The Mid-West Region’s premier live entertainment and cultural venue, University Concert Hall (UCH) celebrates its 30th anniversary this month, with performances from two of Ireland’s most prestigious orchestras.
Internationally renowned pianist John O’Conor will be returning to UCH on Friday, September 29th to perform with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as part of the venue’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
UCH became the first purpose-built concert hall in Ireland when it was officially opened on the University of Limerick campus in September 1993 by Taoiseach Albert Reynolds T.D. and U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith.
The 1,038-seat auditorium has since attracted performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment including Johnny Cash and June Carter, James Taylor, Billy Connolly, Leslie Garrett, Van Morrison, The King’s Singers, Jimmy Carr, Sir James Galway, Christy Moore and the late Sinead O’Connor.
The 30th anniversary celebrations commence on Saturday, 21st September, when the Irish Chamber Orchestra with Conductor Christian Curnyn, Mezzo Soprano Sharon Carty and Soprano Anna Devin perform “Stabat Mater”, featuring the music of Van Wassenaer, Respighi and Puccini.
On Friday, 29th September, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will host ‘Beethoven Night’. Conducted by Joshua Gersen, the Orchestra will be joined by internationally renowned pianist John O’Conor, who was one of the first musicians to perform at UCH in 1993.
Judith Woodworth, Chairperson of the UCH Board, “We have celebrated many great moments over the past 30 years from recording our one millionth visitor in 2006 to becoming the lead venue for a year long programme of events marking Limerick’s year as Ireland’s first City of Culture in 2014. We are immensely proud of our role in adding breadth and depth to the cultural life of the Mid-West, and our ongoing work to reflect and promote the longstanding artistic ethos of the University of Limerick by offering a wide range of cultural events and experiences. This month is a key milestone in our history, and we hope people from across the wider region and beyond will join us in marking this special occasion.”
UCH Director Sinead Hope said, “Attracting some of the world’s leading singer songwriters, standup comedians, pantomimes and classical performers to the Mid-West has had a hugely positive impact on the Region’s arts and entertainment sector, as well as the local economy.”
She continued, “We constantly strive to produce the highest quality programme of events while also providing a professional platform to community organisations and artists, such as the Limerick Musical Society, Limerick Choral Union and local schools, to promote and showcase their artistic endeavours. Our Rising Stars Concert series, launched in 2016, also aims to bring young, Irish classical artists to new audiences in a concert programme of their own choosing for one special night.” As well as being an entertainment venue, UCH also plays a significant part in attracting conference business and hosting live tv and radio broadcasts, including The Late Late Show, Lyric FM, Gradam Ceoil TG4 and Eurosong”, added Ms. Hope. “We look forward to exploring new ways of encouraging support for and engagement with the arts in the years ahead.”
Looking for something new and an exciting experience next weekend, then read on.
Medieval archery contests, mounted swordsmanship and jousting will be showcased during the inaugural Grand Medieval Tournament at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare this coming Saturday and Sunday. [September 9th & 10th]
Reenactors from the Wexford-based Horsemen of Éire group will play the knights of the Earl of Ulster Hugh De Lacy and his bitter rival John DeCourcy as they take over the paddocks of the Folk Park.
Visitors can also experience a true to life medieval encampment and witness history come to life by meeting the characters, learning about the turbulent times, lifestyles, customs and skills of 12th and 13th century Ireland.
The two-day medieval spectacle will also afford the public a unique opportunity to witness the preparation and training required for those facing into battle and see how their customs, crafts and traditions have shaped modern society.
The tournament consists of a series of duels and feats of arms horseback and on foot where the two teams try to accumulate points. Visitors will see mounted knights joust at the quintain attempting to strike stationary objects with a lance and hurl javelins at targets, archers demonstrate their accuracy and precision by shooting at distant targets, knights duelling while mounted on their steeds, and multiple knights engaging in a fierce battle within the arena, demonstrating their swordplay, agility, and tactics.
The closing ceremony each day will feature two of the most outstanding knights facing each other in an epic duel on horseback and on foot. A panel of experienced judges will assess the participants’ skill, technique, sportsmanship, and adherence to the code of chivalry. Points are awarded for successful strikes, deft manoeuvres, and demonstrations of honour and respect. The victorious knight will be crowned the Champion of the Grand Tournament, awarded with a glittering laurel wreath, and the admiration of the crowd.
Bunratty Castle was itself the target of multiple attacks during medieval times. The castle was captured and destroyed in 1284, before being rebuilt by Thomas de Clare, Lord of Thomond, three years later.
See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Grand Medieval Tournament at Bunratty Castle on September 9-10th.
Pre-deceased by her husband Sid and sisters Breeda (Boylan), Maura (Ryan), Tess (McGrath) and Kathleen (Morris); Mrs Baker passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Fenor Hill Care Facility, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny.
Her passing is most deeply regretted by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mrs Baker will be received into the Church of the Sacred Heart, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, on tomorrow morning, Tuesday September 5th, to repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The extended Baker family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Pre-deceased by his brother Stephan and sister Maureen; Mr Ryan passed away peacefully after a long illness most bravely bourne, and while in the care of Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
His passing is most deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife Catherine, brother Michael, sisters Linda, Ann, Tracy, Margaret and Pauline, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended relatives neighbours and friends.
The extended Ryan family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Vocals: Irish singer, songwriter, historian, Derek Warfield, a former member of the musical group The Wolfe Tones.
Lyrics: Original author unknown.
The following rebel song tells the story of an Irish freedom fighter listening to the last words of his comrade, who lies dying on a Dublin street. When the wounded man’s father arrives at the scene seeking his son’s whereabouts, he is informed, “there’s no use in searching, your son to heaven has gone.”
The ballad is set during Easter 1916, and according to one version the dying man came from Co. Tipperary with the song rendition containing the following lines:-
“The first I saw was a wounded soldier, Lying, dying, as he feebly cried, ‘God bless our home in sweet Tipperary. God bless the cause for I am dying’ My only son was shot in Dublin, Fighting for his country bold, He died for Ireland, and Ireland only, The Harp and Shamrock, Green, White and Gold”.
Some years later, a four-verse version of this ballad was published, written in a Dublin journal; then known as “The Bell”, latter which ceased publication in 1954. Same publication was an outspoken liberal voice at a time of great political and intellectual stagnation. The article containing this four-verse version was written by Donagh MacDonagh, latter son of Tipperary-born political activist, poet, playwright, educationalist and revolutionary leader Thomas MacDonagh, one of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation, who was executed on Wednesday May 3rd, 1916.
The Dying Rebel
The night was dark and the fight was over, The moon shone down O’Connell Street, I stood alone, where brave men perished, Those men have gone, their God to meet.
[Chorus] My only son was shot in Dublin, Fighting for his country bold, He fought for Ireland, and Ireland only, The harp and shamrock, green white and gold.
The first I met was a grey haired father, Searching for his only son, I said old man, there’s no use searching, For up to heaven, your son has gone.
[Repeat Chorus]
The old man cried out broken hearted, Bending low I heard him say, I knew my son was too kind hearted, I knew my son would never yield.
[Repeat Chorus]
The last I met was a dying rebel, Bending low I heard him say, God bless my home, in dear Cork City, And bless the cause for which I die.
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