LeafLight Moon

Did you watch From That Small Island on RTE? Were you tantalised by the brief mention of Ireland’s dark skinned, blue eyed hunter-gatherers?

Want to know more?

It so happens we can help. We're excited to announce that Monica Corish's new novel, “LeafLight Moon – a novel of prehistoric Ireland” will be launched at this year's Allingham Festival on Sunday, November 9th.

"Closely researched and set in the rich prehistoric landscapes of Sligo and the North West, it tells the story of the fateful encounter between Ireland’s first farmers and the hunter-gatherers of the Hearth of MotherMountain."

...And we're back!

Over the next few weeks, we'll be announcing details of some of the things you can look forward to in this year's Allingham Festival which will return to Ballyshannon from November 5th to 9th.

We're delighted to welcome Donal Ryan, the king of the new wave of Irish writers (don't take our word for it - that was Sebastian Barry). With seven published novels, each of which has topped the Irish best-sellers list, he will have much to tell us.

Last year, Nelofer Pazira, journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist, was with us for the Fifth Court Podcast. This year we are very excited to have her deliver the Allingham Lecture. In these horrifying times in the Middle East it could hardly be more timely to hear from such an informed source.

John Creedon may be described as a national treasure as much-loved for his eclectic musical taste on radio as his quirky TV documentaries and books. He is sure to brighten our Sunday afternoon.

Historian, Paul O'Brien last year gave a very well-received talk on the plays of Sean O'Casey. This year he brings us closer to home with an account of the life and times of Donegal socialist and activist, Peadar O Donnell and his relevance to the modern world.We will also be marking the 10th anniversary of the passing of another great Donegal writer, in Remembering: Brian Friel.

More details on these and many other plans to follow shortly.

Rachel O'Connor, R.I.P.

The Allingham Committee join in the sorrow felt in Ballyshannon, Belleek and points far beyond at the news this morning of the passing of Rachel O’Connor.

Rachel was not only a consummate actor, she was unfailingly generous in all aspects of her life, onstage and off. For Allingham, she was a central force in a number of events over the years, such as “The Breadman” and “Margaret”. For decades she has contributed to the creative well from which we all draw. Her Best Actress Award at this year’s All-Ireland Drama Festival was a belated recognition of something we had known for many years. Without doubt, it seemed, there was so much more to come.

Since the news broke at around lunchtime today our social media has filled with tributes:

“We have all lost a great woman.”… “… what a woman of substance... A beautiful person inside and out.” “She was just brilliant..” “A wonderful lady.”.. “… a peerless actress and a lovely person “ “Ni fheicfimid a leithéid aris” We send our sincere condolences to Sean and all her family and many friends.

“Goodnight… May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Picture by Brian O’Droma of Rachel at an Allingham event with another great friend of the festival, Sean McGinley

Ken Fox Lecture

How time flies. Just over a month ago, a select audience in Theatre 2 enjoyed a talk by Ken Fox about the many films which have used the Donegal landscape to enhance their visuals. We thank Ken for his engagement that day and for supplying us with these slides from his presentation for anyone interested in exploring further.

To get you started, here are a few Trailers on YouTube:

Silence (2012)

Wildfire (2020)

An Fidil Ghorm (2024)

Primary Schools Competitions - Winners

Once again we thank all Primary Schools and their entrants in this year's competitions for their patience over the unavoidable delays in announcing the results. Schools should, by now, have heard from us with lists of winners so we're happy to make them public here now.

The planned prize-giving event which is usually a lovely part of our festival programme, will this year brighten the run-up to Christmas on Saturday, 14th December at 11.00 in the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon (Theatre 3). Please note - only medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be presented. Pupils who were shortlisted (including winners) will receive certificates of their achievement via their schools.

Many congratulations to every single entrant. As every artist and writer knows, the act of bringing a piece of work to a readiness to be shown is a huge achievement in itself, regardless of what the reaction may be afterwards.

Well done, everyone!