This Sunday, May 25th will mark the first anniversary of the founding of Castleisland Arts Night at Browne’s Bar and celebrations will get underway at 7:30pm with a bumper Open Mic session.
Organised by writer Tanya Farrelly and pianist Amanda Mannix, the monthly event attracts arts lovers from all over the county.
Since its inception the night has featured such poets as: John W Sexton, Liz Quirke, Eileen Sheehan, Stephen Murphy, John McGrath, Kerry writer-in-residence Emer Fallon, Pamela Muller, Noel King, Mike Gallagher and Gabriel Fitzmaurice.
Reaching out to Neighbours
Authors from neighbouring counties: Edward O’Dwyer, Limerick; Mary Morrissy and Grainne Murphy from Cork have entertained attendances /listeners in the arts night’s first year, along with Castleisland storyteller Joe Keane, and Kerry-based writers Barbara Byar and Barbara Derbyshire.
Literature aside, other important arts featured are music and drama.
An all-drama evening last October, which hosted Killarney’s West End Players performing The Donaghue Sisters and Curfew Time by West End’s own Brian Bowler, attracted an audience of over 70 people to the popular Browne’s Bar.
Original Drama Nights
Audiences have also been treated to original drama by John Carew and Dee Keogh, as well as David Butler’s award-winning Census, in which Tanya and Amanda took to the stage.
Musicians who have wowed audiences during the year include Ronnie Moore, Tim O’Shea, Joan Greene, Mick Jones, Brid O’Riordan, Triona Horan, Jen Spillane and Fiona Boyle, and Sean Slabys, the youngest performer to feature at the night who is a sixth year at St. Brendan’s College, Killarney.
Locals Attracted to Open Mic Feature
Apart from three featured guests each month, there is an open mic which attracts many locals to display their various talents.
Organisers welcome anyone participating in the arts to contact them to ensure a varied programme of events, which they look forward to continuing this year.
Follow the Arts Night on Facebook: @castleislandartsnight and on Instagram: @castleislandarts
Email: tanyafarrelly@hotmail.com
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