On Fridays Morning Focus John Cooke broadcast the show live from Killaloe, as the birthplace of Brian Ború, the town is taking centre stage this weekend with a host of festivities to celebrate the Brian Ború Millennium.
Up Frist John was joined by Keith Wood, Patron of Brian Ború Millennium Weekend and Una Kierse, Chairperson of the Brian Ború Millennium Weekend. Visitors to the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina are being invited to step back in time and experience a glimpse of life in medieval Ireland during the Brian Ború Millennium Weekend from April 11-13th. Keith and Una went through some of the highlights that visitors and local people can enjoy this weekend.
Next John took a look at the theatrical elements of the celebrations. He was joined by Paul Brennan, Director of the theatrical elements, Ger Tracy who is playing Brian Boru and Anouk Delimata who is playing Brian Boru’s Ex – Wife Gormlaith. There is a lot to look forward to this weekend when it comes to drama and theatre. Friday night will see the arrival of Vikings and Brian – this will take place with them coming from the river. Brain will make a speech and there will be a huge celebration including fire breathers and music. On Saturday actors will appear along the historical walk of the town. Saturday night A Brian Boru review will take place in Saint Flannans Cathedral. Finally on Sunday afternoon a big feast is scheduled when the town will eat with Brian and send him on his way.
Michael Scanlan is a native of Killaloe. A musician, singer and songwriter, he has performed throughout Ireland, England, Europe and the USA. He spoke to John about some of the music on offer this weekend and sang a song which he composed called The King Brian Song.
Students at St. Anne's Community College in Killaloe are now infamous for their performance of the Kincora Call – a New Zealand style Hakka with a distinctive Irish and Brian Ború slant. We heard from the students involved and they performed the Kincora Call.
As part of the celebrations, Mogh Rith has built a camp full of re-enactors from the time of Brian Ború. Mogh Roith is a Multi-Period Re-enactment, Living History and Experimental Archaeology Group based in Munster, Ireland. The group specialise in the research, development and display of historical artefacts, equipment and costume from many periods in Irish History and Prehistory. John spoke to Beth Story
re-enactors co-coordinator and member of member of Mogh Rith and Tony Vincent, member of Mogh Rith and a local Blacksmith. They gave John a preview of whats in store for people who pay a visit to the camp.
Genealogy Advisory services are available for the public this weekend in Killaloe. John spoke to Lord Inchiquin, Conor O'Brien is the chief of the O'Brien clan who is Brian Ború’s direct descendent. Paddy Waldron, Chairman of Clare Roots Society and Una Kierse Chairperson of the Brian Ború Millennium Weekend also spoke to John about how many people may be connected to the last High King of Ireland.
Finally John was joined by some more local musicians Paul Smyth, Ben Taylor and Michael Hackett who played out the show with the Brian Ború march.
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