By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy
Local actor Fintan Kelly has launched the latest work; The Shadow of the Pike; by renowned local author Maria Nolan at a well-attended morning ceremony at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, today (Saturday). Coffee and scones were amongst the refreshment delights.
Mr Kelly said; “I am honoured to be invited here this morning to launch the fourth in the series of novels by this fiercely proud Enniscorthy woman and fellow dramatist Maria Nolan
“I have known Maria all my entire life. Maria is not only a champion for the arts in Enniscorthy, but she is a champion of Enniscorthy. When it comes to promoting her town, the list really does go on and on.
“But I do feel that her involvement in the arts and historical societies in our community has brought us to this point here today.
“Maria’s knowledge of events make for compelling reading and comparisons of the battles of Vinegar Hill and the Alamo are both breathtaking and heartbreaking.
“To directly quote the back cover says; “this is an intriguing tale of friendship, love, loss and loyalty, passion, courage, strength and resilience on the never-ending quest for freedom.
“I would wish Maria the very best with this book and in all her future endeavours, concluded Mr Kelly.
Maria Nolan welcomed everyone to the launch including best selling novelists Caroline Busher and Carmel Harrington, there was a video message of congratulations from former RTE newsreader Anne Doyle, Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe and Cllr John O’Rourke gave their support and there was a warm welcome for Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager, members of Maria’s family, and in particular, her mother, friends and well-wishers.
Maria spoke about the book and also praised Anne Gilpin, back in Enniscorthy for the launch from Santiago, who edited the 440-page publication. All covers for the ‘Shadow’ series are the work of local artist Larry Dunne, who was also acknowledged at the launch.
“The pike, a symbol of the struggle against oppression and injustice, casts a long shadow from the battlefields of the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion in Wexford all the way to the grasslands of Texas and the ill-fated, isolated garrison of The Alamo,” said Maria.
The launch coincides as part of Enniscorthy’s inaugural Arts and Culture Festival, which sees a wide variety of creative events taking place across town today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.
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