Gathering to celebrate Lady Gregory’s legacy

THE 18th annual Lady Gregory Autumn Gathering returns to Coole Park next week.
Recognising the remarkable influence of Lady Augusta Gregory on the development of Irish theatre and literature, the Gathering highlights her unique influence on Irish arts and culture.

Although Lady Gregory’s home at Coole Park is no longer standing, several other buildings remain and the area has been developed as a nature reserve, boasting an interpretative centre.

Within its historic walled garden sits the famous ‘autograph tree’ where world-renowned authors such as Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Sean O’Casey, John Millington Synge and George Moore carved their initials, marking Coole Park as the centre of the Irish Literary Revival in the early 20th century.

Highlights of the Gathering include lectures, discussions, readings, social events, a guided walk through Coole Park woods and a special visit to Loughrea Cathedral and its art treasures.

The opening address will be delivered by Colin Smythe, renowned publisher of Sir Terry Pratchett and collector of the works of WB Yeats and Lady Gregory.

James Pethica, professor of contemporary Irish and British literature at Williams College, Massachusetts and Director of the Yeats Summer School in Sligo, will speak on the demise of Lady Gregory and her estate.
Dr Lucy McDiarmid, Marie Frazee-Baldassarre Professor of English at Montclair State University, New Jersey will speak on Lady Gregory’s Secret Poetry.

Another speaker will be Anne Fogarty, Professor of James Joyce Studies and Head of the UCD School of English, Drama and Film.

Catriona Crowe, head of Special Projects at the National Archives of Ireland and manager of the Irish Census Online Project, will make a presentation on Kiltartan in 1911: A study of people and living conditions from the 1911 Census.

John Quinn, celebrated author, TV and Radio producer will deliver A letter to Lady Gregory – presenting voices from the past, an audio experience.

The chair is Colin Smythe and the Gathering will be formally opened by Geoffrey O’Byrne White, great-grandnephew of Lady Gregory.

Participants can enjoy the open forum discussion, plus entertainment and candlelit dinner on the Saturday.
The event takes place from Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30.

For further information and booking, contact Marion Cox, by calling 086 8053917 or by emailing monaleen@msn.com.