News

Féile John Ford, which takes place in An Spidéal from 11th to 13th September to celebrate the legacy of the record holding six-times Oscar winning director, is proud to announce the participation of Hollywood actor Aidan Quinn, (Michael Collins, The Walsh Sisters, Legends of the Fall, Song of a Raggy Boy and This is My Father). The gala opening commences at 7pm Friday, 11th September, featuring a screening of The Quiet Man introduced by Aidan Quinn who will officially launch the weekend long festival. This will be preceded by a performance from Ceoltóirí Óga Chois Fharraige followed by a performance from Eleanor Shanley which will include a rendition of ‘The Isle of Innisfree’, the iconic song from the film. Eleanor is one of Ireland’s most cherished vocalists who has collaborated with legendary acts such as Ronnie Drew and De Dannan. She is currently performing a show singing the songs of Percy French. On Saturday, 12 September, at 10.00 am Aidan Quinn will participate in Aistear - An American Journey, a panel discussion exploring the subject of the emigration from Cois Fharraige to Portland, Maine. Drawing from the IMIRCE collection at the University of Galway, the discussion highlights personal letters sent back to Galway - a transatlantic connection so strong that a local postman used to call one of the boreens ‘Portland Road’ as he delivered so many letters from the city in Maine. Aidan is currently in Ireland filming series 2 of The Walsh Sisters. He has just completed the filming of his directorial debut Ages of the Moon, an adaptation of the Sam Shepherd play in which he also stars with Steve Buscemi. Speaking about the festival, Aidan said “I am very happy to be able to support such a unique festival and be part of a programme that facilitates the screening of John Ford’s extraordinary films. Also, the local cultural elements of the programme are so important. I am looking forward to reading letters home from Cois Fharraige emigrants”. Redmond Morris, a member of the Féile John Ford committee added “It is wonderful to have Aidan engage so deeply with the Féile and grateful that he is able to take time out from his Walsh Sisters filming. Eleanor is also an exciting addition, and no stranger to An Spidéal”.