Local connections hitting Hinterland
Thursday 25th
Liam McNiffe
The Real Alexander Hamilton
10.30am
Venue: Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage
We all know he didn’t actually perform hip hop on his way to the top, but how much has the hit musical Hamilton distorted our view of one of the founding fathers of America’s (imperilled?) democracy? Be in the room where it happens when Kells writer Dr. Liam McNiffe offers his own take on the real Alexander Hamilton and, among others, the charismatic Irish-born spy Hercules Mulligan.
Friday 26th
Myles Dungan
'The only good Indian...' - The USA and Native America
12pm
Venue: Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage
In the 19th century the USA came, saw, conquered, and bought — acquiring millions of square miles of north American territory in the process. Hindering this ‘manifest destiny’ were the inconvenient native American nations who had occupied the land for centuries. Myles Dungan (How the Irish Won the West) tells the story of how some of those nations resisted and were crushed.
Where Angels Listen: A response to Francis Ledwidge
Film, Poetry & live Music event
7pm
Venue: Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage
World premiere screening of Where Angels Listen two beautiful short films produced as a creative and affectionate response by some of Ireland's most celebrated contemporary artists to the life and works of Slane poet Francis Ledwidge.
Curated by award winning playwright Deirdre Kinahan and featuring Oisin Leech musician (The Lost Brothers); Steve Wickham musician (The Waterboys); Perlee; Lewis Kenny Poet /Spoken Word and Kwaku Fortune Actor. Joining us live on the night for some music, discussion and readings will be acclaimed writers Dermot Bolger & Deirdre Kinahan, County Arts Officer Gerardette Bailey and musicians Steve Wickham & Perlee. Dermot Bolger will read a new work commissioned specially to mark the occasion.
Fred Cooke
Clown to Earth
8.30pm
Venue: O'Rorke's Bar
With his unique gift for musical comedy and joke-infused storytelling, Fred Cooke has returned with his new show “Clown to Earth”. Expect comical chaos from a dad who’s just delighted to be out of the house and not at home covered in yoghurt.
Sit back and enjoy this award-winning comedian talk marriage, kids, and playing dead on Netflix. As seen on Netflix, RTE’s Tommy Tiernan show, and Dancing with the Stars.
SATURDAY 27TH
Niamh Donnellan & Brian Fitzgerald
Little Irish History Heroes
10.30am
Venue: The Red Chapel – O’Brien’s Supervalu Stage
Get ready for a new twist on ancient Irish legends. Join author Niamh Donnellan and illustrator Brian Fitzgerald for storytelling and art based on their new book, Little Irish History Heroes. Niamh will tell stories of the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill, pirate queen Grace O'Malley, high king Brian Boru, bold Queen Maeve, kind St Brigid and young hurler Cú Chulainn. Then draw along with Brian as he brings these little heroes to life!
Toteally Kells Printing Works!
10.30am
Venue: Kells Printing Works – Downstairs
Hear the fascinating story of the newly restored Victorian Printing Presses. Print your own personalised Tote Bag on the Albion Beam Press – the collection’s oldest press dating from 1832!
Fintan Drury
Catastrophe: Nakba II
2pm
Venue: Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage
Join journalist Fintan Drury for the Drumree native Liam Cahill Memorial Lecture as he re-examines the mass displacement of Palestinians between 1947 and 1949. In Catastrophe II: Nakba, Fintan maintains that a second Nakba is unfolding today. He explores the long history leading to the October 7th Hamas attacks and critiques Israel’s response and the role of Western powers, a theme also taken up in his new book Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine which argues that without Western sponsorship, the current Palestinian genocide could not have happened.
Fiona Sherlock
Mini Detective Academy
3.30pm
Venue: Kells Printing Works – Upstairs
Calling all young detectives. In this fun, hands-on workshop with Bective crime writer Fiona Sherlock, children will learn the secrets of solving a mystery through clues, codes and observation games. Participants will train their detective instincts and work together to crack a case. Expect puzzles, hidden clues and plenty of intrigue. Ages 7+
Owen Gilhooly-Miles
The American Songbook
12pm
Venue: Headfort House
As part of our celebration of America 250 leading operatic baritone Owen Gilhooly-Miles from Kells, in the beautiful surroundings of Headfort House, takes us through more than 200 years of the best of American music, from some of the great folksongs and popular melodies, to the Broadway musical and Hollywood theme songs.
SUNDAY 28TH
Roisín O’Donnell
Fiction Masterclass: The First Page
3.30pm
Venue: Kells Printing Works – Upstairs
Magic needs to happen on the first page of your novel or short story writes Navan writer Roisin O'Donnell. How do you gain your readers' trust, spark their curiosity, and lead them into the world of your story?
Through close reading and carefully crafted writing prompts, participants will explore ways to create a stand-out story opening.
John Donohoe
Dot Tubridy and the Kennedys
10.30am
Venue: Courthouse – Meath County Council Stage
As a close friend of the Kennedy family, Dot Tubridy became an extended member of the powerful American political dynasty, attending gatherings and celebrations, receiving invitations to all the major events throughout their political careers, and becoming their main contact in their ancestral homeland. Meath Chronicle journalist John Donohoe (pictured left) looks at the enduring relationship between the socialite and the Camelot clan.