Arts / Culture - Waterford City & County Council

21st May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Walls Announces its Year Ten Line-up!

Waterford Walls, the beloved festival that has been transforming the city’s walls into vibrant works of art, is gearing up for a monumental milestone in 2024 – its tenth anniversary! And trust us, they’re pulling out all the stops to make this year unforgettable.

Prepare to be wowed as an eclectic blend of talent from all over Ireland and across the globe descends upon Waterford. From the iconic Chris ‘Daze’ Ellis of NYC subway fame to the hyper-realism master Jeks from North Carolina, and Irish favourite Dan Leo, the roster is stacked with 38 awe-inspiring artists. Representing countries far and wide including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Peru, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, and beyond, this year’s lineup promises to be a true celebration of global creativity. Festival Manager Gabe McGuinness says he is excited to make the programme public after months of preparation: ‘we’re thrilled to be announcing such a jam-packed lineup of artists featuring long-running festival favourites and exciting new names never seen before in Waterford as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.’

The full Year Ten lineup is:

But that’s not all – mark your calendars for August 9 to 18 because Waterford Walls is not just a festival, it’s an experience. Dive into a whirlwind of colour and culture with a jam-packed schedule featuring workshops, tours, talks, breakdancing, DJs, movie screenings, and live painting events. This year the festival is also delighted to partner with Wicklow Wolf, who will be serving up their full range of craft beers at its festival hub at The Forum.

Waterford Walls is made possible by the support of a whole host of sponsors and funders including Waterford Council, The Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Waterford Cultural Quarter, the European Festival Association, Colourtrend Paints, Montana Cans, Number 21, Zinnia, Fyrefli, Rapid Cabs and Fitzgerald Power. The embassies of France, Italy, Portugal and Belgium support the participation of artists from their countries.

Join Waterford Walls in commemorating a decade of art, community, and creativity this August. For more details, visit wallsproject.ie or follow on social media. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

ENDS

20th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council to host range of activities to celebrate Africa Day

Waterford City and County Council, working with Waterford Integration Services, Everyevent and Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ), is delighted to announce plans for Africa Day 2024, which will include a range of activities including two music stages, dance groups, market stalls, children’s activities, petting zoo, food tasting and much more to celebrate the occasion.

africa_day_waterford_2024

These activities will take place within the heart of Waterford Cultural Quarter on O’Connell Street on Saturday, May 25^th from 12 noon to 4pm.

Africa Day celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.

Launching Africa Day Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming T.D., said, “I am delighted to launch the programme for Africa Day 2024. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. Africa Day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about the diversity and vibrancy of African cultures.“The Department of Foreign Affairs is working with local authorities around Ireland on a nationwide programme of events.”

Africa Day is the annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent. This year, all 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will host various cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events. These will include contemporary African-Irish culture, as well as family fun days, fashion, art, film, music, dance, and food events, which will take place in towns and cities across Ireland.

To find out more about Africa Day 2024 visit www.AfricaDay.ie or follow Africa Day on social media.

16th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Are you ready for StreetFeast 2024 ?

An estimated 140,000 residents set to take part in Street Feast this year. Ireland’s national weekend of street parties and community celebrations takes place 25th and 26th May 2024

Annually there are more Street Feast participants than Electric Picnic attendees! From city slickers to countryside dwellers, everyone’s invited to the feast. Whether you’ve got a front yard, a street corner, or just a spot to gather, Street Feast knows no bounds.

President Michael D. Higgins said: “We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness – all values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity.”

Street Feast will be held over two days instead of one for the first time meaning a full weekend of celebrations. Over 1,250 communities across Ireland will share food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie this summer – any excuse to connect with people in your neighbourhood. So let’s get planning.

Organisers say that no matter what kind of place you live in, everyone is invited to participate and host gatherings. It doesn’t matter if you live in an apartment or house, all you need is a space to bring people together. Street Feast has had parties organised in front gardens, on streets and greens, in car parks, laneways, local parks and community centres.

Minister Joe O’Brien: “I am delighted to support Street Feast 2024. The core work of my Department is strengthening communities and enhancing social inclusion. It is important to find ways to connect with people and focus on the importance of neighbours in our communities. Street Feast provides a fantastic opportunity to make time for each other outside of family and friends. I would encourage local communities around the country to get involved in Street Feast 2024 and aim to build communities, tackle isolation and foster connections.”

Founder of Street Feast and Neighbourhood Network CEO, Sam Bishop, said: “For 14 years, Street Feast has been all about bringing folks together over food, fun, and fellowship. And the stats speak for themselves: 97% feel the neighbourly love post-feast, and a whopping 98% say their sense of belonging gets a boost. That’s the magic of community.”

Sam adds: “97% feel their neighbourhood is friendlier since hosting Street Feast and 98% say their sense of belonging has increased since Street Feast. That’s what it’s all about. Running it over two days instead of one will give people more opportunity to celebrate together.”

Register at StreetFeast.ie today and don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bring your community together and celebrate. Once registered you’ll receive a FREE Street Feast party pack, complete with bunting, posters, invites and a brilliant DIY guide.

Street Feast wouldn’t be possible without the support of Government departments and Street Feast sponsors.

ENDS

16th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Author Colm Tóibín in Conversation at Dungarvan Library

Colm Tóibín, internationally acclaimed Irish author and current Laureate for Irish Fiction has released a new book ‘Long Island’, and will be in conversation with Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian at Dungarvan Library at 7pm on Thursday, June 13^th.

‘Long Island’ is the much-anticipated sequel to Tóibín’s 2009 novel ‘Brooklyn’ which was also adapted into a film in 2015. In ‘Long Island’ we see Eilis and Tony living a happy, secure life in Long Island twenty years on from the ending of ‘Brooklyn’. When a stranger with an Irish accent knocks on Eilis’s door however, she turns towards Ireland once again and the life she left behind. In his follow on to the best-selling and prizewinning novel ‘Brooklyn’ we see Tóibín at his best, a master of deeply moving scenes full of quiet restraint.

The author of eleven novels, including ‘The Magician’, ‘The Master’, ‘Nora Webster’ and ‘Brooklyn’, Colm Tóibín has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times, was winner of the International Dublin Literary award for ‘The Master’ and has won both the Costa Novel award and the Impac Award. He has published two collections of stories and many works of non-fiction. Tóibín is the Irene and Sidney B. Silverman Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University and been named as the Laureate for Irish Fiction for 2022-2024 by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Waterford City and County Librarian, Mary Conway is looking forward to the evening stating, “I am delighted to welcome Colm Tóibín to Waterford and to Dungarvan Library, and look forward to discussing his wonderful writing with him. It is sure to be an insightful conversation.”

Tóibín will also discuss his inspirations including Henry James, his creative processes and the machinations of writing. As the current Laureate for Irish Fiction Tóibín will also speak about Irish writers and the new generation of writers representing Ireland.

While this event is free, booking is required by calling Dungarvan Library on 058-21141.

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9th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Summer Festival: Robert Boyle Summer School, Lismore

The 12th Annual Robert Boyle Summer School is taking place in Waterford City & County Council and in Lismore Heritage Centre from Thursday 09th until Sunday 12th May. Father of Chemistry’s Robert Boyle (1627-1691) contributions to Science revolutionised scientific thought, and each year we celebrate this scientific visionary with a diverse line-up of academics, historians, presenters and artists over a three day festival.

Our theme this year is Science and Art, continuing the success of our sold-out Robert Boyle Winter School in January.

This year’s line-up:

Antiquarian Roger Gaskell explores the scientific classic ‘Micrographia’ by Robert Hooke. This text was the original scientific bestseller, and presented drawn images of insects and flora under a microscope for the first time ever.
Leonardo da Vinci features prominently on the schedule. Scholar Dr Martin Landrus of University of Oxford explores the interrelationships of Science and Art in da Vincis work, whilst figurative artist Una Sealy discusses the influence of da Vinci in her anatomical works.
Artist Nuala Clarke joins us to delve into the commonalities between scientific and artistic methodologies.
Dr Fernando Corbalán, University of Zaragoza and author of the The Golden Ratio, The mathematical language of beauty illustrates the relationships between Mathematics and Art.
SETU lecturer Carlos Garcia Pando demonstrates how da Vinci’s work informed the invention of the 3D printer.

This year, we offer our guests a botanical art workshop with artist Gooee O Brien, followed by the ever-popular garden party to reflect and discuss in the grounds of Lismore Castle. The Summer School is made possible through a collaboration between Calmast STEM Engagement Centre South East Technological University and the Lismore Heritage Centre, with support from the Waterford City & County Council local industry partners, and Lismore Castle Estates.

BOOKING is essential, for further information, please visit https://www.robertboyle.ie

9th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Inaugural One Waterford, One People event hailed a success

The inaugural One Waterford, One People event which was held in the People’s Park on Bank Holiday Monday was hailed a great success by the organisers and participants.

The event, a celebration of diversity in Waterford, was organised by Waterford Trades Council and supported by Waterford City and County Council, and community organisations and agencies including Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford New Communities Network.

Featuring a compendium of costumes and culture and a symphony of musical entertainment, the free family-friendly event took place in the People’s Park, with the bandstand featuring as the main stage for music acts from Ukraine, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Africa and more, along with a host of Irish musicians including a céilí band and drummers from Waterford Academy of Music and Arts.

David Lane, President of the Waterford Trades Council extended his gratitude to those involved in the organisation of the event, its participants and everyone came along to soak up the atmosphere of One Waterford, One People.

“There was a brilliant array of performers from Ireland, India, the Philippines, England, Brazil, South Africa, the Igbo Community and Ukraine. The event showcased how communities can come together and celebrate diversity, and doing so under the banner of solidarity and trade unions works very well.

“We estimate that there were in the region of 500 people at the event throughout the afternoon, enjoying the free music, dance and cultural showcases. It’s a template that we hope to work on and repeat. I’d also like to thank our partners Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford Integration Services.”

Katherine Collins, Project Manager of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter (WCQ) said, “It was a lovely addition to the Bank Holiday weekend. The People’s Park was the perfect setting to celebrate Waterford’s rich cultural diversity.

“As a warm and welcoming place, Waterford City and County Council is pleased to support events like this that showcase Waterford as being inviting and inclusive for all.”

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Images : DGM Photographic

4th May 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2024

Since 1998, the Arts Office has been running this national annual Creative Writing Award to celebrate the rich literary life of the late Molly Keane. Molly lived in Ardmore, Co. Waterford until she died in 1996. She started writing at a young age to ‘supplement her dress allowance’. Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. She married into the Keane family of West Waterford but sadly her husband died at the age of 36.

Molly ceased writing until 1981 when ‘Good Behaviour’ was published under her real name. It became a publishing sensation and was well received as a masterpiece of black comedy for which she was short-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981.

The Arts Office, Waterford City & County Council by kind permission of the Keane family is now inviting entries for a previously unpublished short story for this years’ award.

The closing date for receipt of entries is Friday 14^th June 2024 at 12 noon.

There is a cash prize of €250 plus a writing course under the auspices of the Molly Keane Writers Retreat, Ardmore to the value of €300 for the winner and there is no entry fee.

Full guidelines and the online submission details are now live on the Waterford Submit platform see: https://submit.link/2CB

30th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Digital Help Hub back at Central Library

Digital Health Hub

The highly-anticipated Digital Help Hub is back and ready to assist you this Friday at the Central Library Waterford starting from 10am till 1pm. This will take place every Friday in May. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert support in all things digital. Come and speak to one of the advisors.

29th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Wonder Walking Trails launched in Waterford city and county

The Wonder Wander Walking Trails were launched in the city and Cappoquin earlier this week.

These trails have been produced by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, in association with Waterford City and County Council.

At the city launch in the Central Library, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway highlighted that the trail shines a light on some of the lesser known architectural details of our streetscapes. He mentioned buildings such as Christchurch Cathedral, The Port of Waterford building and the City Walls, but also noted the lovely details that we pass everyday such as the Art Noveau windows on the Baptist Church in Catherine Street, the ornate terracotta figures on Clyde House and the terraced houses such as those at St Otteran’s Place.

In Cappoquin, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Declan Doocey spoke about the historic shopfronts, which are the best in the county and referenced the ornamental details such shamrocks and flowers which are carved into the woodwork .

The launches concluded with a very informative walk along part of the trail conducted by John Beattie, NIAH.

Rose Ryall, Conservation Officer with Waterford City and County Council said that “the aim of these trails is to raise public awareness of our built heritage and to celebrate a sense of place by exploring the rich and diverse heritage of the Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA) in the historic cores of Cappoquin and Waterford City.”

Pop-up models at the events were produced by Kevin Moran of EZexploring and highlighted the variety of structure types in the city and Cappoquin. Edel McWeeney-Moran from EZexploring spoke about the community workshops and the drop-in information sessions which were held in the city’s Central Library and Cappoquin Community Centre.

Edel said, “Engaging with local schools such as the 6^th class students from St Declan’s primary school and the 3^rd class students at Cappoquin Primary school was particularly rewarding. The video at the event showed the drawings the pupils produced of their favourite historic buildings.”

John Beattie from the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage explained the development of the trails and that this pilot project in Waterford and Meath will be rolled out elsewhere. The final product launched is a self-guided walking route which includes points of interest ranging from regionally important buildings like churches to more modest buildings, reflecting the architecture and cultural heritage of the everyday. The map provides user friendly information on the points of interest with interpretative text illustrated by a combination of images and drawings The map also includes a scavenger hunt to get people out there analysing their streets and looking at them in a different way.

Copies of the trail maps are available at Cappoquin Community Centre, Lismore Library and Waterford Central Library and are also available on the ‘Places to Visit’ page on the NIAH website Buildings of Ireland: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage or at our Built Heritage & Conservation page.

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24th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Diversity to be celebrated with free Music Event in the People’s Park

One Waterford, One People poster A family-friendly, free music event will celebrate diversity in Waterford this coming Bank Holiday Monday, May 6^th.

The One Waterford, One People event is organised by Waterford Trades Council with support from Waterford City and County Council, and community organisations and agencies including Waterford Area Partnership, Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford New Communities Network.

The gathering will take place, weather permitting, in the People’s Park from 2pm to 5pm and will feature a global array of talented music acts from Ukraine, Brazil, India, the Philippines, Africa and more, along with a host of Irish musicians including a céilí band and drummers from Waterford Academy of Music and Arts.

David Lane, President of the Waterford Trades Council explains how the event will bring together many different nationalities who call Waterford home. “Celebrating the music and culture of different cultures and nationalities is important, especially as Ireland is now home to an estimated 160 different peoples from across the world. Waterford has a great tradition of welcoming people and getting people to work together for the betterment of all, and trade unions have been at the heart of that.

“Music events also help foster and deepen understanding of various ethnic backgrounds. The event in the People’s Park is exactly that, a gathering to celebrate One Waterford, One People as we all strive to make Ireland an even better place in which to live and work.”

Katherine Collins, Project Manager of Waterford’s Cultural Quarter (WCQ) said, “Waterford City and County Council is pleased to support this free event as it showcases and celebrates Waterford’s cultural diversity. This event is very much aligned with the goals of WCQ, in making Waterford an open, welcoming, creative, and vibrant place for people of all nationalities to live, work and play.”

The bandstand at the People’s Park will be the focal point for the event and Waterford Sports Partnership will also be providing games for children in the vicinity.

While there will be no food stalls in the park, families are encouraged to bring a picnic, enjoy the music, soak up the atmosphere, and bring home any rubbish generated.

The event, which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, is weather dependent and further notices and updates will be provided closer to the date on social media postings.

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12th April 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Digital Story Trail shortlisted in two categories of .ie Digital Town Awards

A digital story trail featuring augmented reality which offers tourists an engaging way to discover Waterford’s rich and fascinating history via their smartphone has been shortlisted in the Digital Tourism and Digital Changemaker categories of the .ie Digital Town Awards 2024.

The .ie Digital Town Awards recognise and reward projects with a digital element created by town groups, individuals and local communities.

In February of last year, Waterford City and County Council in partnership with Imvizar, and with Fáilte Ireland funding under the Destination Towns Initiative, launched Waterford’s first Digital Story Trail (DST), which explores the history, culture, and heritage of 15 different locations across the city centre, including Reginald’s Tower, Waterford Crystal, the Watchtower and Arundel Square.

Through the use of augmented reality smartphone technology, visitors and locals can experience Waterford’s past by watching digital animations of characters and architecture appear as if they are in the physical world right in front of them. The trail can be accessed for free by scanning one of the numerous QR codes on signs located throughout the city trail or by visiting www.visitwaterford.com/digitalstorytrail/

This innovative experience seamlessly combines audio, augmented reality, and a simple-to-use web interface which allows visitors to interact with Waterford City’s rich past. Using a mobile device, visitors are transported to 15 key locations where they can listen to tales from historical figures and witness AR recreations of pivotal moments.

In addition to meeting life-like characters from Waterford’s past, scanning the QR code also provides an audio tale from an historical figure, coupled with interesting facts and a timeline of events. Spanning over a thousand years of Waterford’s history, tourists can listen as Reginald, a Viking King and warlord from the 10th century, as he describes his quest to launch raids all over Ireland and watch as Thomas Francis Meagher, Leader of the Young Irelanders in the 1848 Rebellion, raises the first Irish tricolour.

Waterford’s history of master craft making is also recognised. Rachel Penrose, the wife of one of the founders of Waterford Crystal, William Penrose, appears in a recreation of an 18th century glass-blowing scene. Trail users can also meet Anastasia Fleming, a silversmith from the late 1700s, and see a reimagined façade of her silversmith shop.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway commended the initiative saying it truly brings Waterford’s history to life in a fun, engaging and fascinating way. “With over 1,000 years of history to explore the Digital Story Trail takes the user on an intriguing journey, in which they can meet the characters that shaped Ireland’s Oldest City.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council said, “The Waterford Digital Story Trail was identified as an ideal way to introduce visitors to the varied stories and characters of Waterford. It provides visitors with free entertainment at any time of the day, taking about one and a half hours to complete. Users can stop and start at any point, and it purposefully leads people past attractions, shops and café’s to encourage people to dwell longer in the destination.”

The DST has exceeded expectations attracting over 25,000 visitors and boosting the city’s tourism, particularly from international guests. In its first year 75% of users were from Ireland but through promotion international users increased to 43% in 2023 with US, UK, Germany, France and Spain being the top users. Beyond enhancing tourism, the trail has deepened the community’s connection to its heritage, making history more accessible and engaging through innovative technology.

The project’s success has not gone unnoticed. It was featured in the New York Times “52 places to go” list in 2024 and praised on RTE’s Nationwide for its exemplary approach to digital heritage storytelling.

This year’s shortlisted finalists cover the full spectrum of idea development and readiness, with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Athlone on May 24^th.

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Image – Free to use Patrick Browne

Anastasia Fleming, an 18^th Century silversmith, and Odin Lord of Valhalla with then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary the launch of the Waterford Digital Story Trail in February 2023.

28th March 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Gilbert O’Sullivan granted Freedom of Waterford City and County

Gilbert O’Sullivan was made a Freeman of Waterford City and County at a ceremony in City Hall on Wednesday, March 27th.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway bestowed the honour on the Waterford born singer-songwriter whose career has spanned over five decades.

Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan formally proposed that the Freedom be conferred on Gilbert O’Sullivan, and the motion was seconded by Cllr. Joe Kelly.

Born on December 1st, 1946, on the Cork Road in the city, Gilbert’s family relocated to Wiltshire, and it was here that his musical journey began, playing the piano and honing his craft not through formal lessons, but playing by ear.

Gilbert’s first single Nothing Rhymed was released in 1970, an overnight success featuring in the Top 10 music charts across the UK and Europe. His 1971 debut album Himself was littered with the most perfect examples of his art and craftsmanship. His second, 1972’s Back to Front, firmly cemented Gilbert amongst the world’s best, with Top 10 singles and No. 1’s around the world, including the classic Alone Again (Naturally) which topped the US charts for six weeks and earned him three Grammy nominations.

British recognition soon followed with the songs Clair and Get Down reaching the summit of the UK singles charts and his LP Back to Front topping the album charts. In the same year at the 18th Ivor Novello Awards, Gilbert was named ‘Song Writer of the Year’.

Mayor Conway said “It is with great honour and pride that I, as the Mayor of Waterford City and County, extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Gilbert O’Sullivan – a signal composer and performer from Waterford roots who has made an indelible mark on the world of modern music.

“Personally, as a fan of his work for a half-century now, I regularly enjoy his Berry Vest compilation as I drive the miles here and there – my personal favourite being the very sparse and captivating Miss my love today, but I also have a naughty chuckle still at Permissive Twit.

Mayor Conway added, “I could go on, detailing the milestones and accolades that Gilbert O’Sullivan has achieved throughout a career spanning fifty years. However, the essence of the man is captured not just in the length of his career, but in the depth of his impact on music and the hearts of those who have had the privilege to witness his journey.”

In proposing the motion Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan said, “It is a singular honour for me to propose the motion to admit Gilbert O’Sullivan to the Freedom of Waterford City and County in recognition of his enormous service to the music industry for the last fifty years.

“Waterford-born Gilbert has carved out a remarkable career with his unique blend of melody, wit, and surreal humour, earning global success and critical acclaim.”

Upon receiving Waterford’s highest accolade, Gilbert said, “I am truly honoured to be granted the Freedom of Waterford City and County.

“To be here today surrounded by family and friends is a very special moment and one I will never forget.”

The Freedom of Waterford City and County has been a coveted privilege and honour since civic government replaced military governors in 1195. The Freedom allowed the recipient to trade freely within the city, and it was from among the freemen that members of the Council were chosen. According to the Great Parchment Book, in order to be admitted to the freedom, one had to provide the Council with two half barges of stone, which was uses to build a wall around the city.

Honorary Freemen of Waterford include Isaac Butt, Charles Stewart Parnell, Eamon de Valera, John Tracy, Mary Robinson, Anna Manahan, Dan Mulhall, Henry de Bromhead and Prof. Louise Richardson.

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Images: Free to use – Noel Browne

1/2/4: Gilbert O’Sullivan and Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway

5: Gilbert and wife Aase, with Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway

28th March 2024

By Waterford City & County Council

Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge bronnta ar Gilbert O’Sullivan

Rinneadh Saorfhear de Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge de Gilbert O’Sullivan ag searmanas i Halla na Cathrach ar an gCéadaoin, 27 Márta.

Bhronn Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Clr. Seosamh Ó Conmhuí, an onóir ar an amhránaí is scríbhneoir a rugadh i bPort Láirge agus caoga bliain caite aige sa ghairm úd.

Mhol An Clr. Lola O’Sullivan go foirmiúil go mbronnfaí Saoirse Phort Láirge ar Gilbert O’Sullivan, agus chuidigh an Clr Joe Kelly leis an rún.

Rugadh Gilbert O’Sullivan ar an 1 Nollaig, 1946 ar Bhóthar Chorcaí sa chathair, ansan d’athlonnaigh a theaghlach go Wiltshire, áit ar thosnaigh a thuras ceoil, ag seinm an phianó agus é ag cur barrfeabhais ar a cheird, ní trí cheachtanna foirmiúla, ach trí bheith ag casadh ón gcluas.

D’eisigh Gilbert a chéad singil, Nothing Rhymed sa bhliain 1970 agus rath thar oíche a bhí ann, agus é le feiceáil sna cairt cheoil ‘Top Ten’ is fearr ar fud na Ríochta Aontaithe agus na hEorpa. Bhí a chéad albam, Himself, a tháinig amach i 1971 lán de samplaí iontacha dá ealaín agus dá cheardaíocht. Chruthaigh a dara albam, Back to Front ó 1972 go raibh Gilbert i measc na n-amhránaithe is fearr ar domhan ag an am, le singil sa ‘Top Ten’ agus ag Uimhir 1 ar fud an domhain, lena n-áirítear an seoid d’amhrán, Alone Again (Naturally), a bhí ar barr chairteacha Stáit Aontaithe Meiriceá ar feadh sé seachtaine agus a thuill trí ainmniúcháin Grammy dó.

Ní fada go raibh na hamhráin Clair agus Get Down ar bharr chairteacha singil na Ríochta Aontaithe agus a albam Back to Front ag barr na gcairteacha albam. Sa bhliain chéanna ag an 18ú Gradam Ivor Novello, ainmníodh Gilbert mar ‘Chumadóir Amhrán na Bliana’.

Dúirt an Méara Ó Conmhuí, “Is cúis onóra agus bróid domsa, mar Mhéara ar Chathair agus ar Chontae Phort Láirge, fáilte chroíúil a chur roimh Gilbert O’Sullivan – cumadóir agus taibheoir le fréamhacha i bPort Láirge, a bhfuil a lorg fágtha aige ar shaol an cheoil nua-aoiseach.

Ar bhonn pearsanta, mar dhuine dá lucht leanúna le leath chéad bliain anois, bainim taitneamh as a chuid saothair, an cnuasach Berry Vest ach go háirithe, agus mé ag tiomáint na mílte anseo is ansiúd. Is breá liom Miss My Love Today, go pearsanta, amhrán atá tearc agus tarraingteach araon agus baineann Permissive Twit gáire beag dána asam i gcónaí.

Lean Méara Ó Conmhuí air, ag rá, “D’fhéadfainn leanúint ar aghaidh ag cur síos ar an méid atá bainte amach ag Gilbert O’Sullivan agus ar na gradaim atá faighte aige le linn gairme a mhair caoga bliain. Mar sin féin, tá bunús an fhir léirithe, ní hamháin i bhfad a ghairm bheatha, ach i ndoimhneacht an tionchair a bhí aige ar an gceol agus ar chroíthe na ndaoine a raibh sé de phribhléid acu dul ar an turas sin in éineacht leis.”

Agus an rún á mholadh aici, dúirt an Comhairleoir Lola O’Sullivan, “Is onóir faoi leith domsa an rún a mholadh chun Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge a bhronnadh ar Gilbert O’Sullivan, mar aitheantas ar a sheirbhís ollmhór do thionscal an cheoil le caoga bliain anuas.

“Tá gairm bheatha iontach bainte amach ag Gilbert, a rugadh i bPort Láirge, lena mheascán uathúil de cheolmhaireacht, d’éirim agus de ghreann, a thug rath domhanda agus ardmholadh dó.”

Agus é ag glacadh leis an onóir is airde de chuid Phort Láirge, dúirt Gilbert, “Is mór an onóir dom go bhfuil Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge á mbronnadh orm inniu.

“Is am speisialta é seo a bheith bailithe anseo inniu i measc mo chlann agus mo chairde agus ní dhéanfaidh mé dearmad go deo air.”

Is pribhléid agus onóir é Saoirse Chathair & Chontae Phort Láirge ó tháinig an rialtas cathartha in ionad gobharnóirí míleata sa bhliain 1195. Thug an tSaoirse cead don té a bhfuair í trádáil faoi shaoirse laistigh den chathair, agus ba as measc na saorfhear a roghnaíodh comhaltaí na Comhairle. Dar leis an Leabhar Mór Pháir, chun go ligfí isteach chun na saoirse iad, b’éigean do dhuine dhá leath báirsí cloiche a chur ar fáil don Chomhairle, rud a d’úsáidtí chun balla a thógáil timpeall na cathrach.

I measc Shaorfhir Oinigh Phort Láirge tá Isaac Butt, Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, John Tracy, Mary Robinson, Anna Manahan, Dan Mulhall, Henry de Bromhead agus an tOllamh Louise Richardson.

-críoch-

Grianghrafadóir : Noel Browne

27th March 2024

By Waterford City & County Council