29-05-2012 by Peter Kierans

Tรกin Summer Festival 2012

Táin Summer Festival 2012

Cllr Marianne Butler delighted to lend her support to festival As Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Town Council I am delighted to show my support for the historic Táin March and Táin Summer Festival. This time last year our Market Square was a construction site. Even though we knew the finished result was something special, it was hard at the time to see exactly what could be possible. We had a taste of just how big a part our new Market Square could play at Christmas but this

into Dundalk on Saturday June 9 en route from Ardee To Carlingford, as well as being the focal point for the Táin Summer Festival, with Free Euro 2012 Irish matches live on the big screen, free movie screenings throughout Councillor Mariane But- the week and of ler, Cathaoirleach, course the music and Dundalk Town Council entertainment led by pales in comparison to Jedward, we can see just what we can the 10 days of events, achieve with this all of which are phenomenal plaza. focused around the I am excited that Dundalk town centre, Prometric have come and the Market on board as main Square in particular. Hosting the arrival sponsors for The Táin March and Táin of the Táin March

Summer Festival. This demonstrates how new industries which have made a commitment to setting up in Dundalk, are willing to join in the community efforts, and I hope that such collaborations continue for many years to come. I thank all those who have given of their time and expertise to create such a varied programme of events, and hope as many people as possible enjoy the Táin March and Táin Summer Festival.

Message from Tim Mullins

The Táin Bó Cuailnge, the ‘Cattle Raid of Cooley ‘ is the most famous ancient Irish saga and is Europe’s oldest recorded vernacular tale, said to date back to the 7th Century. Queen Maeve of Connaught and her armies set off from Rathcroghan, Co Roscommon to take the Brown Bull of Cooley back to Connaught and so began the Cattle raid of Cooley with Queen Maeve’s army in battle with King Conor’s Ulstermen to take the Brown Bull by force. The Táin epic brings to the fore our legendary hero Cúchulainn, and we hear of his killing his foster brother Ferdia in what is now Ardee, before going on to his own death close to Knockbridge. Now in its second year the Táin March provides all with an opportunity to recall the events and celebrate the legends. The long-term aim of The Táin March is to develop a cultural event of National and International appeal, with a strong emphasis on Irish culture

Tim Mullins, (left) Chairperson, Táin March Committee

and linking Irish communities at home and abroad with the 500km route of the Táin Bó Cuailnge, from Roscommon to Cooley. We believe that the march and its associated festivities will have positive social, educational and economic benefit for these communities as a result of tourism and the new deeper links developed with a worldwide Irish diaspora. In 2011 the inaugural Táin march was held in Louth, from Ardee to Tallanstown, Louth Village, Knockbridge, Dundalk and Cooley Mountains to

Carlingford. Various exciting re-enactments / fringe festival activities were organised by each community en route. This year we take the same route and there will be a significant expansion of festival events along the way. We urge all communities to dress up in Táin era costumes and greet the marchers as they arrive in your area. We hope that all those taking part, along with spectators and visitors will enter into the spirit of the event to guarantee its success and growth. Further success in Louth for the 2012 Táin March will provide the motivation necessary for the communities from Roscommon to Ardee to join the Táin march in future years and to build it into a festival of major national and international importance for all involved. We are particularly grateful to Prometric for their generous sponsorship of the Táin March and Summer Festival and to Oxigen Ltd for their sponsorship of the Táin schools programme.

Address by Prometric president The rich history and storytelling surrounding the Táin Festival are just two of Dundalk’s treasures. Among others, the people in Dundalk, those in the surrounding communities, and the men and women who have joined our team at Prometric must be included. We see enormous potential for our operation in Dundalk and believe that upholding a strong sense of corporate social responsibility is a character trait found in the world’s best companies.

Michael Brannick

These reasons have led us to our sponsorship of the Táin Festival. While I cannot boast having learned of the Táin Bó Cúailnge and Cúhulainn’s feats of valor prior to establishing our

global test development centre in Ireland, I have enjoyed the passion with which the story has been told to me. The Ulster Cycle stories are inviting and wondrous, and the Táin Festival is an ideal way to embrace the heritage they provide. I have heard the saying, “Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad,” that, “Merry hearts live long,” and think this should be our theme for the weekend. The events we have planned for June 7 to 10 include an artist workshop for

school children, concerts, and taking a short trip back in time to enjoy some of the earliest known history of Ireland. We hope you will bring your family out for a beautiful weekend of sunshine, family fun, and relaxation. That is, of course, when not re-enacting the cattle raid or taking part in the Cúhulainn warrior competition. Those challenges call for ferocity and your very best Iron Age garments and charm. Prometric is proud to support the Táin Festival and host you for the 2012 event.

Táin Summer Festival 2012

Táin March 2012 4.30pm Depart the town of Dundalk and conSunday June 3 tinue march to Bellurgan Park (5 miles) 11.30am The Birth of Cú Chulainn Witness the re-enactment of the birth of the 6.15pm Army arrives at Bellurgan Park for rest great celtic warrior. Sunday June 10 Venue: Scotch Hall, Drogheda 10.00am Assembly Bellurgan Park 10.30am Army departs Bellurgan Park, to march Thursday June 7 through along the edge of Ravensdale forest 6.15pm Battle of Cú Chulainn and Ferdia Witness a graphic reenactment of the sad and and onto Glenmore. (4 miles) bloody battle between foster brothers Cú Chu- 2.30pm Warriors and horses muster at ‘Barry’s’ in Glenmore and prepare for approach over the lainn and Ferdia in the River Ford. Assembly: The Super Value Shopping Centre car Cooley Mountain, providing an opportunity for warriors to join the army. park, Ardee 7.30pm Enjoy a grand celtic feast in Ardee Castle 3.00pm Army crosses mountain on foot and dewith roasted pig, harpist and an interesting ad- scends into town of Carlingford. (3 miles) dress on the Táin Epic. Followed by music & craic 3.45pm Full army of warriors march through Carlingford and enjoy an amusing, satirical rein The Ferdia Arms. enactment before feasting on Irish beef and Friday June 8 2.00pm Army begins march from Ardee towards ale. Spectators and participants will be offered salted bread as per celtic custom to ensure no Tallanstown (4.5 miles) 4.00pm Army arrives in Tallanstown for refresh- quarrelling at feast. Followed by music and Celtic craic ments and a welcoming choral recital before for the evening. continuing to Louth village. (2.5 miles) 5.00pm Army marches through Louth Village and onwards to Knockbridge. (2.5 miles) 7.00pm Arrive at Knockbridge. A re-enactment of the armies encounter with Cú Chulainn at the ‘field of the bull’. Followed by light snack and refreshments at Stephenstown Pond.

Saturday June 9

Noon: Army depart’s Knockbridge en route for town of Dundalk (4 miles) 1.45pm Reassemble at periphery of Dundalk town. Venue: Clarke’s Filling Station 2.30pm Army sets up encampment at Market Square and performs warrior re-enactment

Dress up and join the ranks for Táin March The Táin March is a unique event and is a fantastic weekend long event with plenty of fun and entertainment available suitable for the whole family. You are invited to participate as an individual, group or club or all or any part of the Táin March. Period costume is compulsory… and great fun. (1AD) Celtic clothing can be made very little time or expense. Go to the Táin March website www. tainmarch.com for further information and images. Men and women, boys and girls were all warriors in Maeve’s army. Chieftains, soldiers, blacksmiths, kings, queens, weapon makers, cooks, scouts princes, princesses, young and old marched. Women were equal to men and some of them were high ranking soldiers and important warriors . An excellent pamphlet aimed at the

People are encouraged to dress up for the Tain March

younger generation has been produced. The publication explains the Táin epic with information regarding the customs and dress of the time has been circulated amongst local primary schools. This can be downloaded on www. tainmarch.com. Professor Paul Gosling, expert historian will accompany the march throughout the entire route, providing fascinating intricate detail around this classical legend and national epic.

To ensure enjoyment of the march, participants are encouraged to wear sensible footwear. These can be disguised simply with cloth if desired. A rucksack is also advisable which will be taken by a vehicle following the march and be accessible at all times. For warriors who wish to book accommodation along the route, please refer to the Tain March route map for proximity to stop-overs. Assistance will be available for participants re-

garding transport to and from accommodation. If you are unable to join the march, you can still support the event by dressing up and greeting Queen Maeve and her army in any of the towns along the route Beidh céad míle fáilte romhat! For further information on the Táin March T: + 353 (0) 42 937 3646 E: info@carling fordandmourne W: www.tainmarch.com

Táin Summer Festival 2012

Warriors in training for Cuchulainn Challenge Modern day warriors are currently in training to become the Cuchulainn Challenge Champion of 2012. New to this year’s Táin March programme of events, The Cuchulainn Challenge, sponsored by Educogym, will take place in Dundalk on Saturday June 9 following the arrival of the march into the Market Square. Competing in this year’s inaugural event will be: Leo Martin- Clan na Gael GFC; Andy McCrave- Pearse Óg GFC; Gerard SmithNa Piarsaigh GFC; Aaron MurrayGeraldines GFC; David Rooney- St Mary’s GFC Ardee Participants will compete in a number of events based on some of the feats which had to be accomplished in order

Some of the Cuchulainn Challenge participants photographed at EducoGym

to gain admittance to The Red Branch Knights, elite warriors who served the Ulster king Conor MacNessa and whose greatest ever warrior was, of course, Cuchulainn. The various events will test speed, skill and strength. They are as follows : 1. The Stunning Shot Feat 2. The Spurt Of Speed Feat 3. The Rope Feat

4. The Pole Throw Feat 5. The Shoot The Goal Feat Points will be awarded for each event and the competitor with the highest cumulative score will be deemed the winner and awarded the title of Cuchulainn Challenge Champion 2012. Of course modern times mean that the Cuchulainn Challenge

competitors are not earning their place in the competition via the field of battle. Instead they have been increasing their strength and fitness at the Dundalk EducoGym facility. It is hoped that this Competition which has already grasped the attention of many will become an annual feature of the Táin March in years to come.

Tรกin Summer Festival 2012

Jedward will headline Market Square concert Táin Summer Festival 2012

They sang their hearts out to hundreds of millions across Europe in the Eurovision. They’ve even sang for Barack Obama, and now, on Sunday June 10, Dundalk will have its chance to revel in Jedmania. Yes, John and Edward Grimes, aka Jedward will headline the first major open air concert in the recently refurbished Market Square. The concert promoted by Stewart Agnew is a major fixture of the Táin Summer Festival and has been supported by Dundalk Town Council. Also performing on the day will be X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, Simon O’Driscoll, Ryan Dolan and also Dundalk’s own Funky Feet as well as Conor C and Nino. Funky Feet are coming fresh from their recent award winning success while this will be a first major gig for Conor C and Nino who have been writing and performing for a number of years now. They have just recorded their first single called “Summertime” in Probeat Studios, Dundalk which will be released via iTunes on

Friday June 15. They are really looking forward to this huge event. Their motto is “Average Kid chasing an average dream”. Reppin` for the Paddies. Planet Jedward lands in Dundalk on Sunday June 10 where John and Edward will headline the first major open air concert at Dundalk’s Market Square.

well, with almost all the family passes sold out, so there are plenty of people who want to see them perform. “I think they are creating an extremely positive buzz for the town and the response has been phenomenal. I met Alice Lynch recently and I was just amazed how full of life she is and is looking forward to going to the concert. “Jedward is bringing a bit of a sparkle to Dundalk and perhaps it is just what the town needs at the minute “Add to this the fact that this is the first major outdoor concert in the new look Market Square and you realise that this will outline the potential for so many more events in the years ahead.” Tickets for Jedward are Ticket sales opened on Promoter Stewart Agnew available from Ticketmaster, May 11 with people is seeing the Jedmania at Dundalk Town Hall and queueing outside Dundalk first hand. Carrolls BookShop €18.50 Town Hall. Such is the “Ever since we announced each with €60 family tickets success of Jedward, Dundalk the concert, the phone has also available (each family is also home to a lady who been ringing off the hook. ticket must include one may be their most mature So many people want to adult). The Market Square fan. 87 year old Alice Lynch meet them, and we have will be an alcohol free zone is looking forward to tried to be as fair as possible for this event and entrance meeting the twins when they offering our only Meet and to the Market Square area arrive in Dundalk on June Greets via competitions. The will be curtailed to 10. tickets are selling really ticketholders only.

Stacy Murnaghan, Funky Feet; Promoter Stewart Agnew, Conor C and Nino practice their Jedward Jumps at the Market Square

Our map shows how people can enter The Square for the concert.

Euro 2012 matches will be on the big screen Táin Summer Festival 2012

As Ireland gears up for what we all hope will be a fantastic campaign in Euro 2012, each of Ireland’s initial three matches will be screened live and free from the big screen at Dundalk’s Market Square. Due to the necessary monitoring of numbers attending the live screenings, it will be necessary for spectators to collect free tickets available from the Dundalk TCCM Office at the Market Square, McCuskers, Park Street, Photospeed, Longwalk SC and Marshes Shopping Centre in the days running up to each match. Throughout the week Pelican Promotions are sponsoring free inflatable bouncy castles for all events including a ‘free toddler area’ during the Irish matches. For those who want to try their luck there will be a ‘Beat the Dundalk FC Keeper’ event before everyone turns their attention to the all important matches. Ireland v Croatia, Sunday June 10 With highlights of Italia 90 on the big screen, Irish rock band The Fuzzy Burgers will keep the crowds entertained until kick off at 7.45pm Half time entertainment will be from Freestyle football juggler Mark Tiernan. Tickets available free from May 30. Ireland v Spain, Thursday June 14 Once again spectators will have the chance to relive the glory days of Italia 90 along with a performance from Dundalk’s own The Long Riders before another 7.45pm kick off. Half time entertainment for this event will be from award winning Freestyle Football juggler Daniel Dennehy. Tickets for admission to this live and Free screening are available from Monday, June 11.

Organisers and sponsors of the Táin Summer Festival including Andrew Mawhinney, Dundalk TCCM; Holly Dance, Prometric’s Vice President of Test Development Operations and senior executive based in Dundalk; Dundalk Town Council Cathaoirleach Marianne Butler and Paul Johnston, Dundalk FC

Ireland v Italy, Monday June 18

With Italia 90 on the big screen and The Fuzzy Burgers on stage the atmosphere will be set for the 7.45 kick off. Tickets for the Ireland V Italy will be available from Monday June 11. Popcorn Time Free cinema screenings at Market Square Through the Táin Summer Festival, there will be a number of FREE movie screenings on the Market Square. Tuesday, June 12 at 11am & 6.30pm Finding Nemo (sponsored by Element Design) The story of the overly protective clownfish Marlin (Albert Brooks) who, along with a regal tang called Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), searches for his abducted son Nemo (Alexander

Gould). Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and to let Nemo take care of himself. Wednesday, June 13 Mamma Mia (sponsored by Tony McDonnell) The 2008 musical/romantic comedy film adapted from the West End/Broadway musical of the same name, based on the songs of successful pop group ABBA, with additional music composed by ABBA member Benny Andersson. Meryl Streep heads the cast, playing the role of single mother Donna Sheridan. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård play the three possible fathers to Donna’s daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried). Saturday, June 16 Shrek stars Mike Myers as a big, strong, solitude-loving, intimidating ogre named Shrek who finds love with Cameron Diaz

as the beautiful, feisty, but very down-to-earth Princess Fiona. Add Eddie Murphy as the talkative Donkey; and John Lithgow as the villain Lord Farquaad and you have a recipe for one of the most successful animated movies ever. Sunday, June 17 Titanic (sponsored by RQ O’Neill) Oscar winning fictionalised account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage. Upon its release on December 19, 1997, the film achieved critical and commercial success. Nominated for fourteen Academy Awards, it won eleven, including the awards for Best Picture and Best Director, tying Ben Hur (1959) for most Oscars won by a single film.

Prometric lead Táin Summer Festival sponsors

Táin Summer Festival 2012

Prometric is leading the way as the Táin Summer Festival’s main sponsor. Prometric, a trusted provider of computer-based academic and professional assessment solutions, has established a global test development operation in Dundalk. Prometric has major test development operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The company delivers 10 million exams per year in more than 160 countries and is headquartered in the United States. “Prometric is proud to support the history and strength of Dundalk and Ireland”, said Holly Dance, Prometric’s Vice President of Test Development Operations and senior executive based in Dundalk. “We are excited to partner with the TCCM and the other sponsors of the Táin Summer Festival to bring such an exciting family venue to the community. “We encourage everyone who can make it to the weekend’s festivities to join us for the fun and journey back in time.” Additional Sponsors in-

Holly Dance, Prometric’s Vice President of Test Development Operations; Cllr Marianne Butler, Cathaoirleach Dundalk Town Council

clude Fáilte Ireland, Dundalk Town Council, digitalswitchover. ie; Louth County Council. Oxigen, Pelican Promotions, Dundalk FC, Harvey Norman, Element De-

Organisers and sponsors of the Táin March and

sign, Desighnorth.ie; Photospeed. ie; Horseware Ireland, Stageandlighting.ie, Crowne Plaza, Educogym, Phoenix bar, Cargotec, Tony McDonnell, RQ O’Neill.

Summer Festival 2012

Mawhinney, Duns, Element Design; Stewart Agnew; Andrew L-R: Stacy Murnaghan, Funky Feet; Grace Higgin Council; Paul Johnston, Town lk Dunda ch oirlea Catha , Butler nne dalk TCCM; Holly Dance, Prometric’; Cllr Maria , Design North Dundalk FC; Cllr Oliver Morgan; Liam Burns

Táin Summer Pub Trail

Táin Summer Festival 2012

Dundalk’s hostelries are joining in the fun of the Táin Summer Festival with numerous events planned throughout the nine day celebration. Sample the unique atmosphere of Dundalk pubs during the festival, where live ceol agus craic is guaranteed. Check the official festival website at www. tainsummerfestival.com for further information on music listings in the following pubs: Good Time Charlie’s, Francis St; The Beerkeeper, Park St; Century Bar, Roden Place; Beagans, Seatown; Johnny Masons, The Ramparts; Gormleys, Park Street; Castle Bar, Seatown; Phoenix Bar, Park Street and McManus Bar. Seatown; The Bartender, Park St, McCourts, Francis St, Cuchulainn Bar Church Street, McKeowns Bar Clanbrassil Street, Jimmys Bar Park Street, Donnellys Bar Seatown, Uncle Charlies Earl Street and McGeoughs, Roden Place. Dundalk’s pubs are joining in the fun of the Tain Summer Festival

Táin Summer Festival road closures - streets affected Crowe Street (from Market Square to Defenders Row) Clanbrassil Street (from junction of Ma rket St to junction of Crowe St) Market Square (from junction of Long Walk to junction of Earl St) Road closures occur as follows: Saturday 9th June: 1.30pm-8.30pm Sunday 10th June: 7am-10.30pm Thursday 14th June: 4.30-10.30pm Friday 15th June:

4.30-10.30pm Saturday 16th June: 4.30-10.30pm Monday 18th June: 4.30-10.30pm Sunday 24th June: 4.30-10.30pm Restricted pedestrian access from Earl Street to Market Square will be in place on: Sunday 10th June: 7am-10.30pm Thursday 14th June: 5.30pm-10.30pm Monday 18th June: 5.30pm-10.30pm Alternative routes available for traffic:

Access to the Longwalk via the Demesne will remain open at all times Access to Clanbrassil Street will remain open as far as the junction with Market St Access to Clanbrassil Street will be via Market St, Church St, Yorke St and Griffith Place Exit from Clanbrassil St will be via Bachelor’s Walk, Yorke St, Griffith Place & Church Street.

Táin Summer Festival ticket information Euro 2012 on the Big Screen at the Market Square Ireland v Croatia, Sunday June 10 Tickets available FREE from Wednesday May 30 Ireland v Spain, Thursday June 14 & Ireland v Italy, Monday June 18 Tickets available FREE from Monday June 11 Outlets: Dundalk TCCM Office, Market Square, McCuskers, Earl Street; News & Deli, Park Street; Photospeed, Longwalk SC and the Marshes Shopping Centre Open Air Concert: Sunday, June 10th Open Air Concert featuring JEDWARD, X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, Simon O’Driscoll, Ryan Dolan and also Dundalk’s own Funky Feet as well as Conor C and Nino. Tickets priced €18.50 available from Ticketmaster, Dundalk Town Hall, Carrolls Bookshop, Photospeed, Longwalk SC; Marshes Shopping Centre

Tรกin Summer Festival 2012