We would like to acknowledge and
thank our sponsors for their continued support.
Ba mhaith linn buíochas a ghabháil lenár urraitheoirí as ucht a gcuid tacaíocht leanúnach.
 | Mayo County Council |
 | Poetry Ireland |
 | Foras na Gaeilge |
 | The Arts Council |
from "Western People" 30.09.08:
During the course of the past month, Mayo County Library has been running a competition to try to find Mayo's favourite poem.
....
And Mayo's favourite poem is – surprise, surprise, Cill Aodáin by Antoine O Raifteri, the blind poet who lived by playing his fiddle and performing his songs and poems in the mansions of the Anglo-Irish gentry.
Féile Raifteirí, Samhain 09ú – 14ú 2009
In Sight of Raftery Festival, in its fourth year, was a week of real success. All events were very well attended and there was great sense of occasion throughout. We are learning year by year. I have thought quite a bit about why the festival and its success and concluded that the rich variety of happenings drew their own separate audiences, although there was, naturally, crossover as well.
We launched the festival with a launch of Pen & Ink Writer's magazine and an exhibition by East Mayo Artists; Geraldine Mitchell and I visited schools; we had Louise Lawrence reading from her Children of the Dust (science fiction); Colette NicAodha's book on Raftery was launched by Joe Byrne; Philip Casey and Paul Casey read to a rapt audience from their poetry collections; we had an evening of open mic with Mayo writers; a poetry slam night with generous prizes and a wonderful late night of readings and singsong in Kitty's. The Reidy brothers and Paul Casey did wonderful workshops, and all of these events took place in one week.
Thanks to the Arts Council and Poetry Ireland, we have been able to pay modest fees. Thanks to cooperation of Kiltimagh Library, Cill Aodain Hotel, The Electric Mouse and IRD (Town Hall Theatre and Gallery), we were able to give of our best at all times. Brian Mooney was always in the background and moderated the Slam in fine style.
Peter Schmidt manages our website so well. Thanks Peter; we are grateful to 'Zana' for website design; Graham Mace Images did a wonderful programme/poster job on modest money and Julia Panton and Patti McNicholas worked tirelessly to keep the festival wheels turning. Sincere thanks to all and, especially, to artists and audiences who made it all possible.
Terry McDonagh
Artistic Director
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Also have a look at our picture gallery with photos of some of the festival events.
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PEN & INK CLUB
Writers meet in The Town Hall, Kiltimagh, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. New members always welcome.Contact: Terry McDonagh: 086 8861853; Show email address.
Next meetings: Tuesday, March 9th and 23rd, 7.30 pm
See our website: