Castleisland archaeologist, historian and Skellig Michael tour guide, Maggie Prendiville-Keane, will give a talk on the his/story of the Patrick O’Keeffe monument and on its creator, Mike Kenny in Scartaglin on Friday, September 22nd. at 7pm.
If the weather obliges on Culture Night the talk will be delivered on the plinth. If not there are several other plans in the pipeline.
Several Projects
It was the late Mr. Kenny with whom Maggie set up the Castleisland Culture and Heritage Society and they worked closely on several projects up to his untimely death in August 2011.
Back to 1983: Mike Kenny was a 25 year old College of Art and Design, Dublin based student when he landed the O’Keeffe job in Scartaglin. Along with the profile it provided him with as an emerging sculptor, the fee it brought figured hugely in helping him remain at college.
The monument was unveiled at the annual Scartaglin Féile Cheoil on August 29th.1983 and a great weekend ensued.
First Close Encounter
©The Maine Valley Post 17/8/2008
It was his first close encounter with the great fiddle master from Glountane – it wouldn’t be his last. Ten years later he insisted on becoming the first chairman of the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival.
It’s just as well he was good at it as that’s where he wanted to be.
He put his heart and soul into the event – and it’s no small compliment to his efforts that it celebrates its 25th this October.
Exciting Line Up
The Culture Night event in Scart will also include the launch of an exciting line up for the new series of Handed Down.
The fourth year of its autumn / winter / spring run will be launched as part of the Sliabh Luachra Music Trail by the Lord Mayor of Kerry, Cllr. John Sheahan and Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer.
“Our line up this year includes new presenters like: De Danann founder Charlie Piggott, whose parents hail from Co. Kerry and Terry Moylan, author of Johnny O’Leary’s music collections,” said Handed Down founder member, P.J. Teahan.
Old Favourites Returning
“Old favourites, Eoin Stan O’Sullivan, Máire O’Keeffe, Matt Cranitch, Paudie O’Connor and Bryan O’Leary will also be returning.
“Afterwards, we will have snacks and refreshments in the Heritage Centre with music from guest fiddler, John Daly – whose roots are in Tureencahill.
“We will also have lots of visiting and local musicians. So, please join us to enjoy Culture Night in the heart of Sliabh Luachra,” PJ concluded.
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