The island of Inishbofin, off north Galway, has a population of just 200 but has an international reputation for rich cultural life. Next month, it continues its association with the arts when the island holds its first community arts festival.
The line-up for the event, between September 9th and September 13th, includes bands such as Altan, singer Sean Tyrell, sculptor John Behan, writer and journalist Nell McCafferty, poets Pat O'Brien and Sydney Smyth, and performers including Macnas, award-winning Bench Tours from Scotland, Little John Nee and many others.
Inishbofin has previously hosted two arts festivals, the most recent being in 1993. However, this year's festival differs in that it is community-based, organised by the island's development council and is being held in Inishbofin's recently-built community centre.
The festival is backed by Galway County Council and the Arts Council. It has also received private sponsorship.
At the recent launch of the festival, the Minister for State with special responsibility for the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Mr Eamon O Cuiv, praised the island's population for the immense self-help it had shown while building the centre and also for organising the festival.
Festival co-ordinator, Mr Pat Coyne, added that the new community centre was the fruit of some 20 years' hard work and the combined efforts of many people. O Cuiv, economist Richard Douthwaite, and environmentalist Emer Colleran. However, the festival is mainly about having fun and many events are geared towards children and families, with day visitors also well catered for. There is an all-in ticket costing £45 for the five days. For booking and further information tel: 095 45906; fax 095 45884.
Meanwhile, actors from around the world have united to help raise funds for the West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation, Croi. Actor Gabriel Byrne, the body's patron, has organised for Hollywood associates to donate clothing which will be auctioned in Galway's Ardilaun House Hotel on September 8th.
These will include a black dress worn by Angelica Huston in Adams Family Values, a Liam Neeson baseball cap, autographed and worn to the Oscars, a Sean Connery jacket autographed and worn in The Rock, as well as a Gabriel Byrne shirt worn in Usual Suspects.
Advance bids are being taken on Croi's auction line at 091 526000, while prospective buyers can view the items at www.entertainmentireland.ie. All funds raised will go to the new cardiac surgical unit, due to be opened at University College Hospital, Galway, in the next two years.