The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (April 28 – May 4).

• Taste in the West, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, May 1. Taste in the West is the first ever food festival hosted by Strule Arts Centre and celebrates the very best in local food products and services and local celebrity chef Jenny Bristow will be on hand to offer cooking tips and recipes.

• City of Derry Jazz Festival 2014, various venues, City of Derry, May 1-5. The annual festival offers a packed programme of festival favourites throughout the city with some of the biggest stars and newest names on the jazz music scene.

• Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2014, various venues, Belfast, May 1-11.  The streets of Belfast will be alive with readings, live music and performances from some global acts including De La Soul, Gingers Baker from 60s band Cream and Jimi Goodwin from rock giants The Doves.  

• Festival of Fools, various venues, Belfast, May 2-5. The sound of laughter and the sight of acrobatics, music and comedy will fill the streets of Belfast City Centre and the Cathedral Quarter as the Festival of Fools celebrates coordinated comedic chaos.

• Tandragee 100, various venues, Tandragee, Co. Armagh, May 2-3. The Tandragee 100 is the largest National Road Racing Event in Northern Ireland attracting approximately 120 competitors from around the world to take part in the circuit between Tandragee, Markethill and Armagh.

• Guinness Carrick Sevens 2014, Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, May 2-4. Northern Ireland’s biggest 7s tournament takes place over three days with four rugby competitions and a host of continental food, live entertainment and much more.

• Killyleagh Horse Show, Coiley Hill, Killyleagh, Co. Down, May 3. This popular outdoor event has grown over the years and includes class for Working Hunter, Show Jumping, Cobs, Young Handler and much more.

• Birds of Chicago, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 3. JT Nero and Allison Russell have emerged as two of the most compelling new voices in North American Roots music and will provide an evening with echoes of mountain gospel, corner doo-wop and classic soul.

• Night at the Museum, North Down Museum, Bangor, Co. Down, May 3.  North Down Museum will come alive at night with meteorites on display, children’s activities and an inflatable indoor star dome, bring your telescope along for some expert advice and enjoy a torch-lit tour.

• Causeway Coast Challenge Walk, Portballintrae, Co. Antrim, May 4. Take part in the 30km walk from Portballintrae to Dunseverick Castle passing through the Giant’s Causeway and along the cliff path.

Down

Pack a  picnic and settle down on the lawn with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of Jazz in the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart this Sunday 27th April from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Tyrone

A coffee morning and craft fair will be held in Ballynanny Church Hall Dungannon on Saturday 26th April from 10.00am-2.00pm.  Homebakes, tea, coffee, crafts and homemade goods.  All donations to Fields of Life Cultiv8 team.

Fermanagh

Fawlty Towers Dinner Show Spectacular,  26th April, Westville Hotel. Performed as you dine, Fawlty Towers – The Dinner Show is a spectacular tribute to the iconic British sitcom. Everything that can go wrong will and as you, the dining audience are part of the show, you will gain first-hand experience of the Fawlty’s infamous hospitality, comical mishaps and manic mayhem… just don’t mention the war!

Derry

The annual County Derry Fleadh will be hosted by the Loup Comhaltas branch and takes place in the villages of Ballyronan and Loup from Wednesday 23rd – Sunday 27th April 2014.  The festival will have something for everyone with a mixture of traditional song,music, dance and a family fun day with cultural parade.

Armagh

Enjoy a family fun day out this Thursday as Viking Longboats are launched onto on the lake at Loughgall Country Park.  Family activities on the day include rowing and sailing sessions, Viking history talks, warrior weapon training and mock battles for children.  Full details of all national events taking place as part of the Brian Ború Festival & Events 2014 can be found at www.brianborumillennium.ie.

Antrim

Gathering of the Isles at the Braid Arts Centre Ballymena 24th to 26th April is a  weekend long festival of music from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, with concerts, master classes, workshops and performances throughout the Borough – in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association of NI and featuring the best in piping and traditional music from all over the Isles.

Belfast

The Ulster Museum is the venue for Henry Purcell’s King Arthur this Friday. A stunningly evocative new production using real letters from the front and setting Purcell’s great opera in a world of death where men have never felt more alive.    Inspired by David Jones’ WW1 prose-poem In Parenthesis this vivid, moving and beautiful new production brings together ancient questions of King Arthur and The Matter of Britain with Purcell’s rich and passionate score and the trenches of the Somme.  Using dance, drama, poetry, and a new libretto by Thomas Guthrie, Sestina will be joined by an ensemble of world class players on original baroque instruments.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

26 APRIL – 02 MAY

Saturday 26 April, Dawn Chorus Nature Trail

Redburn Country Park, Holywood

Learn how to recognise the songs of the dawn chorus and take in the history of Redburn Country Park.

Tickets free (limited availability). Pre-booking essential. Starts 5am.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 26 April, Manuka Hunney – Soul and Funk Band

North Down Museum, Bangor

This event will be held in Coffee Cure, North Down Museum.

Take three fine female voices; add the class of The Supremes, the funk of James Brown, the soul of Aretha, and a slice of now. Spice with a rhythm section drawn from Northern Ireland’s hottest musical talent; and what you have is the sweet sound of Manuka hunney.

Cost £10. Pre-booking essential. 7.30pm – late.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, Irish Strength Expo 2014

Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex

This is first ever Irish Strength Exhibition of sport. Five sports are being represented over 2 days on 26th and 27th April 2014. Sport Stalls and Kids Strength Zone to provide a fun packed weekend in this Sport and Waterslide Complex.

£5 entry fee. Under 12’s free. 10am-5pm, both days.

Info: irishstrongman.com

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 26: Magician, Face painting.

Sun 27: Science Show, Children’s Crafts.

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 30 April, Glass Making

North Down Museum, Bangor

An interesting and fun workshop with Kenny Devon. See Kenny at his work at Project24 in his pod at Bangor Seafront to get a taste of what his class has to offer.

Costs £25. Pre-booking essential. 2pm-4pm.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

03 MAY – 09 MAY

Saturday 3 May & Sunday 4 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 3: Children’s Crafts, Archery

Sun 4: Jumping Clay, Face painting

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 4 May, Holywood Through the Ages Walking Tour

Holywood Town

Learn of Holywood’s colourful history from the establishment of a monastic settlement to the Motte, where King John is said to have spent the night.

Tickets £3 (limited availability). Pre-booking essential. Starts 2.30pm.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 5 May, Merry May Day

Holywood Town Centre

Free event, 10am-4pm.

Stalls, fancy dress competition, children’s traditional Maypole dancing and a highlight of the event, winners of BBC 2 Folk Awards ‘The Demon Barbers’ will be performing their XL show for the first time in Northern Ireland!

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Thursday 8 May, Literary Lunch with Colin Pinney

Council Chamber, Bangor Town Hall

Colin Pinney has played in Shakespeare, Shaw and Aldwych farce and has directed plays both here and in America. He has been a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and his television appearances include Jeeves And Wooster, The Brittas Empire and The Bill. His literary lunch will be a reading of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and will be illustrated using images by Gustav Doré.

Costs £6. Light lunch included. Starts 1pm. Pre-booking essential.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Thursday 8 May, Literary Evening with Colin Pinney

Council Chamber, Bangor Town Hall

Colin Pinney has played in Shakespeare, Shaw and Aldwych farce and has directed plays both here and in America.

He has been a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and his television appearances include Jeeves And Wooster, The Brittas Empire and The Bill. He will host a one-man show presenting Rudyard Kipling his life and verse.

Costs £2. Starts 7pm. Pre-booking essential.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

On Thursday 01 and Friday 02 May, Strule Arts Centre will be hosting its first ever food festival – Taste In The West.  The highlight of the menu is Jenny Bristow, Celebrity Chef and NI’s Good Food Ambassador.

The aim of the two day event is to demonstrate that food can be fun and delicious meals can be prepared quickly and easily with ingredients that can be found locally.

For ‘starters’ there will be Workshops for Schools on Thursday with the SWEET Programme funded by the Public Health Agency keeping the children active, the Western Trust Dietician highlighting the importance of nutrition and  the Conservation Volunteers helping the children to plant some herbs.

The ‘Main Course’ will be the Cookery Masterclass and Demonstrations with Jenny Bristow on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.  Jenny Bristow is no stranger to anyone as she is one of the most celebrated local good food ambassadors, TV Cooks and Cookery Writers.  Jenny has a unique cooking style as she can create new ideas and twists using ingredients that are readily available in local shops.  Jenny actively supports and encourages local businesses and food producers and she Bristow is a firm believer that good food is the best medicine for everyone and the story behind the products we are looking for.  All these ‘ingredients’ are the essence of what this evening is about as Jenny demonstrates a variety of recipes which are quick, simple and healthy.

On Friday Jenny will serve up a fun demonstration for young children and teenagers showing them how they can still enjoy the food they love but in a healthy and nutritious way.

Throughout the two days local food providers will be showcasing their products including Kees Outdoor Saddleback Pork, Heavenly Tasty Organics and The Poker Tree Brewery to name a few.

Strule Arts Centre aims to put Omagh and the surrounding district on the Food Map and develop the region as an exciting food destination as well as celebrate the best of local good food.

Further information on all the events can be found on our website, www.struleartscentre.co.uk or from our Box Office on 028 8224 7831.

This year, North Down Borough Council is excited to announce that the award-winning Demon Barbers will perform for one show only at our Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 5^th May.

The Demon Barbers XL Show is one of the most imaginative and inspirational dance shows this decade, bringing some of the UK’s most exciting young Folk, Hip Hop & Break dancers together to create this live folk music spectacular! This will be the first time that the XL Show will be in Northern Ireland making May Day an exciting opportunity to see this special act live.

This vibrant group creates a unique and captivating sound – energetic fiddle and passionate, distinctive vocals with driven punchy tunes and songs, drum ‘n’ bass grooves, the odd touch of ska and an ever present feel that this lot know how to party result in one of the most exciting acts around.  Their unique blend of modern, morris, clog and sword dancing captivate their audiences, leaving everyone wanting more.

Previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows and will bring to the stage a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow.

The Demon Barbers will be touring the length and breadth of the country throughout the summer with gigs including Glastonbury and the Edinburgh Fringe so we are thrilled to welcome them to the stage at our Merry May Day festivities this year. Their 90 minute performance will kick off at 2pm at the main stage.

All the usual favourites have been organised by Holywood & District Community Council; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Cartoon Characters & As You Like It)

Over 60 stalls represented by local charities and traders will be in place throughout High Street and Church Road. Please note that Holywood Town Centre will be closed for most of the day.

The ever-popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4.00 pm and if that just gets them going there will be 2 discos in Queen’s Leisure Complex – (p1-p3 1.00 – 2.00 pm) and (p4-P7 2.30 pm-3.30 pm).

For the older swingers in Town there will be a Tea Dance – also held at Queen’s Leisure Complex from 1.00 -3.00 pm.

So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 5^th May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day at this FREE EVENT!

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.

Women in Business NI calls for private sector to pledge support for gender diversity ahead of International Business Women’s Conference – IBWC 2014

With just under 30days until the first International Business Women’s Conference – IBWC 2014 -in Northern Ireland, Women in Business NI (WIBNI) are calling upon top players in the private sector to sign up to ‘30:30 Vision’, an initiative aimed at driving gender diversity at leadership level in business here.
It is the aim of Women in Business NI that by the time their upcoming conference opens in Belfast on 13^th May 2014, at least 30 of Northern Ireland’s top 100 businesses will have signed up to this commitment. The Conference theme is ‘Creating a New Economy’ and among a variety of topics under discussion, the business and economic case for gender diversity will feature.

In pledging their commitment to the 30:30 Vision, companies will be encouraged to consider how they can develop initiatives to support and promote a more diverse workplace.

Speaking about the challenge, Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive, WIBNI said,

“There is a global body of evidence to prove that companies and economies will be more competitive and successful if they empower individuals with the best talent; both male and female. Evidence shows that creating a balanced workforce aids innovation and increases the representation of consumers in employee teams, resulting in improved product design and development.

“Across a number of studies, the end result is shown to be greater productivity, improving companies’ operational performance by between 20 and 35%.Gender diversity in business is therefore not only the right thing to do; it makes good business sense for all. That said, women remain the most under-represented group in enterprise in Northern Ireland. Indeed, across Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies, only five are led by females, whereas we believe that figure should be at least 30%.”

Through its 30:30 Vision, WIBNI seeks to secure a minimum of 30% of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies signing up to show their commitment to supporting and promoting the diversity agenda. Some of the leading representatives from within Northern Ireland’s business sector have already pledged their support, including Asda, PwC, Ulster Bank and Liberty IT.

Kate Marshall, Chair, Women in Business NI added;

“At a time when we are trying to give the NI economy a competitive edge, unlike many other economic levers unlocking the economic potential of gender diversity is entirely within our control. It would therefore be a missed economic opportunity if we were to ignore this challenge and WIBNI believe it is the collective responsibility of business leaders to harness the power of a more gender diverse workplace for all our benefit.

“While we are starting with this initial commitment, long term, we hope to see all of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies creating strategies and policies that proactively focus on creating opportunities for talented women to progress to CEO, Senior Management positions and Boards by 2017. As such, we believe 30:30 can help unlock Northern Ireland’s full potential and create an economic ripple effect, driving growth at home and beyond.”

All businesses signing up to Women in Business NI’s 30:30 Vision within the next 30 days will be announced to an international audience in Belfast at IBWC 2014 next month.  More details about the initiative and conference can be found at www.ibwc2014.com
IBWC 2014 is supported by Visit Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Department for Employment and Learning, Belfast City Council, Ulster Bank, NYSE Euronext, Queen’s University Belfast, Equality Commission NI, Enterprise Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (April 21-27).

• Brian Boru Festival, various venues, Armagh, Co. Armagh, April 22 – May 4. The ancient Cathedral City of Armagh will commemorate the life and times of Brian Boru, in this the 1,000^th anniversary of his death, with events including a warrior re-enactment, Viking long-boats, a Viking tented village and more.

• Pan Celtic Festival, various venues, City of Derry, April 22 – 27.  The festival attracts visitors from across Ireland and the Celtic nations with events including the Festival Parade, harp, fiddle, piping, choral and traditional singing competitions along with themed nights and a Camogie Blitz.  

• The Single Speed European Championships, Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, Co. Down, April 25-27. Single speed mountain bikers and friends can enjoy a fun weekend of sporting action as well as camping, food and drink and entertainment.

• Cookstown 100, various venues, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, until April 26. A host of events are set to take place in the build up to the Cookstown 100 including a Vintage Vehicle Run, Classic Bike Run and a Practice Day.

• Bangor Easter Parade & Fun Day, town centre, Bangor, Co. Down, April 21. Enjoy a family Easter day out in Bangor with variety of entertainment including the Easter Parade, Lego Live Show with talented motor bikers and a Spring Fair.

• Thai Belfast Festival, T13 Urban Sports Academy, Belfast, April 27. The festival offers a colourful and vibrant fusion of culture with traditional music, fashion, glamour and cuisine as well as Thai dancing, Muay Thai boxing and relaxing Thai massage.

• Picnic in the Park, Forthill, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 21. Enjoy an Easter picnic at Forthill with friends and family and explore and discover the beautiful Victorian park along with music, an Easter Egg trail and family games.

• Easter Walk, Glenarm Forest, Glenarm, Co. Antrim, April 21.  Families can get their walking shoes on this Easter and add a spring to their step with various walks available from the traditional Easter Egg Trail to more advanced walks with trained leaders.

• Thrills and Spills, Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, April 23. A day of exciting adventure for the family with orienteering through the park followed by a picnic lunch to refresh ahead of a thrilling abseil down O’Cahans Rock.

• The Legend of Luke Kelly, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 26.  A popular tribute show to the iconic Luke Kelly of The Dubliners featuring the vocals of Chris Kavanagh as he takes you on a journey through Luke’s numerous hit songs and music.

Down

Sunday 20th April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour.

Easter fun with  Ark Open Farm, Easter crafts, Glitter Tattoos, Bun Decorating and Traditional Live Music, 2pm-4pm. Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission.

Tyrone

There are only a few tables left for the upcoming Masquerade May Ball at the Glenavon House Hotel on 3^rd May in aid of the Mid Ulster Dementia Support Group and Cancer Focus. With entertainment from Rodd Hogg, compered by Daybreak’s Rita Fitzgerald and dancing to James Huish and his band – this is a night not to be missed.  Contact masquerademayball2014@gmail.com for tickets.

Fermanagh

A day with a difference this Easter at Share Discovery Village Sunday and Monday. Hunt for your egg around the site following the clues, once you find your egg you can decorate it and then have a go at rolling it down a hill! After completing all the tasks you will receive an Easter Egg.  Then cruise aboard the bunny boat with Balloon Modelling, Face Painting and Games. Free Tea and Coffee for adults.  Prices – £6 per Child, £10.00 per Adult, £28 Family ticket.

Derry

On Monday 21^st April the beautiful Ballyscullion Park Bellaghy will host  an afternoon of craft displays, Easter Egg Painting, nature walks, bluebell trails and an Eggscellent Easter Egg Hunt in the fabulous Walled Garden!  (Event is free but some of the participating attractions may charge a fee.)  Gates open at 11.30 for parking and access.

Armagh

Are you looking for somewhere amazing to visit during the Easter holidays?  Then make the trip to Armagh Planetarium and visit the stars! Beginning on Monday 21 April until Friday 25 April they have a thrilling line-up of Digital Theatre shows on offer as well as many ‘eggciting’ activities to keep you entertained!

Antrim

Easter weekend in Portrush and The Causeway Coast Surf Festival offers surf competitions for all ages at national level (Open, Senior, Masters, Bodyboard, Womens, SUP, Under 18s).  Art and Photo displays from local surf and landscape photographers.  Surfers marketplace and stalls showing surf gear and equipment.  Activities include beach volleyball, skate & BMX demos, VW “Dub Surf” van & car display, surf school lessons, kids fun golf and more. Saturday evening (19th April) includes the Shore Shots Surf Film Festival with the best Irish and International surf movies being shown at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart. 7pm-10pm.

Belfast

This Easter Monday and Tuesday enjoy a 1.5 hour ride in a restored steam train from Belfast Central, along the shores of Belfast Lough to Whitehead and return. All ticket holding children receive a free Easter egg. Train departs Belfast Central at 11:00 and 13:30. Tickets must be booked in advance from Belfast Welcome Centre (02890246609) or online from www.steamtrainsireland.com.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

Saturday 10th May will see the second day of the Grande Partenza or the ‘big start’ of the Giro d’Italia race, pass through Newtownabbey.

As part of the Causeway Coastal Route, the cyclists will race through Glengormley at approximately 10.50am and along the Shore road at approximately 4pm as they near the finish line in Belfast.

To celebrate this historic event and to help everyone get into the spirit of the Giro d’Italiia, five family fun events have been organised to take place along the route:

Get into Glengormley for the Giro fun taking place throughout the town centre from 9am-1pm! The event will be jam-packed with activities for all the family including face-painting, arts and crafts, balloon modelling, street entertainment, bouncy castles and some children’s favourite characters on walkabout!

The caravan of promotional vehicles will be giving out goodies and creating a buzz in Glengormley at 9.20am so be sure not to miss out on this!

At Loughshore Park from 1-5pm, there will be amusements, inflatables and lots of family fun activities. Why not get in the ‘pink’ and try the sports on offer  – pink cycling, pink football and pink aerobics. Cycling enthusiasts will love the cycling challenges and cycle checks. With the exception of the amusements, all activities are FREE!

Whiteabbey Village will host an event from 2-4pm which will see the Really Rubbish Orchestra perform with instruments made from bicycle parts in the Presbyterian Church car park. The Templemore Silver Band will also provide entertainment while children’s activities such as face painting and balloon modelling will be available.

Fun days will take place at Rathcoole (Shore Road entrance) and Merville Garden Village fun from 2-4pm with free inflatables, face painting and balloon modelling and a performances by local bands.

In order to facilitate the race, the following road closures will be in place during the event:

Antrim Road 8am-11.30am and Shore Road 1pm-4.40pm.

Sandyknowes offslip at M2 will also have limited access during the times of 8am-11.30am.

Everyone is encouraged  to get into the carnival spirit that the Giro brings and ‘pink it up’ by dressing in pink, wearing pink wigs and making pink flags and banners! Look out for local food businesses offering Italian menus and admire the Giro themed window displays which will be on offer in Glengormley.

For more information on the Giro d’Italia, please visit www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/giro or contact Lisa O’Kane on telephone 028 9034 0052 or email  lokane@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Peter Duffy’s powerful theatrical performance of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem ‘The Great Hunger’ has been touring the country for the past year to popular and critical acclaim, and now the performance is heading to the stage of The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Generally considered to be Patrick Kavanagh’s finest work, its protagonist is bachelor farmer Patrick Maguire who has spent years at his mother’s beck and call. When she finally dies aged 91, he himself is 65 and has missed the boat in terms of finding a wife and having a family of his own, a source of acute sorrow and regret to him. Peter Duffy himself grew up on a small Monaghan farm so has a ready affinity for Kavanagh’s material which informs and shines through his absorbing interpretation of the work.

‘A finely-achieved and compelling production. Its conclusion was greeted with a standing ovation from the appreciative audience and the accolade was fully merited’ Galway Advertiser

‘The Great Hunger’ will be staged at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 26^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 and £8 (concession), and can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.