Circling The Square Festival
The well-received Circling The Square Festival returns in October 2024.
The poetry of Thurles-born poet, Dennis O'Driscoll, (1954-2012), is celebrated at the annual Festival, named after the title of Dennis's memorable essay about growing up in the town. A fine array of poets from all over the country, complemented by fabulous local songsters and musicians present a feast of entertainment throughout the weekend over three events.
The 2023 line-up featured poets : Stephen James Smith, Eleanor Hooker, Anne Haverty, Molly Twomey, Anne Tannam, Enda Wyley, Thomas McCarthy, Peter Sirr and Kerry Hardie Emily Cullen and Nithy Kasa.
Musicians performing included : Hugh Buckley (Dublin) (Jazz Guitar), Ed Dwan String Trio, Michael McLoughlin, Etaoin O'Meara (cello) and Eimear O'Meara , Linda Ryan and Daniel Byrne, Dixie Byrne and Daniel Byrne, thr Ed Dwan String Trio, and Eoin Ryan Anthony.
The 2023 programme is available here as a pdf.
The Festival will take place between Friday 18th and Sunday 20th October in 2024.
Contact: thurlescirclingthesquare@gmail.com for enquiries.
Introduction: Jimmy Duggan
Part 1
Opening Uillean Pipes: Diarmuid Maher
Poet: Mark Roper
Music: Ceola
Poet: Molly Twomey
Music: Tim V Smyth
Poet: Anne Tannem
Music: Gina Oberoi
Part 2
Music: Lorcan Lyons
Poet: Victoria Kennefick
Music: Daniel Byrne
Poet: Thomas Lynch
Music: Ed Dwan Quartet
Introduction
Part 1
Music: Anna Stepanova
Poet: Jackie Lynam
Music: Hugh Buckley with Pat O' Callaghan and Daniel Byrne
Poet: Aidan Matthews
Music: Gina Oberoi
Poet: Victoria Melkovska
Music: Ed Dwan
Part 2
Music: Trad Tunes
Poet: Rita Ann Higgins
Music: Tim V Smyth
Poet: Louis De Paor
Music: Hugh Buckley with Pat O'Callaghan and Daniel Byrne.
Part 1
Introduction: Mr Jimmy Duggan
Poet: Eithne Lannon
Music: Ceola
Poet: Thomas McCarthy
Music: Lorcan Lyons
Poet: Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe
Music: Gina Oberoi
Part 2
Music: Trad Tunes
Poet: Iggy McGovern
Music: Hugh Buckley with Daniel Byrne
Poet: AnneMarie NÍ Churráin
Music: Ed Dwan Quartet