George Russell Easter Festival in Lurgan & Armagh
April 1-10 2023
April 1-10 2023
Welcome to the 2023 Æ Festival
Welcome to the Annual George Russell Æ Festival of History, Literature and Art (and of course fun!) which this year is our biggest yet. The Festival runs from the 1st to the 10th of April 2023 which covers most of the Easter holiday period. Lots to choose from and lots of free-time to do it!
The events take place across a range of venues in Lurgan and Armagh. Activities include a Festival Opening Parade; expert talks and panel sessions; Tours - Æ walking tours in Lurgan and Armagh; A new and exciting Literary Bus Tour; Exhibitions - 3 in total! An Æ Book Launch and lots of poetry, music and song including the famous Æ Festival ‘Open Mic’ Night; A unique musical collaboration between native American and Traditional Irish musicians and a fabulous ‘Flash Fiction’ event.
Lots of history and culture with a little splash of local mysticism and mythology. In short something for everyone. Although they are nearly all free, we expect that some of these events will sell out quickly so book early and reserve your place!
Welcome to the Annual George Russell Æ Festival of History, Literature and Art (and of course fun!) which this year is our biggest yet. The Festival runs from the 1st to the 10th of April 2023 which covers most of the Easter holiday period. Lots to choose from and lots of free-time to do it!
The events take place across a range of venues in Lurgan and Armagh. Activities include a Festival Opening Parade; expert talks and panel sessions; Tours - Æ walking tours in Lurgan and Armagh; A new and exciting Literary Bus Tour; Exhibitions - 3 in total! An Æ Book Launch and lots of poetry, music and song including the famous Æ Festival ‘Open Mic’ Night; A unique musical collaboration between native American and Traditional Irish musicians and a fabulous ‘Flash Fiction’ event.
Lots of history and culture with a little splash of local mysticism and mythology. In short something for everyone. Although they are nearly all free, we expect that some of these events will sell out quickly so book early and reserve your place!
7th Annual Æ Russell Festival
SATURDAY 1st APRIL, 2023
10.30am Festival Opening Parade – Lurgan Town Centre
Bearing in mind that its April Fool’s Day, we’re kicking off the Festival with a Fun & Community Parade in the Centre of Lurgan featuring some ‘Big Heads’ (including George Russell) There’ll be Æ art class pupils with their parents, lots of fancy dress, voluntary groups and local charities as well as plenty of music and razzamatazz!
Come along and enjoy the Parade! There’s a free cup of tea for everyone afterwards down at the ‘Knitted Knockers’ in the Courtyard of Brownlow House! Come and meet your neighbours and friends! PARADE STARTS: 10.30am VENUE: Castle Lane Car Park, Lurgan.
1.45 – 4.00pm Festival Opening Introduction & Discussion Panels
Venue: Aonach Macha, Armagh City (Free Admission)
1.45 – 2.00pm: Opening Welcome
Jim Conway - Chair Lurgan & North Armagh George Russell Festival Society
Dr Patrick O’Donnell – Special Guest, Æ Scholar, Professor of English, University of Minnesota
2.00 – 3.00pm: Panel 1 – Æ – “Into the Mystic”
Æ was the luminous centre of the Irish ‘Cultural Revival’. Here we have an exploration of the beliefs of AE as influenced by Eastern Philosophies fused with Celtic Mysticism.
Dr Patrick O’Donnell, Irish Studies Scholar, University of Minnesota, USA
Dr Jenny Butler, Department of Study of Religions, University College Cork
3.00 – 4.00pm: Panel 2 – ‘Beyond the Pysche’ Æ and other leading writers
Æ was once described as ‘the father of 3 generations of Irish writers’ He enjoyed a great number of meaningful literary friendships. Here the panel looks at some of the writers Æ mentored or befriended and what they thought of him.
Dr Patrick O’Donnell – James Stephens.
Stephens was a popular writer, poet and close friend of Æ and very grateful for the support Æ gave him as a writer. His best known work was his novel ‘The Crock of Gold’
Laura Ostertag – Simon Tery.
Simone Tery was a distinguished French journalist covering international affairs. She became a good friend of Æ meeting him in Dublin, London & in the US. Laura will speak about Simone Tery’s book ‘Ile de Bardes’ (which includes a chapter on Æ) This is the first time the book has been translated for an Irish audience.
Jim Conway – Pamela Travers
Pamela or PL travers was the Australian author of the Mary Poppins books and a very close friend of Æ. He helped her with some of the ideas for Mary Poppins and took her painting in Donegal. She was with Æ when he died.
Ryan Quinn – Lord Dunsany & JRR Tolkien
A brother of Horace Plunkett, Lord Dunsany was a big supporter of Æ Russell and a very significant author in his own right particularly in the science fiction genre. He was a big influence on Tolkien, famous for ‘Lord of the Rings’
4.30 – 5.30pm – FILM: Irish Premiere
Venue: Aonach Mhacha (Free Admission)
“Stories I didn’t Know: Facing a Family History Built on Stolen Land”
The Irish premiere of a film showing how modern-day Minnesota was built on the stolen lands of the native American Communities.
Followed by Q & A with the film’s Director, Rita Davern
8.00 – 10pm: FESTIVAL EVENING ENTERTAINMENT!
Venue: Aonach Mhacha, Armagh City (Admission £7)
Byddi Lee’s ‘Flash Fiction’
The Flash Fiction gang of writers have been asked to reflect on the Æ Russell theme of “Lost childhood” The 10 best monologue responses (short stories) will be performed. Expect a full range of emotions to be engaged in the various performances - some happy, some sad, bitter-sweet and perhaps even downright hilarious!
Armagh Rhymers
We round off Day 1 of the Festival with a short but unique contribution from some leading members of the world-famous Armagh Rhymers.
(And still some time left in the evening to enjoy the bright lights of the City!)
Bearing in mind that its April Fool’s Day, we’re kicking off the Festival with a Fun & Community Parade in the Centre of Lurgan featuring some ‘Big Heads’ (including George Russell) There’ll be Æ art class pupils with their parents, lots of fancy dress, voluntary groups and local charities as well as plenty of music and razzamatazz!
Come along and enjoy the Parade! There’s a free cup of tea for everyone afterwards down at the ‘Knitted Knockers’ in the Courtyard of Brownlow House! Come and meet your neighbours and friends! PARADE STARTS: 10.30am VENUE: Castle Lane Car Park, Lurgan.
1.45 – 4.00pm Festival Opening Introduction & Discussion Panels
Venue: Aonach Macha, Armagh City (Free Admission)
1.45 – 2.00pm: Opening Welcome
Jim Conway - Chair Lurgan & North Armagh George Russell Festival Society
Dr Patrick O’Donnell – Special Guest, Æ Scholar, Professor of English, University of Minnesota
2.00 – 3.00pm: Panel 1 – Æ – “Into the Mystic”
Æ was the luminous centre of the Irish ‘Cultural Revival’. Here we have an exploration of the beliefs of AE as influenced by Eastern Philosophies fused with Celtic Mysticism.
Dr Patrick O’Donnell, Irish Studies Scholar, University of Minnesota, USA
Dr Jenny Butler, Department of Study of Religions, University College Cork
3.00 – 4.00pm: Panel 2 – ‘Beyond the Pysche’ Æ and other leading writers
Æ was once described as ‘the father of 3 generations of Irish writers’ He enjoyed a great number of meaningful literary friendships. Here the panel looks at some of the writers Æ mentored or befriended and what they thought of him.
Dr Patrick O’Donnell – James Stephens.
Stephens was a popular writer, poet and close friend of Æ and very grateful for the support Æ gave him as a writer. His best known work was his novel ‘The Crock of Gold’
Laura Ostertag – Simon Tery.
Simone Tery was a distinguished French journalist covering international affairs. She became a good friend of Æ meeting him in Dublin, London & in the US. Laura will speak about Simone Tery’s book ‘Ile de Bardes’ (which includes a chapter on Æ) This is the first time the book has been translated for an Irish audience.
Jim Conway – Pamela Travers
Pamela or PL travers was the Australian author of the Mary Poppins books and a very close friend of Æ. He helped her with some of the ideas for Mary Poppins and took her painting in Donegal. She was with Æ when he died.
Ryan Quinn – Lord Dunsany & JRR Tolkien
A brother of Horace Plunkett, Lord Dunsany was a big supporter of Æ Russell and a very significant author in his own right particularly in the science fiction genre. He was a big influence on Tolkien, famous for ‘Lord of the Rings’
4.30 – 5.30pm – FILM: Irish Premiere
Venue: Aonach Mhacha (Free Admission)
“Stories I didn’t Know: Facing a Family History Built on Stolen Land”
The Irish premiere of a film showing how modern-day Minnesota was built on the stolen lands of the native American Communities.
Followed by Q & A with the film’s Director, Rita Davern
8.00 – 10pm: FESTIVAL EVENING ENTERTAINMENT!
Venue: Aonach Mhacha, Armagh City (Admission £7)
Byddi Lee’s ‘Flash Fiction’
The Flash Fiction gang of writers have been asked to reflect on the Æ Russell theme of “Lost childhood” The 10 best monologue responses (short stories) will be performed. Expect a full range of emotions to be engaged in the various performances - some happy, some sad, bitter-sweet and perhaps even downright hilarious!
Armagh Rhymers
We round off Day 1 of the Festival with a short but unique contribution from some leading members of the world-famous Armagh Rhymers.
(And still some time left in the evening to enjoy the bright lights of the City!)
Sunday 2nd APRIL, 2023
9.30am - 2.45pm - Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon LITERARY BUS TOUR
Venue: Bus starts from THE MALL, Armagh at 9.30am and returns for 2.45pm (Tour Tickets £12)
The towns villages and country around Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon have produced many writers of international repute and also enjoy many historic literary connections. In a comfortable bus journey complete with appropriate breaks and a light lunch we tour the area and explore all the associations with these literary figures.
A sample few are:
John B Yeats (influential father of W B Yeats) – Tullylish
John O’Connor (& John Montague) – Armagh City
Dean Jonathan Swift – Armagh, Waringstown & Markethill
George Russell – Lurgan & Armagh
Gerard Manley Hopkins – Dromore
Paul Muldoon – Collegeland
John Hewitt – Kilmore
Sinead Morrissey – Portadown
Helen Waddell (and Joseph Scriven) – Banbridge
…and many more!
Tickets for this event are likely to go quickly – so book early!
3.00 – 4.30pm – UNIQUE ‘Kindred Spirits’ MUSIC WORKSHOP
Venue: Aonach Mhacha (free admission)
Gaelic rapper Cu Chulainn and Dakhóta rapper Kitto in partnership with Traditional Arts Partnership are hosting a world first Gaelic Indigenous American rap workshop entitled Kindred Spirits using rhythm and melody.
The workshop is suitable for intermediate to advanced level bodhrán players, framedrum players and traditional musicians. There will be a full performance open to the public after the workshop.
Public are welcome at 5pm to hear the performance and join the traditional session that follows.
5.00 – 6.30pm: MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
Venue: Aonach Mhacha (free admission)
‘Kindred Spirits’ WORLD PREMIERE
This unique cross-cultural musical collaboration will be played for the first time ever in front of a live audience.After the performance there will be a traditional Irish music session. All welcome - musicians to join or non-musicians who just want to enjoy the music.
monDAY 3rd APRIL, 2023
10.00 – 12.00 noon – Æ RUSSELL Armagh City WALKING TOUR
A chance to see all the sites associated with Russell in Armagh including the old Franciscan Friary, Tower Hill, the Russell family grave and much more.
The walk is relatively light and will be assisted for a couple of the longer stretches by bus. The tour starts at the Mall (near the County Museum) at 10.00am. This event is Free but must be booked in advance and confirmed by email.
2.00 – 3.00pm – Special LIBRARY VISIT
Venue: Armagh Cultural Heritage Library, Markethill Road (Admission Free)
Armagh boasts a number of famous libraries including the Cultural Heritage Library which has an important collection of Irish historical and cultural books. The library has an excellent collection of George Russell books and journals and has kindly agreed to assemble and display them for visitors to the 2023 Æ Russell Festival.As transport will be provided from the ‘Shambles’ marketplace it is essential to book this tour in advance.
7.00 – 9.00pm: Æ EXHIBITION LAUNCH, TALK & PANEL SESSION
Venue: Armagh County Museum, the Mall (Admission Free)
This is a special event in the Festival Programme: Unlike the other exhibitions in the Festival, this EXHIBITION at the County Museum (which will run during and beyond the Festival dates) comprises the Museums fine collection of Æ’s original art including paintings, sketches and various artefacts and personal possessions. Supplementing the Museum’s collection there will be a number of artworks contributed by private collectors, including some beautiful paintings which have never been exhibited in public before.
After the EXHIBITION has been formally launched, there will be an expert talk entitled “Ireland’s Strayed Angel - Æ, Art and Irish America” by Dr Eimear O’Connor, Art Historian and currently Director of the Tyrone Guthrie centre for artists.
After Eimear’s talk there will be a PANEL SESSION “ Securing Æ’s Legacy and Place in History” The panel will be discussing the revival of interest in Æ Russell and the potential for future development.
Come along and listen and offer your own ideas!
A chance to see all the sites associated with Russell in Armagh including the old Franciscan Friary, Tower Hill, the Russell family grave and much more.
The walk is relatively light and will be assisted for a couple of the longer stretches by bus. The tour starts at the Mall (near the County Museum) at 10.00am. This event is Free but must be booked in advance and confirmed by email.
2.00 – 3.00pm – Special LIBRARY VISIT
Venue: Armagh Cultural Heritage Library, Markethill Road (Admission Free)
Armagh boasts a number of famous libraries including the Cultural Heritage Library which has an important collection of Irish historical and cultural books. The library has an excellent collection of George Russell books and journals and has kindly agreed to assemble and display them for visitors to the 2023 Æ Russell Festival.As transport will be provided from the ‘Shambles’ marketplace it is essential to book this tour in advance.
7.00 – 9.00pm: Æ EXHIBITION LAUNCH, TALK & PANEL SESSION
Venue: Armagh County Museum, the Mall (Admission Free)
This is a special event in the Festival Programme: Unlike the other exhibitions in the Festival, this EXHIBITION at the County Museum (which will run during and beyond the Festival dates) comprises the Museums fine collection of Æ’s original art including paintings, sketches and various artefacts and personal possessions. Supplementing the Museum’s collection there will be a number of artworks contributed by private collectors, including some beautiful paintings which have never been exhibited in public before.
After the EXHIBITION has been formally launched, there will be an expert talk entitled “Ireland’s Strayed Angel - Æ, Art and Irish America” by Dr Eimear O’Connor, Art Historian and currently Director of the Tyrone Guthrie centre for artists.
After Eimear’s talk there will be a PANEL SESSION “ Securing Æ’s Legacy and Place in History” The panel will be discussing the revival of interest in Æ Russell and the potential for future development.
Come along and listen and offer your own ideas!
tuesDAY 4th APRIL, 2023
10.00 - 11.30am ‘Æ’ Themed Painting & Drawing WORKSHOP
Venue: 12 William Street, Lurgan (Free Admission)
Come along and learn from the ‘ÆON’ artists group including Charlotte and Arlene who will show you how to paint and draw like Æ himself. A fun session where you might just surprise yourself with your work!
11.30 – 12.30am TALK: “ AEIOU - George Russell and James Joyce”
Venue: Aonach Mhacha (Free Admission)
George Russell was the first to publish James Joyce in a series of short stories in the ‘Irish Homestead’. Æ expert and psychologist John Donohoe shares his insights on the relationship between the two men and their different literary perspectives.
2.00 – 3.30pm PANEL SESSION ‘Æ Up to the Stars’
Venue: Aonach Mhacha Armagh (free admission)
This is an enlightening panel discussion which combines a look at some of the Irish mythology which fascinated Æ, including Newgrange, alongside the mythology and ‘star knowledge’ of native Americans. Æ was of course also known for his interest in North American indigenous people.
The Session is led by
Reamonn O’Ciarain, Author of “Cuchulainn, Ulster’s Greatest Hero”
Reuben and Ramona Stately, Artists and indigenous American Cultural Project Leaders
5.00 – 6.00pm TALK: “Æ, Pamela Travers & Mary Poppins”
Venue: Armagh City Library, Market Square Armagh. (Free admission)
George Russell was a very close friend of the Australian author Pamela Travers who wrote the ‘Mary Poppins’ books and who eventually sold the rights to Disney for the famous film. A fascinating tale of friendship and connections. The talk will be given by local historian and Chairman of the George Russell Society, Jim Conway.
6.30 – 7.15pm – TALK: ‘Our Trees, Our Plants Our Healing’
Venue: Lurgan Library (Free Admission)
Commentators have not only noted Æ Russell’s belief in Mother Earth and in the primacy of nature but also the calming and healing qualities that emanate from his poetry and writings. In this interesting talk local herbologist Paul May shares his insights into the healing qualities of the plant life all around us.
7.30 – 8.30pm TALK: “The Great People of Lurgan”
Venue: The Jethro Centre, Flush Place, Lurgan (Free Admission)
In addition to Æ Russell, the town of Lurgan has produced many accomplished and distinguished people who have made their mark in the wider world. This talk, given by members of the Lurgan George Russell Society will highlight some of the names like James Logan, Jocelyn Bell Burnell Thomas McCabe (and many more) and discuss their achievements. Lurgan has much to be proud of.
Venue: 12 William Street, Lurgan (Free Admission)
Come along and learn from the ‘ÆON’ artists group including Charlotte and Arlene who will show you how to paint and draw like Æ himself. A fun session where you might just surprise yourself with your work!
11.30 – 12.30am TALK: “ AEIOU - George Russell and James Joyce”
Venue: Aonach Mhacha (Free Admission)
George Russell was the first to publish James Joyce in a series of short stories in the ‘Irish Homestead’. Æ expert and psychologist John Donohoe shares his insights on the relationship between the two men and their different literary perspectives.
2.00 – 3.30pm PANEL SESSION ‘Æ Up to the Stars’
Venue: Aonach Mhacha Armagh (free admission)
This is an enlightening panel discussion which combines a look at some of the Irish mythology which fascinated Æ, including Newgrange, alongside the mythology and ‘star knowledge’ of native Americans. Æ was of course also known for his interest in North American indigenous people.
The Session is led by
Reamonn O’Ciarain, Author of “Cuchulainn, Ulster’s Greatest Hero”
Reuben and Ramona Stately, Artists and indigenous American Cultural Project Leaders
5.00 – 6.00pm TALK: “Æ, Pamela Travers & Mary Poppins”
Venue: Armagh City Library, Market Square Armagh. (Free admission)
George Russell was a very close friend of the Australian author Pamela Travers who wrote the ‘Mary Poppins’ books and who eventually sold the rights to Disney for the famous film. A fascinating tale of friendship and connections. The talk will be given by local historian and Chairman of the George Russell Society, Jim Conway.
6.30 – 7.15pm – TALK: ‘Our Trees, Our Plants Our Healing’
Venue: Lurgan Library (Free Admission)
Commentators have not only noted Æ Russell’s belief in Mother Earth and in the primacy of nature but also the calming and healing qualities that emanate from his poetry and writings. In this interesting talk local herbologist Paul May shares his insights into the healing qualities of the plant life all around us.
7.30 – 8.30pm TALK: “The Great People of Lurgan”
Venue: The Jethro Centre, Flush Place, Lurgan (Free Admission)
In addition to Æ Russell, the town of Lurgan has produced many accomplished and distinguished people who have made their mark in the wider world. This talk, given by members of the Lurgan George Russell Society will highlight some of the names like James Logan, Jocelyn Bell Burnell Thomas McCabe (and many more) and discuss their achievements. Lurgan has much to be proud of.
wednesday 5TH APRIL, 2023
6.30 – 8.00PM TWO TALKS ABOUT TWO LEGENDS FROM ULSTER:
VENUE: ST PETER’S GAA CLUB, NORTH STREET, LURGAN (FREE ADMISSION)
THE FIRST TALK IS ‘BUILDING COOPERATION: MUINTIR NA TIRE AND THE INFLUENCE OF Æ’ TO BE GIVEN BY DR BARRY SHEPPARD AN EXPERT ON THE IRISH COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING.
THE SECOND IS ‘CUCHULAINN – IMPERISHABLE RESERVOIR OF INSPIRATION’ TO BE DELIVERED BY REAMONN O’CIARAIN, CEO OF GAEL LINN AND EXPERT ON CUCHULAINN.
8.00PM – LATE: FESTIVAL ‘OPEN MIC’ NIGHT
VENUE: VINTAGE BAR (FREE ADMISSION)
AN EVENING OF MUSIC, POETRY AND SONG WHERE ALONGSIDE SOME PROFESSIONAL AND SEMI-PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINERS, ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE AND PERFORM. A GREAT NIGHT OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME BOTH PERFORMERS AND THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO RELAX IN THE AUDIENCE.
VENUE: ST PETER’S GAA CLUB, NORTH STREET, LURGAN (FREE ADMISSION)
THE FIRST TALK IS ‘BUILDING COOPERATION: MUINTIR NA TIRE AND THE INFLUENCE OF Æ’ TO BE GIVEN BY DR BARRY SHEPPARD AN EXPERT ON THE IRISH COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING.
THE SECOND IS ‘CUCHULAINN – IMPERISHABLE RESERVOIR OF INSPIRATION’ TO BE DELIVERED BY REAMONN O’CIARAIN, CEO OF GAEL LINN AND EXPERT ON CUCHULAINN.
8.00PM – LATE: FESTIVAL ‘OPEN MIC’ NIGHT
VENUE: VINTAGE BAR (FREE ADMISSION)
AN EVENING OF MUSIC, POETRY AND SONG WHERE ALONGSIDE SOME PROFESSIONAL AND SEMI-PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINERS, ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE AND PERFORM. A GREAT NIGHT OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME BOTH PERFORMERS AND THOSE WHO JUST WANT TO RELAX IN THE AUDIENCE.
ThursDAY 6TH APRIL, 2023
11.00 – 12.30pm ‘The Druids’ Walk’
Venue: Oxford Island Discovery Centre, Lurgan (free event)
South Lough Neagh is a landscape steeped in history and mythology. The Oxford Island area is also a wonderful nature reserve. The Druids’ Walk is a unique collaboration between local expert on Lough Neagh history, Jim Conway and naturalist and herbologist Paul May.
Why not come along and enjoy a gentle scenic walk while learning what a fascinating place is on Lurgan’s doorstep?
4.30 – 5.30pm TALK: “Æ, Pamela Travers & Mary Poppins”
Venue: Lurgan Library, Carnegie St, Lurgan. (Free admission)
George Russell was a very close friend of the Australian author Pamela Travers who wrote the timeless ‘Mary Poppins’ books and who eventually sold the rights to Disney for the famous film. A fascinating tale of friendship and connections. The talk will be given by local historian and Chairman of the George Russell Society, Jim Conway.
6.00 – 7.00pm BOOK-LAUNCH
‘And the Old Enchantment Lingers’ New Æ poetry collection.
Venue: Brownlow House, Lurgan (Free admission)
This is a new collection of Æ Russell’s best poetry from the George Russell Society in Lurgan. Michael McKernan has put the anthology together along with some explanatory narrative.
He and other members of the Society will read a few of their favourite poems from the new collection and everyone else at the book-launch will be free to do the same!
Refreshments available.
Venue: Oxford Island Discovery Centre, Lurgan (free event)
South Lough Neagh is a landscape steeped in history and mythology. The Oxford Island area is also a wonderful nature reserve. The Druids’ Walk is a unique collaboration between local expert on Lough Neagh history, Jim Conway and naturalist and herbologist Paul May.
Why not come along and enjoy a gentle scenic walk while learning what a fascinating place is on Lurgan’s doorstep?
4.30 – 5.30pm TALK: “Æ, Pamela Travers & Mary Poppins”
Venue: Lurgan Library, Carnegie St, Lurgan. (Free admission)
George Russell was a very close friend of the Australian author Pamela Travers who wrote the timeless ‘Mary Poppins’ books and who eventually sold the rights to Disney for the famous film. A fascinating tale of friendship and connections. The talk will be given by local historian and Chairman of the George Russell Society, Jim Conway.
6.00 – 7.00pm BOOK-LAUNCH
‘And the Old Enchantment Lingers’ New Æ poetry collection.
Venue: Brownlow House, Lurgan (Free admission)
This is a new collection of Æ Russell’s best poetry from the George Russell Society in Lurgan. Michael McKernan has put the anthology together along with some explanatory narrative.
He and other members of the Society will read a few of their favourite poems from the new collection and everyone else at the book-launch will be free to do the same!
Refreshments available.
saturDAY 8TH APRIL, 2023
10.30 – 12.00 noon Æ Russell Lurgan Heritage Walking Tour
Venue: Meet at Brownlow House, Lurgan (Free event)
Join Jim Conway on a special heritage walk around Lurgan and see all the sights of the town and the places associated most with George Russell. See where Russell was born and baptised, and where he went to school. Also the place of his home in North Street and the library he frequented in the Mechanics Institute. The walk starts at the impressive Brownlow House overlooking the park where Russell had his very first mystical experiences. The walk is relaxed and not at all strenuous.
Venue: Meet at Brownlow House, Lurgan (Free event)
Join Jim Conway on a special heritage walk around Lurgan and see all the sights of the town and the places associated most with George Russell. See where Russell was born and baptised, and where he went to school. Also the place of his home in North Street and the library he frequented in the Mechanics Institute. The walk starts at the impressive Brownlow House overlooking the park where Russell had his very first mystical experiences. The walk is relaxed and not at all strenuous.
monday 10TH APRIL, 2023
11.30 – 1.00pm Æ Russell Lurgan Heritage Walking Tour
Venue: Meet at Brownlow House, Lurgan (Free event)
(Today is George Russell’s Birthday – his 156th!)
Blow away those Easter cobwebs and Join Jim Conway on a special heritage walk around Lurgan. See all the sights of the town and the places associated most with George Russell. See where Russell was born and baptised, and where he went to school. Also the place of his home in North Street and the library he frequented in the Mechanics Institute. The walk starts at the impressive Brownlow House overlooking the park where Russell had his very first mystical experiences. The walk is relaxed and not at all strenuous.
The walk ends at Æ’s birthplace at 12 William Street where walkers can attend his 156th birthday Party
1.00 – 2.00pm Æ Russell 156th Birthday Party!
Venue: 12 William Street, Lurgan (Free event)
Join the folk who have just finished the Æ Heritage Walk in celebration of his 156th Birthday at the very place he was born. There’ll be some music, refreshments and a big birthday cake – which will be cut by Æ’s closest living relative this side of the Atlantic – Arthur Russell from Nobber County Meath. A slice for everyone!
A fun occasion among the fans of George Russell.
7.00 – 8.30pm SPECIAL Æ RUSSELL BELFAST/GFA EVENT
Venue: 12 William Street, Lurgan
Today, George Russell’s birthday falls on exactly the same day as the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Although Russell was from an earlier era, he would no doubt have approved of the efforts of politicians to compromise and reach agreement in the interests of the wider community. Russell, a pacifist, spent his entire public life in the service of others and was a champion of cooperation.
The Lurgan George Russell Society is organising a SPECIAL EVENT to mark the occasion.
Venue: Meet at Brownlow House, Lurgan (Free event)
(Today is George Russell’s Birthday – his 156th!)
Blow away those Easter cobwebs and Join Jim Conway on a special heritage walk around Lurgan. See all the sights of the town and the places associated most with George Russell. See where Russell was born and baptised, and where he went to school. Also the place of his home in North Street and the library he frequented in the Mechanics Institute. The walk starts at the impressive Brownlow House overlooking the park where Russell had his very first mystical experiences. The walk is relaxed and not at all strenuous.
The walk ends at Æ’s birthplace at 12 William Street where walkers can attend his 156th birthday Party
1.00 – 2.00pm Æ Russell 156th Birthday Party!
Venue: 12 William Street, Lurgan (Free event)
Join the folk who have just finished the Æ Heritage Walk in celebration of his 156th Birthday at the very place he was born. There’ll be some music, refreshments and a big birthday cake – which will be cut by Æ’s closest living relative this side of the Atlantic – Arthur Russell from Nobber County Meath. A slice for everyone!
A fun occasion among the fans of George Russell.
7.00 – 8.30pm SPECIAL Æ RUSSELL BELFAST/GFA EVENT
Venue: 12 William Street, Lurgan
Today, George Russell’s birthday falls on exactly the same day as the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Although Russell was from an earlier era, he would no doubt have approved of the efforts of politicians to compromise and reach agreement in the interests of the wider community. Russell, a pacifist, spent his entire public life in the service of others and was a champion of cooperation.
The Lurgan George Russell Society is organising a SPECIAL EVENT to mark the occasion.
A-Z of FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS
Armagh Rhymers
The Armagh Rhymers are one of the most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles on the island of Ireland.
Since being founded in 1970s, they have delighted audiences in schools, festivals throughout Ireland and around the world. Through music, storytelling and drama, they provide an experience that is both entertaining and educational. Their colourful costumes evoke a sense of tradition and history and encapsulate the spirit of the Wren boys and the ancient house visiting traditions of Ireland, where the kitchen floor became the stage. The Rhyming tradition is a celebration of the ‘theatre of the people’ and has inspired many poets.
Dr Jenny Butler UCC
Dr Jenny Butler is a faculty member of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences and sits on the College Executive Management Committee (CEMC) and on the University's Academic Council.
In the Study of Religions Department, she is Director of Graduate Studies and teaches on contemporary religions in Ireland, Western esotericism and new and emergent religious traditions, and has been a Lecturer at UCC since 2002. She is an internationally established researcher in the area of new religious movements and the study of folk religion, and is a leading scholar in her field, having conducted the first ever ethnographic study of Irish contemporary Paganism. She is an expert on the Celtic Mysticism of George Russell Æ.
As an active scholar, she has given over 80 conference presentations and invited lectures in Ireland and internationally.
RITA DAVERN
Over the past 40 years, Rita Davern (originally Davoren) has traveled the Burren, birthplace of her grandmother’s people in County Clare, Ireland. Her daily life, includes time searching for the people, places and stories her immigrant ancestors left behind. When drinking tea with Irish friends and relatives, the conversation often turns to those who stayed and those who left, as the devastation of colonization, hunger and emigration took its toll. Rita knows first-hand that, for U.S. people with European heritage, reconnecting to our homeland and our cultural history adds huge richness to our lives. Rita worked as a communication and leadership trainer for twenty years. When her adopted Korean son became ill, she learned, and now teaches, Parenting-by-Connection, an approach to parenting that builds close, healing relationships with children through play. Stories I Didn’t Know is Rita’s first film. She is currently working on a second film, Burren Girl, focused on the Ireland part of her family story.
Flash Fiction
Flash Fiction Armagh – led by Byddi Lee provides a platform for writers to experience immediate audience reaction to their work – a valuable resource for those who sit all day in a room by themselves writing. Their performances aim to entertain and provide an opportunity to mingle and make friends.
Byddi Lee grew up in Armagh and moved to Belfast to study at Queen’s University. She has since lived in South Africa, Canada, California and Paris before returning to live in her hometown, Armagh.
Byddi is a co-founder of the spoken word event Flash Fiction Armagh where the various writers give their unique take on any given theme.
Paul May
Paul May is a Lurgan based naturalist and folklorist who is an expert on the myriad trees and vegetation of Lurgan Park (Northern Ireland’s largest urban park)
Paul is also a qualified herbalist and an OCN qualified tour guide. He has been delivering tours of the park and of the South Lough Neagh area focusing on the links between traditional trees and plant life with the mythology of the area.
He has also lectured on herbalism and traditional plant-based cures.
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin is Chief Executive Officer, formerly Director of Education with Gael Linn. He is a highly respected gaelic scholar and expert on Irish mythology as well as being a very experienced cultural administrator.
He is author of three books on Cúchulainn; Laoch na Laochra: Scéal Chúchulainn (2015), Cúchulainn, Ulster's Greatest Hero (2017) and Cú Uladh, Scéal Chúchulainn (2018).
Réamonn is chairperson of Aonach Mhacha, the Irish language social enterprise behind the Irish language Cultural Centre in Armagh City which opened in March 2020 after a ten year Odyssey.
Dr Eimear O’ Connor
Eimear O’Connor is a leading expert on Irish Art and is currently director of the Tyrone Guthrie Artists’ Centre in Newbliss County Monaghan, having taken time out from her work in the Humanities Institute at UCD. Eimear is an Honorary member of the Royal Hibernian Academy of Art and was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
She is a former member of the Board of Directors of The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon where she was chair of the Policy and Strategy sub-committee.
Eimear is an authority on Irish artist Sean Keating whom she has written a book about and an expert on the art of Æ Russell and the art of the period he worked in. She has written many research articles and delivered numerous conference papers in this subject area. Her most recent book is “Ireland, the United States and the Irish Diaspora” which includes significant new material on George Russell Æ and his contribution to the appreciation of Irish art in the USA.
In addition to her academic work Eimear offers a range of professional services to the Arts Sector.
Dr Patrick O’Donnell
Dr. Patrick O'Donnell is an English faculty member at Normandale Community College in Minnesota and Co-Chair of the Æ Festival, Director of Education at Celtic Junction Arts Center and an Irish Studies writer, editor, literary historian, and scholar who edits and writes for the quarterly online publication, Celtic Junction Arts Review and is the founder/co-director of the annual Irish Arts Week in St. Paul. He has taught two classes on A.E. Russell through Celtic Junction with students coming from across the U.S.A. from California, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. He is dedicated to resurfacing the international importance of A.E. for audiences outside Ireland in cooperation with the A.E. Russell groups in Ireland. It was Patrick’s idea to expand the Æ Festival into Armagh this year.
Laura Ostertag
Laura Ostertag is originally from Minnesota in the United States. She has been teaching French there for 20 + years for Saint Paul Public Schools. Summers off, travel grants, and a Masters in French have allowed her to travel to a variety of French speaking areas. Of partial Ulster heritage, she is interested in the connections between French and Irish cultures which are highlighted in the works by French journalist and friend of Æ Russell Simone Téry, En Irlande. De la guerre d'indépendance à la guerre civile (1914-1923) (In Ireland. From the war of independence to the civil war (1914-1923)), 1923, and L'île des bardes (The island of poets), 1925.
Ryan Quinn
Ryan Quinn is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, holding a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies. While currently working in the field of logistics, Ryan enjoys his studies as an independent scholar into realms of literature such as fantasy, folklore, and myth, paying particular attention to how these stories remain relevant today. Coming from an Irish family background he is interested in the influence Irish and other Celtic stories have had on modern literature.
Dr Barry Sheppard
Barry Sheppard is an expert on the development of the Irish Cooperative movement an organisation spearheaded by Æ Russell for much of his working life. Barry recently completed his PhD on the development of Muintir Na Tire, a national voluntary organisation committed to community development throughout Ireland.
Barry is Head of Research at Lisburn Linen Industry Centre and is a frequent broadcaster on social history with Northern Vision TV in Belfast.
Ramona and Reuben Kitto Stately
Ramona Kitto Stately is an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Dakhóta Nation. She has a BA in Dakota Art and Culture a minor in Business, and a Masters of Education with an emphasis on Teacher Leadership from Augsburg University. After 15 years directing Indian Education in Minnesota, she is now Project Director for the We Are Still Here Minnesota, creating action for narrative change. Ramona is the mother of two children, an accomplished beadwork artist with moccasins on display in the Science Museum of Minnesota, and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Minnesota Indian Education Association since 2016. She is a part of the scholars' team with of the Minnesota Humanities Center’s for Learning from Place: Bdote, and the author of Pazahiyayewin’s Story (pah-Zah-hee-yah-yay-ween’s) of the Bdote as a reflection of inspiration from her Great-Great Grandmother who survived the genocidal tactics during the US Dakota War.
Reuben Kitto Stately is a Native artist, composer and rapper who performs under the name Kitto. He is a graduate of Augsburg University with a BA in American Indian Studies. He is a lifelong Dakhota Language learner and Beginning language teacher at Bdote Learning Center, and member of Minnesota Indian Education Board of Directors since 2019. Reuben has been one of the leads on Learning From Place: Bdote since 2018 and is passionate about the connections of language and place. As a young man, Reuben’s identity is strong and his ability to walk in and out of two worlds looks effortless. Find Kitto’s music on Soundcloud.
Traditional Arts Partnership (TAP)
TAP Arts from Mullaghbawn are teachers and performers of traditional Irish music and dance. They hold learning workshops for numerous traditional musical instruments and have built a strong reputation for their work. There is an emphasis on encouraging young people (although no-one is too old to get involved) and widespread participation is nurtured.
TAP Arts performances of traditional are also in great demand. As well as in Ireland the Group has been invited to perform in the United States and in a number of European countries.
Although TAP’s core offering is traditional the Group are musically adventurous and always ready to fuse their music and dance with that of other traditions and genres.
The Armagh Rhymers are one of the most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles on the island of Ireland.
Since being founded in 1970s, they have delighted audiences in schools, festivals throughout Ireland and around the world. Through music, storytelling and drama, they provide an experience that is both entertaining and educational. Their colourful costumes evoke a sense of tradition and history and encapsulate the spirit of the Wren boys and the ancient house visiting traditions of Ireland, where the kitchen floor became the stage. The Rhyming tradition is a celebration of the ‘theatre of the people’ and has inspired many poets.
Dr Jenny Butler UCC
Dr Jenny Butler is a faculty member of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences and sits on the College Executive Management Committee (CEMC) and on the University's Academic Council.
In the Study of Religions Department, she is Director of Graduate Studies and teaches on contemporary religions in Ireland, Western esotericism and new and emergent religious traditions, and has been a Lecturer at UCC since 2002. She is an internationally established researcher in the area of new religious movements and the study of folk religion, and is a leading scholar in her field, having conducted the first ever ethnographic study of Irish contemporary Paganism. She is an expert on the Celtic Mysticism of George Russell Æ.
As an active scholar, she has given over 80 conference presentations and invited lectures in Ireland and internationally.
RITA DAVERN
Over the past 40 years, Rita Davern (originally Davoren) has traveled the Burren, birthplace of her grandmother’s people in County Clare, Ireland. Her daily life, includes time searching for the people, places and stories her immigrant ancestors left behind. When drinking tea with Irish friends and relatives, the conversation often turns to those who stayed and those who left, as the devastation of colonization, hunger and emigration took its toll. Rita knows first-hand that, for U.S. people with European heritage, reconnecting to our homeland and our cultural history adds huge richness to our lives. Rita worked as a communication and leadership trainer for twenty years. When her adopted Korean son became ill, she learned, and now teaches, Parenting-by-Connection, an approach to parenting that builds close, healing relationships with children through play. Stories I Didn’t Know is Rita’s first film. She is currently working on a second film, Burren Girl, focused on the Ireland part of her family story.
Flash Fiction
Flash Fiction Armagh – led by Byddi Lee provides a platform for writers to experience immediate audience reaction to their work – a valuable resource for those who sit all day in a room by themselves writing. Their performances aim to entertain and provide an opportunity to mingle and make friends.
Byddi Lee grew up in Armagh and moved to Belfast to study at Queen’s University. She has since lived in South Africa, Canada, California and Paris before returning to live in her hometown, Armagh.
Byddi is a co-founder of the spoken word event Flash Fiction Armagh where the various writers give their unique take on any given theme.
Paul May
Paul May is a Lurgan based naturalist and folklorist who is an expert on the myriad trees and vegetation of Lurgan Park (Northern Ireland’s largest urban park)
Paul is also a qualified herbalist and an OCN qualified tour guide. He has been delivering tours of the park and of the South Lough Neagh area focusing on the links between traditional trees and plant life with the mythology of the area.
He has also lectured on herbalism and traditional plant-based cures.
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin is Chief Executive Officer, formerly Director of Education with Gael Linn. He is a highly respected gaelic scholar and expert on Irish mythology as well as being a very experienced cultural administrator.
He is author of three books on Cúchulainn; Laoch na Laochra: Scéal Chúchulainn (2015), Cúchulainn, Ulster's Greatest Hero (2017) and Cú Uladh, Scéal Chúchulainn (2018).
Réamonn is chairperson of Aonach Mhacha, the Irish language social enterprise behind the Irish language Cultural Centre in Armagh City which opened in March 2020 after a ten year Odyssey.
Dr Eimear O’ Connor
Eimear O’Connor is a leading expert on Irish Art and is currently director of the Tyrone Guthrie Artists’ Centre in Newbliss County Monaghan, having taken time out from her work in the Humanities Institute at UCD. Eimear is an Honorary member of the Royal Hibernian Academy of Art and was previously a member of the Board of Directors of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
She is a former member of the Board of Directors of The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon where she was chair of the Policy and Strategy sub-committee.
Eimear is an authority on Irish artist Sean Keating whom she has written a book about and an expert on the art of Æ Russell and the art of the period he worked in. She has written many research articles and delivered numerous conference papers in this subject area. Her most recent book is “Ireland, the United States and the Irish Diaspora” which includes significant new material on George Russell Æ and his contribution to the appreciation of Irish art in the USA.
In addition to her academic work Eimear offers a range of professional services to the Arts Sector.
Dr Patrick O’Donnell
Dr. Patrick O'Donnell is an English faculty member at Normandale Community College in Minnesota and Co-Chair of the Æ Festival, Director of Education at Celtic Junction Arts Center and an Irish Studies writer, editor, literary historian, and scholar who edits and writes for the quarterly online publication, Celtic Junction Arts Review and is the founder/co-director of the annual Irish Arts Week in St. Paul. He has taught two classes on A.E. Russell through Celtic Junction with students coming from across the U.S.A. from California, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. He is dedicated to resurfacing the international importance of A.E. for audiences outside Ireland in cooperation with the A.E. Russell groups in Ireland. It was Patrick’s idea to expand the Æ Festival into Armagh this year.
Laura Ostertag
Laura Ostertag is originally from Minnesota in the United States. She has been teaching French there for 20 + years for Saint Paul Public Schools. Summers off, travel grants, and a Masters in French have allowed her to travel to a variety of French speaking areas. Of partial Ulster heritage, she is interested in the connections between French and Irish cultures which are highlighted in the works by French journalist and friend of Æ Russell Simone Téry, En Irlande. De la guerre d'indépendance à la guerre civile (1914-1923) (In Ireland. From the war of independence to the civil war (1914-1923)), 1923, and L'île des bardes (The island of poets), 1925.
Ryan Quinn
Ryan Quinn is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, holding a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies. While currently working in the field of logistics, Ryan enjoys his studies as an independent scholar into realms of literature such as fantasy, folklore, and myth, paying particular attention to how these stories remain relevant today. Coming from an Irish family background he is interested in the influence Irish and other Celtic stories have had on modern literature.
Dr Barry Sheppard
Barry Sheppard is an expert on the development of the Irish Cooperative movement an organisation spearheaded by Æ Russell for much of his working life. Barry recently completed his PhD on the development of Muintir Na Tire, a national voluntary organisation committed to community development throughout Ireland.
Barry is Head of Research at Lisburn Linen Industry Centre and is a frequent broadcaster on social history with Northern Vision TV in Belfast.
Ramona and Reuben Kitto Stately
Ramona Kitto Stately is an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Dakhóta Nation. She has a BA in Dakota Art and Culture a minor in Business, and a Masters of Education with an emphasis on Teacher Leadership from Augsburg University. After 15 years directing Indian Education in Minnesota, she is now Project Director for the We Are Still Here Minnesota, creating action for narrative change. Ramona is the mother of two children, an accomplished beadwork artist with moccasins on display in the Science Museum of Minnesota, and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Minnesota Indian Education Association since 2016. She is a part of the scholars' team with of the Minnesota Humanities Center’s for Learning from Place: Bdote, and the author of Pazahiyayewin’s Story (pah-Zah-hee-yah-yay-ween’s) of the Bdote as a reflection of inspiration from her Great-Great Grandmother who survived the genocidal tactics during the US Dakota War.
Reuben Kitto Stately is a Native artist, composer and rapper who performs under the name Kitto. He is a graduate of Augsburg University with a BA in American Indian Studies. He is a lifelong Dakhota Language learner and Beginning language teacher at Bdote Learning Center, and member of Minnesota Indian Education Board of Directors since 2019. Reuben has been one of the leads on Learning From Place: Bdote since 2018 and is passionate about the connections of language and place. As a young man, Reuben’s identity is strong and his ability to walk in and out of two worlds looks effortless. Find Kitto’s music on Soundcloud.
Traditional Arts Partnership (TAP)
TAP Arts from Mullaghbawn are teachers and performers of traditional Irish music and dance. They hold learning workshops for numerous traditional musical instruments and have built a strong reputation for their work. There is an emphasis on encouraging young people (although no-one is too old to get involved) and widespread participation is nurtured.
TAP Arts performances of traditional are also in great demand. As well as in Ireland the Group has been invited to perform in the United States and in a number of European countries.
Although TAP’s core offering is traditional the Group are musically adventurous and always ready to fuse their music and dance with that of other traditions and genres.
