Gerard Manley Hopkins Committee

The 23rd Gerard Manley Hopkins Festival marke its new location with a presentation ofbooks to Newbride College on June 8th, 2010.

We kicked off our Newbridge chater with a presentation of books to mark the new link with Newbridge College,' explained festival founder and poet, Desmodn Egan. 'This year marks the widest range of participants yet, with writes, scolars and artistis coming from Finland and Japan; 25 countries in all.

The Hopkins Internatioanl Festival was described recently by the editor of Oxford Companion to Irish Literature as the 'best festial in Ireland'. It celebrates the life and the works of the esteemed poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins adn attracts devotees from around the globe. Organiser are now hoping that the festival will create much excitement in teh Newbridge area during the last week of July 2010.

'It is certainly the most varied, with an independent programme for young people with free lectures, workshops, art exhbitions, classical and traditional Irish music, poetry readings, book launches, and field trips to Maynooth and to Pollardstown Fen.' added Mr. Egan.

'The venue is now Newbridge College Theatre and visitors are welcome to come ato any or all of the events. The opening Concert featuring the golden voice of Celine Bynre on Saturday July24, is attracting enormous attention and will be a sell-out. The Festival starts at 4.30 pm with music, refreshments and a gala reception to which all are welcome. The Celine Byrne Concert takes place at 8 pm the same evening.'

Day events at Newbridge College will feature scholarly lectures, book launches and special events. A music workshop will feature one of Ireland's best-known performers and traditonal musicians of international renown, Frankie Lane, the original front man of the legendary Fleadh Cowboys. Linguists will be tested as they participate in the multilingual translation workshop. Art Exhibitions feature Brian Maguire; Ed Navone (USA); Margaret Becker; Noel Finnerty; Eleanor Swan; Anna Linane; Grainne Dowlling and Brina O'Loughlin. A photographic Exhibition by Bruno Gaurier (France) will have a Hopkins theme. There will be a nightly festival club in Johnson's on the Liffey.

Memembers of the public are welcome to subscribe and attend any or all events. The full Programme will be on our website (copyright Paula Campbell, The Leinster Leader)

Hopkins Festival Marks New Home in Newbridge College