Kennelly festival opens with busy programme

ONE of Kerry’s best-known literary figures will be honoured at a festival, which opened in his home village last night.

Senator David Norris officially opened the Brendan Kennelly Summer Festival, in Ballylongford, close to the Shannon Estuary.

The festival programme, which runs until Sunday, features a wide range of events including literary and art workshops, drama, art exhibitions and lectures.

A conversation between rugby internationals Moss Keane and Mick Galwey with Listowel publican Billy Keane will be held tonight.

Throughout the day, there will be literary and art workshops with Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Maeve O’Sullivan, Elaine McFarland.

Tomorrow sees further workshops and talks by Prof John A. Murphy and by Prof John Coolahan.

On Sunday, there will be a tribute to football legend Mick O’Connell by Garry MacMahon, of Listowel.