New publication inspired by history and folklore of Banagher set to be launched

A new publication inspired by the history and folklore of Banagher is set to be launched online on Thursday, December 2 next at 7pm.

'A Place of Pointed Stones' poems and songs inspired by the history and folklore of Banagher by Jessica Trayor saw the poet involve all sections of the local community in the large-scale project last year.

She held a number of workshops, mentorships and interviews with local people of all ages in the Banagher area to feed into a new pamphlet of poems, and a new song composed by Elaine Agnew.

As part of the project Jessica Traynor also worked with local transition year students at Banagher College to generate the lyrics for a song paying tribute to Banagher and its environs. Composer Elaine Agnew set the words to music, and the resulting song will be performed by 6th class students from St Rynagh’s National School.

On the night of the launch, local historian James Scully will speak about the rich history of Banagher, Jessica Traynor will read a selection of poems from her pamphlet, and a video of St Rynagh’s N.S. students performing ‘From the Shannon to St Rynagh’s’ will get its premiere.

"I was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to immerse myself in the history of Banagher, and write poems that pay tribute to this fascinating part of the world. I was also delighted to have the chance to get to know the people in the area, and be inspired by their passion for their town.

"Working with composer Elaine Agnew, typesetter Jamie Murphy of The Salvage Press, local historian James Scully, Sally O’Leary, Arts Officer, Offaly County Council, Margaret Broom and Geraldine Relph, Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath, and all those who took part in my courses and workshops made the experience truly special," poet Jessica Traynor says.

'It's been a great pleasure to work with all the brilliant young singers from St Rynagh’s National School and their facilitator Geraldine Relph (Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath) in the making and and the learning of this new and exciting song. The children's energy and enthusiasm has brought this song to life," composer Elaine Agnew added.

'A Place of Pointed Stones' is a new commission by Offaly County Council, funded through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government’s Per Cent for Art Scheme.

The online launch will take place via zoom on Thursday, December 2 at 7pm. To register please send an email to arts@offalycoco.ie with your full name.