www.kilkennytradfest.com
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ST PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES 2017 KINDLY SPONSORED BY
A Cháirde, As Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, both myself and the Mayor of the Municipal District of Kilkenny City, Cllr. Patrick O’Neill, are delighted to have this opportunity to welcome everyone to the St. Patrick’s Day Festivities 2017 here in Kilkenny. We would like to extend a “Céad Míle Fáilte” to everyone visiting for St. Patrick’s Day. It is our pleasure to welcome you to a city that is rich in history, and we look forward to showing you the wonderful hospitality and welcome that Kilkenny and Ireland are renowned for. At the heart of the St.Patrick’s Day celebrations is the annual Parade. Kilkenny County Council is proud to host the St.Patrick’s Day Parade as a Civic Event, and would encourage the people of Kilkenny City and County as a whole, to apply to join in and take part in the Parade itself, or come along and see this wonderful display of pageantry in a family friendly environment. The theme of this year’s Parade is “Jonathan Swift”, author of the famous book “Gulliver’s Travels”. Jonathan Swift was educated at Kilkenny College, which is now the headquarters of Kilkenny County Council in John Street. Events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade do not happen without a lot of work behind the scenes by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, who work tirelessly every year to stage a Parade that any town, city or county would be proud of. The Mayor and I would like to acknowledge this work and thank the members of the Committee for their hard work and dedication. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a community event, and we would also like to thank and acknowledge the involvement of the community groups and organisations as well as clubs, schools and businesses from all over the county for their participation in the Parade every year. With Kilkenny becoming known as the “Festival Hub of Ireland”, it kicks off its Festival Season for 2017 with the 5th Kilkenny Tradfest, which will take over the city for a St. Patrick’s Weekend full of “craic agus ceol”. The festival showcases the best of Irish Traditional Music, in a variety of venues across the City, with free and ticketed events.
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Cllr & Mayor Pat O’Neill, Cllr Malcolm Noonan (Chairperson), Cllr Joe Malone, Joe Reidy, Martin Bridgeman.
In conclusion, we are extending an all-inclusive invitation to embrace and enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Festivities in Kilkenny City and wish you and your families, both at home and across the world, a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Lá Fhéile Padráig sona dhaoibh go léir. Is sinne le meas.
Cllr. Matt Doran, Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny County Council.
Cllr. Patrick O’Neill, Mayor, Municipal District of Kilkenny City Mar Chathaoirleach Choiste lá fhéile Pádraig ba mhaith liom fáilte is fiche a fhearaibh roimh gach éinne go dtín’ár gcathair stairiúil chun ár lá Náisiúnta a cheiliúradh le chéile As chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival committee I would like to welcome everyone to our historic city to celebrate our national feast day together. This year is the 350th anniversary of the birth of Jonathan Swift. His connection to Kilkenny is strong and that is why we have chosen to celebrate this and his enduring legacy through the eyes of his most famous character; Gulliver. I wish to thank my fellow committee members, Marian Flannery and her team, for their tireless work and attention to detail, Kilkenny County Council for funding and hosting the parade, emergency services and our Gardai for their support. Most of all we wish to thank all who participate in this great community event. So let’s do what we do best here in Kilkenny; celebrate life and the creative spirit that brings us closer together! Is mise le meas
Cllr. Malcolm Noonan, Chairperson St Patrick’s Day Committee
FESTIVAL TEAM Marian Flannery (Festival Director), Carrie Hart (Festival Assistant), Karol Ryan (Website).
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2017 Date: St.Patrick’s Day, Friday 17th March TIMES: 1pm WHERE: Starting at St. John’s Church, finishing in the Market Yard, via High St TICKETS: FREE EVENT Come along with all of the family and enjoy this special Parade with the theme of Jonathan Swift (1667 -1745), still regarded as our greatest satirist and the man who gave us the world famous book, ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. Swift was educated at Kilkenny College and we are proud to celebrate him in this years Parade. This year we welcome Buí Bolg Performing Arts Group to the festival, they will be featuring as a highlight in the Parade, keep your eyes peeled! Join in the colourful excitement of the spectacle on show, and support your local community. Line the streets and route of the Parade, down through John Street, over John’s Bridge, up Rose Inn Street and following the road around into the High Street and cheer your heads off! The Parade then ends at Market Yard. Don’t forget to tag your pics & posts #stpatskk
This year we are delighted to welcome the Kilkenny Senior Camogie Team, led by manager Ann Downey as the Grand Marshals for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The entire County is proud of them for winning last year’s All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, winning the O’Duffy Cup for the first time in 22 years - well done ladies! Show your support and cheer them on as they lead the Parade through the city streets. Photograph by Donal Foley
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2017 PARADE GRAND MARSHALS
ST. PATRICK’S BRASS & REED BAND 135TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
JAMES STEPHENS BARRACKS MUSEUM OPEN DAY
DATE: Thursday 16th March DOORS: 7.30pm // ON STAGE: 8pm VENUE: Watergate Theatre, Parliament St TICKETS: €10 (plus booking fee) www.watergatetheatre.com
DATE: st. Patrick’s Day, Friday 17th March Time: 11am -4pm VENUE: James Stephens Barracks, entry from Castlecomer Road TICKETS: FREE EVENT
Featuring members of the Hall Royd Band from Shipley, West Yorkshire, England; Stadtmusik, a 32-strong band from Todtnau, Black Forest, Germany; Kilkenny & District Pipe Band and Kilkenny’s St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band.
MEDIEVAL MILE MUSEUM Friday 17th, Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March Time: 10am -4.30pm VENUE: Medieval Mile Museum, St Mary’s Lane, High Street TICKETS: €7 on the door or online at www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
AIFReaNN AS GAEILGE – All are welcome to attend a special St. Patrick’s Day mass as Gaeilge in The Chapel at 9.30am
Kilkenny’s newest attraction. Located on the 13th century site of St Mary’s cruciform church and graveyard (considered to be the finest example of a medieval church in Ireland). The Medieval Mile Museum represents an immense treasure trove of artefacts encompassing the work and lives of Ireland and its people across more than 800 years of history. Visitors to the museum will marvel not only at some of Ireland’s finest examples of medieval sculpture, but also the country’s largest collection of Renaissance tombs.
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Enjoy a night at the Watergate Theatre with the St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band who celebrate their 135th anniversary with a concert performance.
Visit the cultural heritage and architecture of this Georgian built barracks located in historic Kilkenny City. The museum contains memorabilia from Kilkenny’s military and heritage past, some of these important items include medals, uniforms, weapons and personal items. The Barracks Museum will be open with free entry.
MACDONAGH JUNCTION PRE-PARADE ENTERTAINMENT
Date: St. Patrick’s Day, Friday 17th March TIMES: From 11.30am VENUE: MacDonagh Junction, Hebron Road TICKETS: FREE EVENT
St. Patrick’s Day pre-parade entertainment commences with DJ Paul Kavanagh on hand to kick start the celebrations! Enjoy spectacular performances in Workhouse Square from the talented Evelyn White Irish Dancers and Dancewise Academy. Families are invited to take part in an exciting snake hunt taking place all weekend. Help search for a series of colourful (pretend) reptile friends hiding in corners throughout the centre - with prizes for the most talented snake hunters! There’ll also be music, free face painting, and not forgetting giant Leprechauns Lucky and Larry to be enjoyed…the perfect way to continue the festive celebrations into the afternoon.
The Maguires
DATE: Friday 17th March Time: 4pm VENUE: PARIS TEXAS, HIGH STREET TICKETS: FREE EVENT
We welcome back The Maguires to Kilkenny St. Patrick’s Festivities & Tradfest for their 3rd year in a row! The Maguires all started playing traditional Irish music at a young age and music became the focus of family life in the Maguire household. As the children’s musical ability developed and their repertoires expanded, the joy of ensemble playing unleashed a whole new range of musical possibilities.
DATE: ST. Patrick’s Day, Friday 17th March Time: 3pm VENUE: The Festival Review Stage TICKETS: FREE EVENT
SONGS WE LEARNED AT SCHOOL
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JOHN SPILLANE
Legendary Irish Singer-Songwriter John Spillane will take to the stage and get the crowds involved in a special performance which needs your audience participation! John will sing songs from his album, ‘Irish Songs We Learned at School’. Join John and re-visit your childhood with songs such as ‘An Poc Ar Buile’, ‘Trasna Na dTonnta’, ‘Buachaill on Éirne’ and ‘Dilín Ó Deamhas’. This is a fantastic free event for all of us nostalgic about our childhood songs. It is also great for teaching children beautiful Irish songs. You’ll remember more songs than you think you know!
VINTAGE FAIRGROUND
KILKENNY COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICE
DATE: THURSDAY 16TH MARCH
Our ever-popular Vintage Fairground, hosted by the North Family, takes pride of place on The Parade once again! Come and enjoy this beautiful attraction and have a go on the rides. The fairground includes a gorgeous carousel, helterskelter, children’s chair-o-planes, mini train and fun stalls.
Taking place across several Kilkenny libraries, come along for some stories and craft based on St. Patrick & our Irish Heritage. All are welcome to drop in! www.kilkennylibrary.ie Time: 11.30am-12.30pm Venue: Castlecomer Library Time: 11.30am-12.30pm Venue: Loughboy Library Time: 10am-12pm Venue: Ferrybank Library Time: 11am-12.30pm Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library
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DATE: Friday 17th, Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March Time: From 11am- 6pm VENUE: The Parade TICKETS: Pay as You Go
STREET PERFORMERS DATE: St.Patrick’s Day, Friday 17th March Time: From 1pm - all afternoon VENUE: In the Parade & in the castle park afterwards TICKETS: FREE EVENT
Keep a look out for the amazing street performers in the parade and dotted around the city centre. See the Fanzini brothers (one on a Penny Farthing and the other a Whip Cracking Cowboy!). AcroHenrik will be here doing flips, jumps and acrobatics, also joining us are; Stiltwalking Aoife, LauraHula, Hula-Hooper Extraordinaire, The Tall Gent Stilt walker, Clownnoire Clown and Mr. Towers towering over your heads! There will also be entertaining performers from Buí Bolg and Abhainn Rí brightening up the streets, so watch out for the Fiddling Foxes, Nesting Ducks, Dancing Fish and lots, lots more! After the Parade come along to Kilkenny Castle Park to meet all the performers! Take your favourite selfie and don’t forget to tag your pics & posts #stpatskk
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