Brian Ború comes to life – puppet show to tour libraries

As part of the Killaloe 2014 celebrations Clare Arts Office has commissioned a puppet show on the life of Brian Ború, which will tour in March to libraries throughout the county. The organisers of Killaloe Ballina 2014 were anxious to ensure that Brian Ború was more than a figure in the history books. They were anxious to bring him to life, particularly to engage with young children and to show how important he was. With this in mind they approached the County Arts Office, who agreed to commission the show. Honest Arts Production Company, founded by Tara Doolan and Pius McGrath (who both co-wrote the piece), were selected to create a short, entertaining play for children that brings the life and times of Brian Ború to life using actors and puppets. The approach by Killaloe Ballina 2014 to the Arts Office was made in the context of the full programme of events being organised by Killalloe Ballina 2014, who are being supported by Clare County Council.

According to Bróna Moriarty from the Killaloe Ballina 2014 committee “We are delighted that the Arts Office felt that our proposal for a puppet show was an exciting addition to this year's programme. A lot of planning has gone in to the year, and the inclusion of child friendly events is integral to the community spirit that is marking this special year”. The Brian Ború Puppet Show will be launched on Thursday, March 6th at 10am in the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe by the Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Joe Arkins. It will then tour to libraries in Scariff, Kilkee, Kilrush, Ennis and Shannon. It is anticipated that the puppet show will also feature at various events celebrating Brian Ború's life throughout the year. For further information contact: Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Officer at 065 6899091 arts@clarelibrary.ie. For national events visit www.brianborumillennium.ie. For local events visit killaloeballina.ie.