First Ever Arts Festival for Ranelagh

27th July 2005

For the first time ever, an Arts Festival will take place in Ranelagh this year, from 28th September to 2nd October 2005. The Festival aims to regain the village and community atmosphere traditionally associated with Ranelagh, and its organisers believe it will become an annual event.

Highlights of the Festival include a gala opening night, a Children’s Day involving all local schools, a sculpture at the Triangle in Ranelagh by renowned Irish sculptor Patrick O’Reilly, a poetry launch by acclaimed Irish poet Macdara Woods, and musical acts ranging from the traditional Irish Ciaran Tourish Band to a Gospel choir.

“The idea for the festival grew out of a conversation a few of us had in the pub one night,” said Terry Connaughton, a member of the Festival Committee. “We were talking about house prices, and we realised that was all we ever seemed to discuss – people in Ranelagh were becoming more concerned with property prices than with the community spirit the village once had. We decided to do something to try to regain that community spirit, and that’s how the idea for the Arts Festival came about.”

The Festival immediately gained strong community support, and over 50 Ranelagh residents are currently involved in its organisation. Local businesses have also pledged their support to the project, most notably Youngs’ Auctioneers and Ranelagh Credit Union, the first two major sponsors of the event.

“We believe the Festival will be a huge success, and will definitely live on as an annual event,” said Terry Connaughton. “There will be something there to appeal to everyone, no matter what their age or artistic taste.”

NOTE TO EDITORS:

For further information, contact:

Martina Quinn Tel: 087-6522033
Deirdre McIntyre Tel: 086-1943439

Email: media@ranelagharts.org