Brian Boru festival planned

A MARCH of Warriors to the Phoenix Park on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, is being proposed by a new committee as one of the special events to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of a former High King of Ireland.

Organised as a nationally recognised charity, ‘warriors’ would depart from several venues around the country to the Phoenix Park where they would spend the night with the assistance of the army and civil defence.

On Easter Monday, it is envisaged they will march from Phoenix Park to Clontarf under their respective banners, including members of O’Brien clans from around the world. A full programme of events is planned for Clontarf 2014.

It is one of a series of proposals for a major national Brian Boru festival, unveiled by a new committee in Killaloe/Ballina.

Former Lions Rugby captain Keith Wood and international comedian Brendan Grace have been selected as Brian Boru 2014 ambassadors.

Conor O’Brien, chief of the O’Brien Clan, has become honorary president and festival ambassador.

Locally, Brian Boru will be officially celebrated from March 15 to 17, 2014, including music, battle reenactments and the National Lottery Skyfest fireworks display on the evening of March 15.

Among suggested suitable venues is Ballycuggeran in Killaloe, at the centre of Lough Derg, where it could be viewed from any point on the mountains on either side.

The top of Tountinna mountain is also among the suggested sites, on the Tipperary side of the lake where it could be seen from five different counties.

The main event for 2014 is the proposed staging of Killaloe as Honorary Capital of Ireland from April 25 to 27.

This would give the committee an opportunity to hold a Mass in rememberance of Brian Boru on the Friday, followed by a civic ceremony to possibly unveil a monument, or launch a commemorative coin or stamp.