Dr. Margaret Ward's talk on the life of Hanna Sheehy Skeffington invigorates Kanturk Town Park Audience

 Brilliant sunshine and gentle river eddies dancing on the magical river Dallua coupled with the rich odour of freshly cut grass, the humming of bees and enchanting  birdsong all added greatly to the ambience and vibrancy of Margaret Wards talk  on Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, a native of the Duhallow capital,  on saturday May 22nd in the picturesque Kanturk Town Park  appropriately in close proximity to where Hanna Sheehy once lived . Margaret spoke freely for an hour or so to a very enthusiastic and predominantly female audience of 38 people on the life of the great Feminist and Republican. Dr. Ward who has written a book on the life of Hanna Sheehy Skeffington travelled from Belfast to deliver the talk a couple of days short of Hannas birthdate which made the talk all the more relevant and appropriate.

Interesting details of the personal and private liife off Hanna Sheehy Skeffington were discussed and explanations of her vibrant and oftentimes militant pursuit of equality for women throughout her lifetime made very interesting listening. as did her association with the leaders of the 1916 Rising and her friendship in particular with James Connolly. Evidence of the interest in the topic of discussion was the very varied and active questions and answers session which followed this talk excellently chaired by local and well known photographer Patrick Casey.

Féile wishes to express its deepest thanks to Frank Healy & his crew at Kanturk Town Park for providing the facilities, Billy Boy Cashin for the loan of the seating, Adrian Kissane for looking after the logistics, Peter O'Calaghan for all the great work he does and providing the amplification and periipherals, all who attended and donated a sum of Euro 86.59 to the Féile fund via the donations box and especially The Duhallow Womens Forum who granted a sum of  Euro 425 to the event which cost approximtely Euro 950 to host.

A very enjoyable music session  with the Cork City based Lisa O'Sullivan Trio and a barbeque followed the talk -  outdoors at Bob's Bar in Percival Street.  Our thanks to Dan Dennehy and staff for providing the facilities and s very special word of gratitude goes to Cathal Cronin of Cronin Family Butchers, Kanturk who sponsored the Barbeque cookables. Thanks also to the musicians who kept the party & the celebration of Duhallow women and women everywhere going into the small hours.

A great day for a great women in every respect.

Tim Browne - FD2010 Admin. 27th May

Hanna Sheehy Skeffington Monument, Kanturk Town Park