Tom Murphy, Billy Roche, Niall Williams, Martin McDonagh and Vincent Woods are just some of the writers who have contributed handwritten and typed manuscripts of their work to an auction in Galway's Black Box Theatre next Saturday. Artists such as Brian Bourke, John Behan, Sean MacSweeney, John Coll and members of the Artspace Studios Group are also supporting the initiative to pay tribute to the late Bernie Walsh, formerly of the Druid Theatre, who was killed recently in a road accident.
The auction, which takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday before an evening concert, will be introduced by Mr Tom Kenny of Kenny Galleries and opened officially by actor Mick Lally. The man with the hammer will be auctioneer Colm O'Donnellan.
Some of the west's finest musicians and performers, visual artists and literary figures will take to the stage afterwards, with proceeds going to Mr Walsh's wife and family.
Also in conjunction with what has now become the Bernie Walsh Tribute Day, Galway's all-Ireland-bound senior football squad have contributed a "dream package" which should attract the attention of every county football fan.
The package includes a Galway jersey signed by the team, two Hogan Stand tickets and return train tickets to Dublin for the All-Ireland. There are also four terrace tickets on offer.
Throughout the week, Galway Bay FM's Keith Finnegan Show will be inviting bids for the package.
The work on sale by auction will be on view at the Druid Theatre from Wednesday, when preliminary offers can be made.
For more information on the event, contact Fergal McGrath at (091) 562611 or Gary McMahon at (091) 561462.