Eilís Dillon-Caoineadh, Ceiliúradh & Ceol is part of ‘Galway's Great Read 2020’, a series of events presented by Galway Public Libraries celebrating the centenary year of one of the west of Ireland’s most versatile writers.

Celebrating Dillon's translation of Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire, Galway Libraries have commissioned Galway composer and musician, Máirtín O Connor to compose a response to this, one of Ireland's greatest love poems. 

Originally written in the Irish language by Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonail, as a lament on the death of her husband Airt in Carriganimmy, Co. Cork, this poem has been described by Declan Kiberd as 'one of the great elegies of European culture, an amazing combination of tradition and the individual talent – moving through moods of shock, tenderness, nostalgic reverie, personal outrage, vengeance and (in the end) immense dignity.'

The newly commissioned music will incorporate a bilingual performance of the work with vocalist Ceara Conway and actor Siobhan O'Kelly. Premiere performance online on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24th December at 7pm on here. This is a free event, no advance booking required. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.