Kilkee Civic Trust is a non-profit organisation working to enhance the quality of life in Kilkee, and its hinterland, by preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, and so making it a more attractive place to live, work and invest.

All 2023 Talks are hosted at Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee.

Entry to all the Talks is Free of Charge.
All of our speakers give of their time and energy on a pro-bono basis.
The appreciation of the audience & is expressed by way of presenting each speaker with a Book Token at the end of each Talk.
A Donations Box is provided at all Talks to assist us in defraying necessary expenses.

Summer Talks 2023

Summer Talks 2022

Summer Talks 2019

Summer Talks 2018

Summer Talks 2017

Summer Talks 2016

Summer Talks 2015

Summer Talks 2014

Kilkee Civic Trust : The Life & Times of Che Guevara by Stephen Collins


Summer Talks Index



In consultation with organisers of the Ché Do Bheatha Festival , (Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th September), there will be a KCT Talk tomorrow night; (on the Saturday night of the Festival Weekend at kilkee), on Saturday 23rd September, at 8pm, at Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee.
KCT7

Speaker:Stephen Collins

Talk Title: The Life & Times of Ché Guevara

Talk Synopsis: The life story of one of the most famous men of the 20th Century and his Kilkee connection.

Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee.





KCT 2017 No9 – Millers, Merchants, Mayors, Lane-Joynt Families Limerick

Speaker: Dr. Paul O’Brien
Talk Title: Millers, Merchants, Mayors, Lane-Joynt Families Limerick
Talk Synopsis:
Dr Paul O’Brien is a lecturer in the Academic Learning Centre in Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Paul’s doctoral thesis, based on a hitherto undiscovered, Glynn family and business archive, examined north Munster regional history and the history of the entrepreneurial Catholic bourgeoisie under the Union and into the emergence of the New State, c.1790-1940.
The Lane Joynt family of Limerick were of Huguenot extraction and active in Limerick business and politics from the early decades of the nineteenth century.
In 1859, the Lane Joynt family married into the Glynn family of Kilrush after being introduced at the Kilkee Races.
The lecture is based on substantial primary material including many fascinating photographs which are held in the Glynn archive & it tells the story of the rise of a Limerick merchant family in the nineteenth century.





Kilkee Civic Trust – Marcus Keane and Fr. Michael Meehan: Two Figures from Clare’s Famine Landscape – Dr. Ciarán Ó Murchadha

Speaker: Dr. Ciarán Ó Murchadha

Talk Title: Marcus Keane and Fr. Michael Meehan: Two Figures from Clare’s Famine Landscape

Talk Synopsis: Dr. Ciarán Ó Murchadha is an independent scholar and a leading historian on Ireland’s Great Famine. Author of three major works on the Great Famine; including the internationally acclaimed book titled; The Great Famine: Ireland’s Agony 1845-1852 (2011). He was also one of the principal organisers of the National Famine Commemoration held in Kilrush in 2013.





Martin Bourke presents the “Richard Tauber” Profile:

Written and Presented by Martin Bourke.
Part of The Kilkee Civic Trust Summer Talks Season recorded at Culturlann Sweeney in Kilkee.


Richard Tauber 1891 – 1948

“One of the best loved singers, Tauber was a talented composer and conductor but singing ‘was his hearts delight”
Few singers straddled the world of grand opera and light operetta like the Austrian Tenor, Richard Tauber. Long before Lesley Garett or Pavarotti, Domingo & Carreras collectively as ‘The Three Tenors’ made the “crossover” to popular songs and ballads, Richard Tauber had done it all in far more difficult times. He was frequently criticised and reprimanded in public for denigrating his art by singing such ‘dross’ as “You are my Heart’s Delight” and “Vienna City of my Dreams”. But he became so successful in the popular song that the composer Franz Lehar (he of the ‘Merry Widow’ fame) wrote his operettas with Richard Tauber specifically in mind. That partnership brought international fame to them both.

Richard Tauber was born in the Austrian city of Linz on the river Danube in May 1891. Both his parents were Viennese and though not married to each other, they worked in the theatre business, she a singer and his father an actor and theatre manager of some repute. His upbringing was somewhat unconventional in that for the first 9 years of his life Richard’s existence was unknown to his father. Reared initially by his mother, then foster parents and finally by his father from the age of 9, Richard grew up with a happy disposition, which lasted throughout his life. His musical talent began to manifest itself and through his father he received a thorough education in all aspects of musicianship. Despite initial opposition from his father, Richard got his wish and began studying voice with a prominent teacher in Germany and emerged 3 years later as a superb singer of opera particularly Mozart and lieder art songs. Indeed, it is incomplete to describe him as a tenor because he also sang baritone, conducted symphony orchestras, played the piano and was a successful composer and filmmaker. His own musical “Old Chelsea” ran in London’s West-end for over 600 performances in 1942/43.

Because of his Jewish ancestry, Richard had to flee Germany after being beaten up by a group of Nazi vigilantes and he became stateless with the annexation of Austria in 1939.

His relationship with women was complex but charming “give me a piano and a beautiful girl and I’m in heaven.” He led a colourful life and in the end while on his deathbed he was comforted by both his wife and his mistress together.

Richard Tauber was by nature a jolly, happy and exuberant man not given to temperamental behaviour, as is often the case in his profession. He was extremely generous with his talents, his wealth, his knowledge and his time.

As a vocal artist, he was technically very good but this was never allowed to interfere with the feeling, the mood, the passion being expressed in a melody. His voice was so distinctive that he is instantly recognisable in any of his 730 professional recordings.

In 1948, and a few short weeks after performing the lead tenor role in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, Richard Tauber died of lung cancer at the age of 57. He had in fact sung the performance on one lung, giving of himself to the very end.

This is the 4th Profile Martin Bourke has presented in Kilkee for KCT; the previous ones were on Stephen Foster, Mario Lanza and John McCormack. The audio-visual presentation will include a generous selection of music and photographic slides recounting the story of a very interesting life. These Profiles, undertaken on a pro-bono basis, in aid of Kilkee Civic Trust, are devised, researched, scripted and presented by Martin Bourke. Martin has had a lifelong interest in the career and vocal art of classical and light classical singers collecting recordings and biographies of these artists.

Kilkee Civic Trust – The Edmond sinking in 1850 in Kilkee Bay

Speakers: J. J. Hickie & Tommy McGrath

Talk Title: The Edmond; Hopes Lost & Human Impact of Kilkee’s Famine Time Shipwreck

Talk Synopsis: Representing Kilkee History Group; J. J. Hickie & Tommy McGrath; two well-known Local Historians; who have an encyclopaedic knowledge of Kilkee’s life and times over recent centuries; will tell some of the personal stories of dashed hopes and dreams for those on board the “Edmond” which foundered on the rocks below Sykes House on Tuesday night 19th November 1850.



Dr. Mary Bourke – Geography: Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Speaker: Dr. Mary Bourke
Talk Title: Geography: Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Talk Synopsis: This Talk will take you on an adventurous trail of discovery and magical geographical possibilities. Bring your Hiking Boots!

Dr. Bourke’s Talk is geared towards all ages; but especially younger people. She will bring over 100 pairs of “special glasses” for the audience to view her 3D photographs of Mars. She works at the Department of Geography at Trinity College, Dublin.





An Earth and Planetary Geomorphologist with expertise in extreme environments on Earth and Mars. She has published over 60 manuscripts on landscapes in Antarctica, Australia, Namibia, Mars and Ireland. Her research has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, The Irish Times and Independent, on NBC Nightly News and on the BBC and RTE.

Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee
When: Wednesday 9th August at 8pm
Admission is FREE of charge.
A donations box is available, at each KCT Talk, to assist us in defraying essential and necessary expenses.


Kilkee Civic Trust – Three International Musicians from Limerick – Joe Donnellan

Our summer season of weekly events continues this Wednesday, 2nd August, with our fifth KCT Talk at 8pm, at Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee.

Speaker: Joe Donnellan

Talk Synopsis:

Three Limerick performers who were successful internationally but, with the passage of time, their achievements have fallen from public awareness.

Catherine Hayes an internationally renowned Soprano; who was born in Patrick St. Limerick.
George Alexander Osborne Pianist and Composer; who was friends with Chopin. He enjoyed a very impressive career, not only in London, but also throughout mainland Europe.
Joseph O’Mara who was a Tenor of international renown; of the O’Mara Bacon Factory family and fame; and whose family had a notable political involvement.

Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee

When: Wednesday 2nd August at 8pm

Admission is FREE of charge.

A donations box is available, at each KCT Talk, to assist us in defraying essential and necessary expenses.

 

Every good wish,
Joseph McCloskey

Honorary Secretary,
Kilkee Civic Trust

Website: www.kilkeecivictrust.org

Kilkee Civic Trust is on Facebook! Please “Like” us on Facebook.

 

Kilkee Civic Trust – Who was Margaretta Eager? – Nanny to the last Tsar of Russia

Speaker: Sharon Slater
Talk Title: Who was Margaretta Eager? – Nanny to the last Tsar of Russia
Talk Synopsis: Sharon Slater is a lady with an outstanding passion for Limerick and its history; combined with unbounded enthusiasm and a tireless capacity for interacting with others; always generously sharing her knowledge. Sharon Slater is an Historical and Genealogical Researcher with a Masters in History from University of Limerick; as well as owner and operator of Limerick’s Life website. Sharon will reveal the links between Kilkee and the Court of the last Russian Tsar; namely Nicholas II Emperor of Russia who reigned from 1st November 1894 to 15th March 1917.
Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee


Kilkee Civic Trust – Shannon International Airport – origins, growth and aircraft crashes 1940s to 1970s

Speaker: Tom Hanly
Talk Title:Shannon International Airport – origins, growth and aircraft crashes 1940s to 1970s
Talk Synopsis: In a career spanning over four decades; Tom Hanly, retired Chief Officer Airport Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Shannon International Airport, will regale the audience with factual accounts of major incidents supported by audio visual, photographic and historical reports.






Summer Serenade 2017

SUMMER SERENADE FEATURING CLARE QUINN – MEZZO SOPRANO Ireland’s Rising Classical Star
Winner of“The Golden Voice of America 2017” All Ireland Winner Carnegie Hall Debutant
An amazing Classical Singer who performs across a spectrum of Operatic Arias, popular songs, musical Theatreand Hymns Accompanied by superb local guest performers Keeva Corry
4 Time World Champion Irish Dance Cathal Keane All Ireland Winner – Irish Harp Slow Airs
– Sligo Fleadh 2015 Éimhear Greene Wonderful Traditional Musician. An evening of song, music and dance by amazing young talent NOT TO BE MISSED Showcasing a wonderful array of up and coming young talent.





Kilkee Civic Trust – Arts in Focus

Fionnuala Murnane is the Coordinator for this year’s “Arts in Focus”, and she will be MC on the night. Fionnuala has done outstanding work in preparation for this year’s event and we hope you will come along to enjoy the abundance of local talent that Fionnuala has assembled.
This year’s line-up is a compelling mix of local talent; and back by popular demand are; Olga Reynolds and her Newfound Sound Choir & Keeva Corry – 4 Times World Irish Dance Champion! And many, many more!
Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee
When: Friday 7th July
Time: Doors Open at 7pm for the “Sea-Themed” exhibition of Arts & Crafts by local Artists. Then; an evening of music, song, dance, poetry and film starts on stage at 8pm
This is a FREE of charge entry event and all are welcome
A donations box will be available to assist us in defraying essential and necessary expenses.
Please feel free to circulate this to your friends and family, to assist us in spreading news of our summertime events.


See the Kilkee Civic Trust Facebook page for regular news and updates to the 2017 Summer Season





Double Bill Eileen Mulcahy “Seaweed Baths in Kilkee; Past & Present”, and Thomas Galvin and his topic is “A Hidden Culture – The Journey of Moyasta Oysters”

Kilkee Civic Trust Presents in association with Radio Corca Baiscinn

Our summer season of weekly events continues this Wednesday, 12th July, with our second KCT Talk at 8pm, at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee – Double Bill – Two Speakers /Two Topics.

First Speaker: Eileen Mulcahy and her topic is “Seaweed Baths in Kilkee; Past & Present”
· Eileen Mulcahy’s Talk Synopsis:
An insight into the tradition of seaweed use and the continued benefits for our modern day lives. Over the last eighteen years; since Whit Weekend 1999; Eileen has kept one of Kilkee’s oldest heritage amenities alive and she is the proprietor of “Kilkee Thalassotherapy Centre” where seaweed baths continue to be enjoyed.
Second Speaker: Thomas Galvin and his topic is “A Hidden Culture – The Journey of Moyasta Oysters”
· Thomas Galvin’s Talk Synopsis:
Oysters are the family business; started by his Dad Michael in 1994; at Poulnasherry Bay, Moyasta. An entrepreneur and local businessman whose passion for the sea and West Clare is a key driver in the success of this home grown maritime industry.
Admission is FREE of charge.
A donations box is available, at each KCT Talk, to assist us in defraying essential and necessary expenses.


Peadar King – “Nobody Asks Poor People If They Want War”

Peadar King “Nobody Asks Poor People If They Want War” ~ Viet Thanh Nguyen

Talk Synopsis:
Drawing on over a decade of reporting from across the world for the RTÉ series What in the World? Peadar King explores the devastating impact of war on the poor of the world in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timor Leste, Laos and Western Sahara. He will also feature rarely seen footage of three Clare people’s experience of war.
Venue: Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee
Recorded on : Wednesday 5th July at 8pm


Kilkee Civic Trust Summer Talks 2017

 

KCT Summer Schedule for 2017 – Download

Kilkee Civic Trust is a non-profit organisation working to enhance the quality of life in Kilkee, and its hinterland, by preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, and so making it a more attractive place to live, work and invest.

KCT Talks 2017 – All Talks will be hosted at Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee.

Entry to all KCT Talks is Free of Charge.

All of our speakers give of their time and energy on a pro-bono basis.

The appreciation of the audience & KCT is expressed by way of presenting each speaker with a Book Token at the end of each Talk.

A Donations Box is provided at all Talks to assist us in defraying necessary expenses.

Talk Dates:

Speaker:

Talk Title:

Talk Description:

No. 1

Wednesday 5th July Time: 8pm

Peadar King

***

Not suitable for children.

Mature audience only.

“Nobody Asks Poor People If They Want War” ~ Viet Thanh Nguyen

Drawing on over a decade of reporting from across the world for the RTÉ series What in the World? Peadar King explores the devastating impact of war on the poor of the world in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timor Leste, Laos and Western Sahara. He will also feature rarely seen footage of three Clare people’s experience of war.

Talk Dates:

Speaker:

Talk Title:

Talk Description:

No. 2

Wednesday 12th July Time: 8pm

Double Act! Eileen Mulcahy

Thomas Galvin

Two Topics & Speakers

Seaweed Baths in Kilkee; Past & Present

A Hidden Culture – The journey of Moyasta Oysters

An insight into the tradition of seaweed use and the continued benefits for our modern day lives. Over the last eighteen years; since Whit Weekend 1999; Eileen has kept one of Kilkee’s oldest heritage amenities alive and she is the proprietor of “Kilkee Thalassotherapy Centre” where seaweed baths continue to be enjoyed.

Oysters are the family business; started by his Dad Michael in 1994; at Poulnasherry Bay, Moyasta. An entrepreneur and local businessman whose passion for the sea and West Clare is a key driver in the success of this home grown maritime industry.

No. 3

Wednesday 19th July Time: 8pm

Tom Hanly

Shannon International Airport – origins, growth and aircraft crashes 1940s to 1970s

In a career spanning over four decades; Tom Hanly, retired Chief Officer Airport Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Shannon International Airport, will regale the audience with factual accounts of major incidents supported by audio visual, photographic and historical reports.

Talk Dates:

Speaker:

Talk Title:

Talk Description:

No. 4

Wednesday 26th July Time: 8pm

Sharon Slater

Who was Margaretta Eager? – Nanny to the last Tsar of Russia

A lady with an outstanding passion for Limerick and its history; combined with unbounded enthusiasm and a tireless capacity for interacting with others; always generously sharing her knowledge.

Sharon Slater is an Historical and Genealogical Researcher with a Masters in History from University of Limerick; as well as owner and operator of Limerick’s Life website.

Sharon will reveal the links between Kilkee and the Court of the last Russian Tsar; namely Nicholas II Emperor of Russia who reigned from 1st November 1894 to 15th March 1917.

No. 5

Wednesday 2nd August Time: 8pm

Joe Donnellan

Three International Musicians from Limerick

Three Limerick performers who were successful internationally but, with the passage of time, their achievements have fallen from public awareness.

Catherine Hayes an internationally renowned Soprano; who was born in Patrick St. Limerick.

George Alexander Osborne Pianist and Composer; who was friends with Chopin.

He enjoyed a very impressive career, not only in London, but also

throughout mainland Europe.

Joseph O’Mara who was a Tenor of international renown; of the O’Mara Bacon Factory family and fame; and whose family had a notable political involvement.

Talk Dates:

Speaker:

Talk Title:

Talk Description:

No. 6

Wednesday 9th August Time: 8pm

Dr. Mary Bourke

Geography: Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

This Talk will take you on an adventurous trail of discovery and magical geographical possibilities. Bring your Hiking Boots!

Dr. Mary Bourke currently lectures and undertakes research in the Geography Department of Trinity College, Dublin and has recently been awarded Fellowship.

An Earth and Planetary Geomorphologist with expertise in extreme environments on Earth and Mars. She has published over 60 manuscripts on landscapes in Antarctica, Australia, Namibia, Mars and Ireland. Her research has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, The Irish Times and Independent, on NBC Nightly News and on the BBC and RTE.

Talk Dates:

Speaker:

Talk Title:

Talk Description:

NO. 7

Wednesday 16th August Time: 8pm

Kilkee History Group

J. J. Hickie & Tommy McGrath

One Topic & Two Speakers

The Edmond; Hopes Lost & Human Impact of Kilkee’s Famine Time Shipwreck

Representing Kilkee History Group; J. J. Hickie & Tommy McGrath; two well-known Local Historians; who have an encyclopaedic knowledge of Kilkee’s life and times over recent centuries; will tell some of the personal stories of dashed hopes and dreams for those on board the “Edmond” which foundered on the rocks below Sykes House on Tuesday night 19th November 1850.

No. 8

Wednesday 23rd August Time: 8pm

Dr. Ciarán Ó Murchadha

Marcus Keane and Fr.

Michael Meehan: Two Figures from Clare’s Famine Landscape

Dr. Ciarán Ó Murchadha is an independent scholar and a leading historian on Ireland’s Great Famine.

Author of three major works on the Great Famine; including the internationally acclaimed book titled; The Great Famine: Ireland’s Agony 1845-1852 (2011). He was

also one of the principal organisers of the National Famine Commemoration held in Kilrush in 2013.

No. 9

Wednesday 30th August Time: 8pm

Dr. Paul O’Brien

Millers, Merchants, Mayors, Lane- Joynt Families Limerick

Dr Paul O’Brien is a lecturer in the Academic Learning Centre in Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick. Paul’s doctoral thesis, based on a hitherto undiscovered, Glynn family and business archive, examined north Munster

image

regional history and the history of the entrepreneurial Catholic bourgeoisie under the Union and into the emergence of the New State, c.1790-1940.

The Lane Joynt family of Limerick were of Huguenot extraction and active in Limerick business and politics from the early decades of the nineteenth century.

In 1859, the Lane Joynt family married into the Glynn family of Kilrush after being introduced at the Kilkee Races.

The lecture is based on substantial primary material including many fascinating photographs which are held in the Glynn archive & it tells the story of the rise of a Limerick merchant family in the nineteenth century.

image

Our Annual KCT – Arts in Focus 2017

Venue

Cultúrlann Sweeney, O’Connell St., Kilkee.

Friday 7th July

Time: 8pm

Exhibition open from 7.15pm

Venue:

Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee

Entry is Free of Charge

Arts in Focus

Fionnuala Murnane KCT Coordinator & MC for Arts in Focus

An evening of music, song, dance, poetry and film; together with a “Sea- Themed” exhibition of Arts & Crafts by local Artists.

All performers provide their services on a pro-bono basis.

There are more KCT Music Events are on the next two pages!

KCT Music 2017

Friday 14th July

Time: 8pm

SUMMER SERENADE

FEATURING

CLARE QUINN – MEZZO SOPRANO

Ireland’s Rising Classical Star Winner of

“The Golden Voice of America 2017” All Ireland Winner

Carnegie Hall Debutant

An amazing Classical Singer who performs across a spectrum of Operatic Arias, popular songs, musical Theatre and Hymns

Accompanied by superb local guest performers

Keeva Corry

4 Time World Champion Irish Dancer

Cathal Keane

All Ireland Winner – Irish Harp Slow Airs

– Sligo Fleadh 2015

Éimhear Greene

Wonderful Traditional Musician

An evening of song, music and dance by amazing young talent

NOT TO BE MISSED

Showcasing a wonderful array of up and coming young talent

Venue:

Cultúrlann Sweeney

O’Connell St., Kilkee

Tickets: Adults – €10

Strictly Children (under 18) – €5 Book your tickets at: Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee Telephone: (065) 906 0769

Website: www.culturlannsweeney.ie

E-mail:

Our performers provide their services on a pro-bono basis and we will express the appreciation of you “the audience” & KCT by presenting each performing artist with a Book Token.

Friday 21st July

Time: 8pm

Martin Bourke

Presents:

The “Richard Tauber” profile Singer, Composer, Conductor &

Film Maker

Fundraising Cause undertaken by

Martin Bourke on a pro-bono basis for Kilkee Civic Trust’s

Preservation & Restoration of Historical Structures Fund

Venue:

Cultúrlann Sweeney

O’Connell St., Kilkee

Tickets: Adults – €10

Strictly Children (under 18) – €5 Book your tickets at: Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee Telephone: (065) 906 0769

Website: www.culturlannsweeney.ie

E-mail:

Sunday In July or August

(Date TBC)

Ennis Brass Band

(Subject to availability and booking confirmation)

This event is jointly sponsored by Kilkee Chamber of Commerce & Kilkee Civic Trust and the essential and necessary costs are shared equally.

As always; KCT wishes to acknowledge the cooperation of our Parish Priest Fr. Kenny and the Church Choir with this annual event.

From Kilkee Church, (after 11am Mass), playing & marching via O’Curry St., to the Bandstand; where the music will continue.