During the Irish War of Independence and Civil War over one hundred people were 'disappeared' by the IRA and the British forces. These victims were executed in secret and their bodies were hidden in fields, bogs and rivers. Dr Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc's lecture will explore the history of this phenomenon in Ireland with a focus on the IRA victims who were 'disappeared' in County Meath.
Dr Andrew Sneddon will plunge you into the world of the European witch-hunts that claimed 50,000 lives between 1450 and 1782, and tell stories of Irish witches and witch trials. Vividly told with contemporary artwork, we will encounter along the way, wise women, the demonically possessed, and poltergeists, as well as the great Scottish witch-hunter King James VI/I.
The Bad Bridget Project tells the stories of those Irish women who emigrated to North America in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and ended up on the wrong side of the law. Hear about the Irish women who were behind bars for being drunk, stealing, fighting and even murder. These are the emigration stories that are not often told, tales of loneliness and despair, discrimination and drink but also of resilience, survival and determination.
Award winning singer/songwriter Michael Brunnock returns to Kells with a very special concert of new songs composed in response to the Decade of Centenaries. Inspired by Roger Casement, Ernie O’Malley and Brunnock's own family stories, exploring the Irish experience from the rising through to the civil war. Winner of an Italian Oscar, the David Di Donatello Award, for his work with David Byrne, on the Sean Penn movie This Must Be the Place, Michael possesses an extraordinary voice, his powerful melodies and harmonies are driven by a strong personal vision drawing the listener in with an authentic vision and Irish soul. Michael will be joined by some very special guests on the night, blending some of Ireland's top Rock and Trad musicians, making this evening of music & song one not to be missed!