th June, 8pm ( University Concert Hall, Limerick)

Bring Him Home…

One of Broadway’s most distinctive voices, Ireland’s Colm Wilkinson is best known as the original Jean Valjean and the Phantom, roles he created and embodied in London, Toronto and New York productions of Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera.

He played Jean Valjean in the 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (1995) and has gained many new fans since his guest appearances on both the 25th Anniversary Concerts of Les Misérable at the O2 London (2010) and Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011).

Colm plays the Bishop of Digne in the new Les Misérables movie alongside Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe.

“I was delighted to be asked to play the role in the movie version of the greatest musical ever written… Twenty eight years ago as the original Jean Valjean I started an extraordinary journey with the Bishop of Digne setting me on the long road of reincarnation and salvation. It seems to me as I now take on the role of the Bishop that the journey has ended and I have come full circle”. Colm Wilkinson

Colm Wilkinson in Concert is an evening of music and stories. Theatre favourites such as ‘Music of the Night’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and his signature song ‘Bring Him Home’ anchor the show which also includes definitive Irish classics such as ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘Whiskey in the Jar’. Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ and The Animals ‘House of the Rising Sun’ add another dimension to a programme rich in musical theatre and showcasing the complete depth, range and variety of Wilkinson’s talent.

Starring:
Colm Wilkinson & his band – Siobhán Pettit & Áine Whelan, guest vocalists
Early booking for these concerts is advisable

http://www.colmwilkinson.com

Tickets: €45 / Conc. €40
Balcony €35

***

other Irish dates

UNE
6 june 8 pm Broadway And Beyond
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! CLICK HERE!!
or call 021 4270022 to purchase tickets (Cork Opera House)
Cork, Ireland

7  june 8 pm Broadway And Beyond
Cork Opera House)
Cork, Ireland

10th  june 8pm Broadway And Beyond
(Bord Gáis Energy Theatre)
Dublin, Ireland

13 8 pm Broadway And Beyond
(University Concert Hall)
Limerick, Ireland

14 th june 8 pm Broadway And Beyond
(University Concert Hall)
Limerick, Ireland

17th june 8 pm Broadway And Beyond
(Bord Gáis Energy Theatre)
Dublin, Ireland

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Proust Questionnaire 10 – Little John Nee

Dublin Writers Festival Blog

Little John Nee is a writer, storyteller, performer and musician, who will be performing at the Faber Social, which takes place in Smock Alley, the Banquet Hall tomorrow at 6pm.

What is your idea of happiness?

Creating theatre shows and hanging out with friends.

Where would you most like to live?

In a comfortable barn on four acres of land.

What is your favourite virtue?

Compassion.

What are your favourite qualities in a man?

Generosity, gentleness, integrity, sense of humour, creativity and compassion.

What are your favourite qualities in a woman?

Generosity, gentleness, integrity, sense of humour, creativity, compassion and a good kisser.

What do you most value in your friends?

Forgiveness.

What is your biggest weakness?

Creating theatre.

What do you enjoy doing most?

Creating theatre.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Foolishness.

What is your idea of misery?

Bureaucracy.

If not yourself, who would you like to be?

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