McDowell Opens Inaugural Ranelagh Arts Festival

28th September 2005

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell TD, officially launched the first ever Ranelagh Arts Festival at an event in Mount Pleasant Tennis Club this evening.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said he commended the Festival’s long-term aim of establishing a space in Ranelagh in which to celebrate the arts.

“As a resident of Ranelagh, I am delighted to see an Arts Festival taking place in the village, particularly one which places such a strong emphasis on involvement by the whole community, and on building community spirit in the area,” he said. “I would be equally delighted to see the Festival’s aim of establishing a designated arts centre in Ranelagh become a reality. I know the lack of specific arts venues was a problem for the organising committee, and it would be great to see this problem rectified for future years.”

The Minister’s comments were welcomed by the Artistic Director of the Festival, Mr. Terry Connaughton, who said the most important thing now is for the people of Ranelagh to show their support.

“We were delighted to have the Minister here to launch the Festival this evening,” he said. “And it was lovely to see lots of artists and local residents in attendance. We organised this as a Festival by, for, and in the community, and our biggest hope now is that the community will come out in great numbers to support all of our events over the next four days.”

ENDS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Background Information
Ranelagh Arts Festival has been organised by residents of the area as a community-centred Festival by, for and in the community. It will celebrate Ranelagh, past and present, and the importance of Art in people’s lives. The long-term goal of the Festival is to establish a community space in Ranelagh, in which to celebrate the arts. People of all ages and backgrounds are involved in the Festival, with a special focus on children’s involvement during the Open Day on 1st October. Further information is available from www.ranelagharts.org


Media Queries
If you have any queries, please contact Martina Quinn 087-6522033, media@ranelagharts.org