Événement

Seán Tyrrell - Message of Peace

This is a deeply moving, engaging, and remarkable story of a lesser-known, Irish hero John Boyle O'Reilly (1844-1890); in both spoken word and song; mapping his life and work. Pickled (in places) with Tyrrell's own observations on our own times and condition, leaving no doubt as to the depth of respect and high esteem in which he holds his all-time hero, a man whose poems are as relevant now as they were when first written, the title poem and song being a perfect example. Tyrrell traces O'Reilly's journey from early childhood, set against a backdrop of famine, revolution, and penal servitude for life in Australia. Romantic; visionary; poet; heart of a rebel; courage of a freedom fighter; commitment of a civil-rights activist, O'Reilly had the blood of a true-born Irishman.

Songs in the show allow Tyrrell to connect the history of the 19th century and modern times in a seamless way. Song lyrics are drawn from a wide variety of sources: Oscar Wilde, Francis Ledwidge, Bob Dylan, Bobby Sands, and many more. These are the integral part of the tale and illustrate how O'Reilly was a man way ahead of his time and a majestic human being. Using an array of instruments, Tyrrell weaves effortlessly between narrative, instrumental and song.

A native of the slower-moving West of Ireland, Seán was surrounded by music all his life, coming from a family immersed in the musical traditions of his native Galway. Seán has toured in the past with: Tommy Peoples, Fergus Feely, Kevin Glackin, Ronan Brown, Liam Lewis, Steve Hanks, Seán Potts, Paul McGrattan, Davy Spillane, Three for the Ditch, The Shaskeen Céilí Band, Paddy Keenan, The Visit with Little John Nee, and poet Mary O'Malley. In recent times Seán has been asked to be guest singer at concerts with the great Kilfenora Céilí band.

(Seán's visit is made possible in part by a grant from Culture Ireland)