Lisbon commemorative weekend 19th to 21st October 2007The São Luiz theatre in Lisbon, Portugal, was the focal point for an afternoon of historical discussion, a book signing as well as drama and music to mark the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls. Planned over a period of two and a half years, it was a combined effort involving the Irish Embassy (Ambassador Brennan, Vincent Herlihy and Sylvia Grasberger), the Irish Association in Portugal, the Sao Luiz theatre (Director: Dr Jorge Salavisa) and, of course, Dom Hugo O’Neill, Chief of the 'Clanaboy' O’Neills. Friday 19th October 2007: The weekend began with a dinner party hosted by Dom Hugo O’Neill at his ancestral home not far from Lisbon where his guests were royally entertained. Arms of the O’Neills above the entrance to the home of Dom Hugo O'Neill.
Susan Connolly, Jennifer Corcoran-Tadd, Mary Vermet and Siobhan Keating enjoy the ‘craic’ at the dinner party hosted at the home of Dom Hugo O’Neill.
Dinner party commemorative group photo.
Aidan McMahon, bodhran and Michael Holohan entertain guests with an impromptu session.
Saturday 20th of October Flight of the Earls symposium and book signing followed by a performance of Donal O’Kelly’s ‘Running Beast’ set to the music of Michael Holohan.
Dr Jorge Salavisa officially welcomes people to the Sao Luiz Theatre.
Guest speakers Dr Declan Downey, Dr John McCavitt and Dom Hugo O’Neill field questions from the assembled gathering.
Dom Hugo O’Neill takes the well-deserved plaudits at the Sao Luiz Theatre following his address.
Book signing by Dr John McCavitt of his new book ‘The Flight of the Earls an illustrated history’.
Donal O’Kelly and musicians acknowledge the appreciation of the crowd.
Sunday 21st October 2007 Dr Declan Downey led a memorable tour of early seventeenth century sites of Irish interest in Lisbon. The tour began at the Dominican church of Corpo Santo founded by Dominic O’Daly before proceeding to the Irish College, Lisbon. The culmination and highlight of the afternoon occurred at the Dominican convent of Bom Sucesso. Dr Declan Downey invites participants to savour the delights of Bom Sucesso. Dr John McCavitt and Ambassador Brennan take in the view from the pews.
Afternoon tea served up by the sisters of Bom Sucesso proves to be a hearty occasion enjoyed from Left to Right by Maire Breathnach, Sister Nuala, Robbie Harris, Susan Connolly, Sister Agnes, Donal O'Kelly, Sister Alicia and Siobhann McCavitt.
All photographs of the weekend’s events are provided courtesy of Aidan McMahon, Irish Association of Portugal, website: http://www.irishassociation.org |
Vincent Herlihy,
Irish Embassy Lisbon, a prime orchestrator of the weekend of
events, congratulates Donal O’Kelly following his stirring performance of
‘Running Beast’.
