FÉILE FIDELMA 2010!
DETAILS ANNOUNCED
The organisers of the Féile Fidelma, the Cashel Arts Fest Committee, have announced that the third three-day international gathering of Fidelma enthusiasts will be held on September 10-12, 2010, at the Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary,
Ireland.
The cost of registration remains at US$195 for the weekend with a 10% discount for those registering before May 1, 2010. The cost, therefore, remains at the 2008 level.
Registration covers the reception and official welcome by the Mayor of Cashel, the Saturday evening dinner, costs of all the lectures and the play-reading as well coffee breaks. Joanne O’Brien, of the County Tipperary Historical Society, will be leading a tour of historic Cashel on the Saturday afternoon which is separate to visits to The Rock of Cashel.
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!
The 2010 speakers will be
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Seamus J. King is the main coordinator of the Féile on behalf of the Cashel Arts Fest Committee and will be master of ceremonies. Seamus is a long-term enthusiast of the Sister Fidelma Mysteries and instrumental in establishing the Féile.
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Professor Pádraig Ó Riain, one of Ireland’s foremost scholars, former Professor of Old and Middle Irish at University College Cork, Parnell Fellow at Magdalene College, Cambridge, President of the Irish Texts Society, Member of the Royal Irish Academy, and author of numerous works in his field.
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Anna Heussaff, award winning Irish language novelist. Her novel Bás Tobann (2004) was a detective novel; Vortex (2006) was written for young people while Cúpla Focal (2007) was a romance. All three novels won first prize in the Oireachtas Literary Awards.
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Luigi Sanvito, editor of the Italian publishers of the Fidelma series Hobby e Work of Milan. The company established itself two decades ago as one of Italian’s major publishers, and Luigi has won a reputation for developing the detective fiction side of its publishing enterprise.
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Caroline Lennon, an actress from Co. Wicklow, who has recorded several of the Fidelma books for the audio book editions. Caroline became a household name for playing the part of Siobhán in BBC Radio’s long running series "The Archers" for nine years.
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Neil Donnelly is one of Ireland’s leading playwrights and directors. He has written for stage, screen and radio. His work has long been associated with The Abbey Theatre, Dublin. He is dramatising Peter Tremayne’s short story "Invitation to a Poisoning," which will be presented as a "rehearsed reading."
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Joanne O’Brien of the County Tipperary Historical Society will be leading a tour of "Historic Cashel."
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David R. Wooten, from Charleston, South Carolina, is director of The International Sister Fidelma Society, and editor of its journal, The Brehon.
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Peter Tremayne needs no introduction – he is the creator and author of The Sister Fidelma Mysteries.
FÉILE FIDELMA 2008!:
SISTER FIDELMA'S WORLD AT CASHEL
A review of the weekend's events by Féile Fidelma event coordinator Seamus J. King:
The Second Féile Fidelma
September 5-7, 2008
The second Féile Fidelma was held in the Horse & Jockey Hotel on September 5-7, 2008. Situated 8 miles north of Cashel, it was chosen as the venue for the weekend because of the unavailability of the Cashel Palace Hotel. It turned out to be a very suitable alternative with plenty of facilities, a friendly staff and good food and drink.
Sixty friends of Fidelma turned up for the occasion, and they came from nine countries, Ireland, U.S., Canada, Argentina, U.K., France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. Many of them were returning for their second weekend, having attended the first, which was held at Cashel in September 2006.
The visitors started arriving at Cashel as early as Wednesday and spent a couple of days touring places in the neighbourhood and imbibing the atmosphere of Fidelma's home town and area. The formalities commenced with a reception and the official opening of the Feile by Mayor Martin Browne on Friday evening. He was introduced by the chairman of Cashel Arts Fest, John Murray, and replied to by the author of the Fidelma Mysteries himself, Peter Tremayne.
Everything was then in place for the first talk of the weekend, which was given on the topic, 'An Author's Cares' by Peter. This was an informative and witty presentation on the trials and tribulations of being a writer and the difficulties he encounters in the course of his work. Peter held his audience spellbound for the hour and was delighted to answer their many queries afterwards. In fact he proved then and over the course of the weekend that he is the most accessible of authors, spending much time talking to his readers, signing their books and, on the Monday evening after the weekend, meeting his fans in the local library for another session.
Many of the audience adjourned to the pub of the hotel after the talk. This was the original part of what today is a very modern establishment. Commencing as a shebeen in the eighteenth century it evolved into an important halting stop for the mail coaches that plied their way on the highway between Dublin and Cork. It still retains the character of a pub and it was the ideal meeting place for the participants over the weekend.
Saturday introduced us to us to the heavier academic contributions of the weekend. Dr. Dagmar Ó Riain-Raedal opened proceedings with a talk entitled 'In the Sign of the Cross: The Secret History of the Rock of Cashel'. Dagmar knows more about the Rock of Cashel than anyone in existence, having made it her life study and she imparted her wonderful erudition with a leavening of dry humour.
Professor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín was the next to take the podium and his topic was the shortest title of the weekend, 'AD 664'. And what was the significance of that year? It was the year the Fidelma Mysteries began with the first novel, 'Absolution by Murder' in which the Abbess Etain, a leading speaker for the Celtic Church, is found murdered in suspicious circumstances. Dáibhí expounded on the significance of the year which saw the Synod of Whitby, where the murder took place, a major eclipse of the sun, and a plague as well. It was a fascinating talk.
The third and final talk of the day was completely different, devoted to the musical instruments of prehistoric Ireland right down to the time of Fidelma. Simon and Maria O'Dwyer are an amazing couple who have made a study of these ancient instruments from archaeological remains as well as from paintings and engravings. Their study hasn't stopped there but they have re-constructed many of these instruments and were able to illustrate their talk by showing examples of them. Their real tour de force was to be able to play them as well, filling the theatre with ancient sounds and introducing us to the kind of music Fidelma would have listened to as she enjoyed her meal after a busy day.
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Saturday evening was the occasion of the Féile dinner. This is a high point of the weekend. The bonding that has taken place up to now is firmed up as the participants eat and drink together in a convivial atmosphere. Everyone was welcomed by Seamus King and the grace was said in Swedish by Ulla Trenter, the translator of the first novel into her language. John Murray proposed the toast to 'Our Guests' on behalf of the Cashel Arts Fest and Peter Tremayne suitable replied with a witty presentation.
The Sister Fidelma mysteries have made a huge impact in Germany and Karola Hagemann was to hand for the first talk on Sunday morning to tell us about it. Karola is part of a duo, who have written a series of books, under the pseudonym 'Malachy Hyde' featuring Silvianus Rhodius, a detective in Anatolia in the time of Mark Antony. She analysed the reasons why novels based in Celtic Ireland should make such an impact in her country. According to her one of the features of the novels that attracts the Germans are the wonderful open log fires that are a part of Fidelma's home on the Rock of Cashel and at which she unwinds with a mug of ale after a difficult day. According to Karola all Germans dream of an open fire.
Morgan Llewelyn is Ireland's bestselling contemporary historical novelist and her work has appeared in twenty-seven languages. Like Fidelma she loves the countryside and she is an expert horsewoman. Her talk was 'Novelising Ireland' and what better speaker for the task. In fact contemporaneously with her appearance at the Feile Fidelma weekend was the publication of her latest blockbuster on St. Brendan. She spoke of the importance of myth and how all myth is based upon some fact. She regaled us with stories of the lengths she has gone in researching her novels and the meticulous care with which she develops her plots.
Last, but by no means least, we had David Wooten, whose contribution to the success of the second Féile Fidelma was outstanding. As the director of the International Sister Fidelma Society, he has publicised the event over the past twelve months, exhorted members to travel to Cashel, kept people informed of what was going on, and did all in his power to publicise the Sr. Fidelma novels. He spoke about the Society, what work it does, and where it is going. He encouraged people to become members by paying the subscription of $29.95 annually, which entitles one to three copies of 'The Brehon' annually.
One of David's major contributions to the weekend was the production of the program for the event. This beautifully-produced thirty-six page booklet, lavishly illustrated, contained all the information required by those who attended the weekend. A well as the program it included biographical notes on the speakers, welcome pieces by David and Peter – in the latter Peter reveals an extensive knowledge of the Horse and Jockey area – and the text of the talk given by Dr. John Scraggs at the first Feile Fidelma 'The Impact of Sister Fidelma on Irish Crime Fiction'. This is a collector's item and a valuable companion to a similar booklet produced by David for the first Feile Fidelma.
All good things come to an end and so it was on the Sunday. Seamus King advised the participants to have a look at Ireland's greatest game, hurling, on television that afternoon. It was the All-Ireland final, the high point in the hurling calendar, between Kilkenny and Waterford. The game turned out to be one-sided with Kilkenny supreme. Rose-Marie Nabholz of Arkansas was ecstatic as she wore the Kilkenny colours all weekend. Most people went for a tour of the Rock of Cashel, where they got a detailed tour from one of the guides.
Afterwards it was down to the Buttery of the Cashel Palace Hotel to renew acquaintance with that special place and particularly with barman, Denis, who can talk about anyone, who has met everyone, and who can sing a song with the best.
Already the crowd had begun to disperse and there was a distinct feeling of end of term. Much was learned over the weekend, acquaintances were renewed, friendships begun and there was a feeling of general satisfaction that the visit was worthwhile. There was talk of a third Feile Fidelma in two years time, and even a suggestion that it might be held in Charleston to cater for the big American following. However, it would be difficult to take it away from Cashel with its many associations and historical resonances, Fidelma's hometown.
If you attended this year's event and wish to submit photos for inclusion in this section of our website, please email them to david@sisterfidelma.com.
The speakers for 2008 were:
- Fidelma’s creator, Peter Tremayne;
- International best-selling Irish historical novelist Morgan Llewelyn;
- Expert on Early medieval Ireland and author Professor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín;
- German historical mystery novelist and instructor to the Lower Saxony Police Force, Karola Hagemann;
- Expert on Irish missionary work in ‘Dark Ages’. Dr Dagmar Ó Riain-Raedal;
- Experts on Early Medieval Irish music and instruments, Simon and Maria O’Dwyer; and, of course,
- David R. Wooten, the director of The International Sister Fidelma Society
Photos below contributed by: Emily Kirwan; Hans van den Boom; Jim Barr (whose online album has MANY more photos - it can be seen HERE); Maggie Tolderlund; Rose Nabholz
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FÉILE FIDELMA 2006!: SISTER FIDELMA'S WORLD AT CASHEL
Ireland's international best selling fictional detective was celebrated in a
weekend convention by her `hometown' - a rousing success proclaimed by all!
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September 8-10, 2006
Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co Tipperary, Ireland
CLICK HERE FOR SELECT EXCERPTS FROM LECTURERS' DISCUSSIONS
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Introduction: A view from Peter Tremayne
One of the greatest and most memorable experiences in a writing career stretching back nearly forty years. That is my assessment of the Féile Fidelma 2006! And my wife, Dorothy, has summed it up as `a magical weekend'. We travelled to Cashel, a town we know so very well, on Thursday evening with my nephew, Paul. We arrived in some anticipation, as we had no idea how the Féile would turn out. Our old friend, Seamus King, met us and we went for a meal to discuss the weekend programme.
Over fifty people from ten countries had registered and some others had registered for certain parts of the weekend. And how wonderful it was to meet them all. It was like meeting old friends. One felt the warmth and friendliness and the common interests. It was good to meet Annie from Scotland who co-ordinated the Yahoo discussion group for a time. Alas, there seemed so little time to spend with each and everyone, so an apology to anyone that I was unable to spend as much time as they wanted.
Then there were the speakers, who were old friends, and the members of the organising committee.
Two people I must mention especially among those attending. Peter Elkington from British Columbia aged 83 years. He arrived in Shannon Airport, having booked a car, with valid Canadian and US licence, and was told that he was `too old' to hire the car. I find that outrageous and `age-ist'. Protests will be made. Peter had to hire a taxi to get him all the way from Shannon to Cashel, Co. Tipperary, as he did not want to miss anything. Check out the distance. That's dedication for you. Thanks, Peter, your presence made the events even brighter. Seamus took matter in hand and drove Peter back to Shannon to get his flight home. Seamus deserves a medal - we'll have to have an `Order of Sister F' for such devoted service! How about it, David? [Peter, consider it done! - David]
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Sunday afternoon I went with Seamus [King] and about 25 of those remaining after the Féile Fidelma closed to The Rock. While we were there, one of the official guides - Jerry Coffey - came running round and grabbed me. Told me that a coach load of Americans had just arrived and knew nothing of the Féile but had started to ask questions about Fidelma. Jerry had seen me on the otherside of the Rock and raced round to get me. Amazing! 30 or 40 US tourists suddenly bursting out clapping when he returned with me - photographs, autographs and one little old lady giving me a hug. I could get swell-headed! Jerry said he often gets such tours come through. - Peter Tremayne |
The oldest attendee was 86 year old Brendan Walsh, a Kerryman, who travelled from Manchester, England, with his daughter. Again, it was a delight to speak with him.
Right from 10 a.m. on Friday, starting with an interview on Radio Cashel, I was `on the go'. From there to Seamus' house to help him, David Wooten, my nephew, Paul, organise the `welcome packs'. Then to lunch with a group of friends and fans, including David and others. Then off to Cashel Library to give a talk and reading to about thirty people. This was a separate event to the weekend for locals mainly but many visitors passing through Cashel attended, such as an Austrian couple, who had not realised the weekend was on and who came with German language Fidelma editions in search of locations. Questions came thick and fast and books were signed and photos taken.
Then I was on the move again to Olivia and PJ's Sister Fidelma Guesthouse to officially open it. Great fun meeting more old friends like Dean Philip Knowles of Cashel Cathedral and the former Mayor Tom Woods (who held a civic reception and presentation for me in the Council Chamber two years ago) and the current Mayor Paddy Downey. But there was no rest for the wicked, for we had to literally run to the Civic Offices where Mayor Downey gave a reception for the speakers and organising committee. Then it was a run back to Cashel Palace Hotel for the official opening of the weekend.
And then the Féile Fidelma started.
There is no need for me to give my take on those events. Someone added up that I had to make eight speeches over the course of the weekend, most of them `off-the-cuff ' so I apologise as to their quality. I thought I was only going to get away with my Friday night talk on Fidelma's World. Ah well, I hope I didn't bore you too much!
I have to say, like everyone else, I enjoyed and learnt a lot from all the speakers and I would specially like to thank Dr Dan McCarthy of Trinity College, Dublin, who had a bad accident, falling down a flight of stairs some days before and damaging his spine. He could, with good reason, easily have cancelled but it is a tribute to Dan's dedication that he determined to attend. Dan's wife drove him down to Cashel where he delivered his talk in obvious great comfort. You will all be pleased to hear that Dan is now on the road to recovery after sessions with a physio.
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Then Monday lunchtime - Dorothy and I had just had coffee and a snack in The Bakehouse in the town (trying to avoid the residue of the weekend). We were just leaving. Dorothy behind me, passing a table, heard an American lady say: `We've missed Peter Tremayne by a day'. Dorothy called me back and said to her `this is Tremayne'. Jeezus! I now know what a pop star feels like. Told her and her husband (a Malone and herself a Flynn from just north of NYC) to finish their meal and come over the Cashel Palace where I would sign their books - they picked up some paperbacks from the Heritage Centre. They were just passing through for a day also looking for Fidelma connections and didn't know the event has taken place when they were told. Lucky the woman was lamenting aloud her misfortune at having, as she thought, missed me, and even luckier that Dorothy has sharp hearing! - Peter Tremayne |
My wife and I had arranged to stay on after the weekend and were delighted that we did so. The experiences on the Sunday afternoon, the unexpected arrival of a coach load of US tourists at The Rock looking for Fidelma sites, and the two US tourists in The Bakehouse, were wonderful experiences. Annie from Scotland's suggestion of a meal on the Sunday evening was an inspiration. It gave me more chance to talk with people. In fact, it was difficult to leave altogether.
Monday morning found me doing another interview with Cashel Radio about the weekend. And on Monday we checked with Nuala at Book Nook who was halfway between outrage and tears that her supplies of the latest novel A Prayer for the Damned had not turned up. They had not turned up by midday on the Tuesday, even though the Dutch and Argentines waited in the hope of taking away copies. Representations are being made to the publishers as some answers need to be made and apologies to all those who could to get books when all those attending had been assured they would be able to purchase. It will be no comfort to anyone for me to point out that, as I write on Friday a.m., my own author's copies have not arrived at my house either!
One American lady was so upset on Monday night that Seamus, a great man, indeed, actually went home and brought back his own copy and gave her so that she could go home with an autographed copy. Seamus and his wife Margaret entertained Dorothy and I and Paul to a great dinner on Monday at their house, a special, personal occasion, and on Tuesday Olivia, PJ, Petra and `Sheila' played hosts for a wonderful lunch at the Fidelma Guesthouse before we finally departed for Cork airport. I have to admit, I handed the car keys to Paul to drive - I was pleasantly exhausted both physically and mentally. It was a great experience.
As I mentioned at the Saturday dinner, Seamus, John and Emily and the entire Cashel Arts Festival, have done a fantastic job and all our thanks go on to them. Go raibh míle maith agaibh - sláinte mhór agaibh ó bhalla go balla.
A recap of events from Seamus King of the Cashel Arts Fest:
Feile Fidelma – Cashel, Ireland, September 8-10, 2006.
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The idea of a weekend devoted to the life and times of Sister Fidelma, the fictional nun-sleuth in the Fidelma Mysteries by Peter Tremayne, was
first mooted during a visit by the author to open the Cashel Arts Fest
in 2004. It seemed a good idea at the time and it has proved a winner since then.
The Cashel Arts Fest committee, who have been organising a festival devoted to the arts in Cashel in November for three years, were enthusiastic. They saw it as an extension of their brief, and they found an enthusiastic member of the committee, Seamus King, to undertake the work of organisation. A date, in the second week of September, was agreed as the most appropriate time to hold it.
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Finding a name for such an event caused some difficulty. No fewer than sixty ‘summer schools’ take place in Ireland during the year, most of
them devoted to historical, literary and musical figures. They are usually
held over the summer but the Sr. Fidelma weekend was outside the season, so a different name had to be found. Eventually ‘Féile Fidelma’ was decided, which means something
equivalent to ‘a festival devoted to Fidelma’, even though it wasn’t strictly a festival! But the name sounded well and the alliteration was important.
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The author, Peter Tremayne, was enthusiastic about such an event from the beginning and set about getting a list of speakers together, who would add lustre to the event. He succeeded admirably. He, himself, gave the introductory talk on ‘Fidelma’s World’, and there could have been no better person to introduce proceedings. The Fidelma Mysteries are part of the genre of Science Fiction and Dr. John Scaggs of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland was drafted in to speak of the impact of Sister Fidelma on Irish Crime Fiction. Dr. Andrew Breeze of the University of Navarra, Spain addressed the links between the cultures of the kingdoms of Ireland and Dyfed in Wales, as reflected in the Fidelma adventure, Smoke in the Wind. Dr. Dan McCarthy of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, an authority on the astronomy and chronology in the ancient Irish annals and chronicles, spoke about how closely the knowledge of the annals has been substantiated by modern scientific investigations. Professor Máirín Ni Dhonnchadha, of University Colleg, Galway, Ireland, spoke of a seventh-century love tale of Liadan and Cuirither, which parallels the story of Fidelma and Eadulf in the Mysteries. As the Mysteries have been translated into thirteen languages it was only appropriate to hear from someone in the area of translation, and Hans van den Boom, the Dutch translator and publisher was invited to speak of the problems. Finally, the person who has done more than any to publicise the Fidelma Mysteries, and who runs the Fidelma Website, as well as being Director of the International Fidelma Society and editor of its magazine, The Brehon, spoke about the role of the Society and where it was going.
The task of getting people to register for the weekend commenced and it was helped immensely by David Wooten’s efforts on the website. Intending participants were able to register online and in the course of time about fifty did so. Anyone who registered before May 1 received a ten percent discount. The target number was fifty, with the hope that the figure might be exceeded. They came from ten different countries, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, U.S.
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September 8 was awaited with a certain amount of trepidation on the part of the organisers, that everything would go according to plan. The first official function of the weekend was reading from his work and answering questions at Cashel Library by Peter Tremayne. An enthusiastic audience had so many questions and requests for signatures and photographs that the event ran over time.
It was then straight to Bruden Fidelma for its official opening by the author. P. J. and Olivia Quinlan have been running Cashel Town Bed and Breakfast in John Street for some time and decided to create a themed hostelry after the characters in the Fidelma Mysteries. They got the fullest support from the author and outstanding help from local artist, Neil Ryan, in transforming the rooms with names from the novels and quotations from the Brehon Laws. Peter cut the ribbon to represent the re-naming of the place before an enthusiastic bunch of neighbours and friends, plus a number of the participants in the weekend. While doing so he quoted from some rules and regulations in the Brehon Laws relating to the duties and obligations of hosts and guests in hostelries.
OFFICIAL HOME OF THE SOCIETY WHEN IN CASHEL!
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A busy evening so far, it was to get busier. Peter and others had to leave the reception that followed the re-naming to get back to the Civic Offices of Cashel Town Council. Here, Mayor Paddy Downey, formally welcomed Peter Tremayne, members of Cashel Arts Fest, and others associated with Féile Fidelma, giving official recognition to the weekend.
The Cashel Palace Hotel was the headquarters of the weekend and it was here that the official opening took place. Most of the participants had registered by this stage and they collected for the reception and formal opening, together with local dignitaries and politicians. Mayor Paddy Downey welcomed everyone, thanked the organisers for their preparations and wished the weekend every success.
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The first talk, by Peter Tremayne on Fidelma’s World followed. It was chaired by John Murray, chairman of Cashel Arts Fest, and was followed by a question and answer session. When it was over there was time to relax and many adjourned to the bar for the type of refreshment that follow such events in Ireland.
Everyone was ready at 9.30 on Saturday morning for the first of three lectures, chaired by Seamus King, and they all engendered lively contributions from the floor afterwards.
The afternoon was given over to a coach trip to places associated with the Fidelma Mysteries. This took the participants through Tipperary and on to Emly, Knocklong, the Glen of Aherlow and back to Cashel via Knockgraffon. One of the highlights was a group photograph in the place in Emly graveyard where the monastery that features in the novels once stood. Liam O Duibhir, a local historian gave the commentary.
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It was back then to the Cashel Palace Hotel for the formal dinner. This was a most enjoyable event and the enjoyment was reflected
in the way the decibel level of the conversation rose at the meal progressed. Peter Tremayne added to the enjoyment with an entertaining after dinner speech. There was a late night for some afterwards in the bar.
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Participants were given a little leeway the following morning with the first of three talks, chaired by Emily Kirwan, not commencing until 10
am. During the morning there was a break to take a group photograph in the
front of the hotel. This will be mailed to each of the participants. In the afternoon many of those who were still around got a tour of the Rock of Cashel.
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There was a reluctance among the participants about bringing a most enjoyable weekend to an end so there was another get-together for dinner at Legends restaurant that night. But, all good things do come to an end and departures that had begun on Sunday afternoon continued apace from early on Monday morning. Only a few were still around to depart on Tuesday.
It’s too early yet to comprehend everything relating to the weekend. However, initial reactions are very positive. The variety of participants from so many countries added to the international flavour of the event and reflected the worldwide appeal of ‘Fidelmania’.
The quality of the lectures was of such a high standard that nobody could have been displeased with the weekend. The accessibility and affability of the author made a huge impact on the participants. The smallness of the town of Cashel gave an intimacy and cohesion to the event that made it special. In fact the question of a second weekend, or an annual event devoted to the Fidelma Mysteries, was discussed. The consensus appeared to be that there must be another one at some time in the future, and that Cashel is the only place to hold it, Fidelma’s ‘hometown’.
Finally, Féile Fidelma produced one important memento. David Wooten, who did such outstanding work in publicising the weekend, produced a thirty-two page booklet that all the participants received in their packs. A souvenir programme, it will remain a treasured possession of the weekend long after the memories have faded.
PICTURES SENT IN BY KEN & SUE SQUIERS
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Speakers
- Professor Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha of the National University of Ireland, Galway, specialises in Old and Middle Irish and Brehon Law. Máirín is widely published in her field. She co-edited The Field Day Anthology of Irish Writers Vol. IV and V (2002) to which she contributed the `Medieval to Modern AD 600-1900' section on Irish Women's Writing and Traditions. She is an authority on Adomnán's Lex Innocentium or `Law of the Innocents', a revolutionary law first enacted in Ireland in AD 697. It had force in Ireland and in parts of Britain. Máirín is a member of the Irish Manuscripts Commission.
- Dr Dan McCarthy of Trinity College, Dublin. The leading expert on the history of computistics, astronomy and chronology in the ancient Irish annals and chronicles. His work has been published in many academic journals and he has co-authored a book with Dr Aidan Breen (of the School of Celtic Studies, DIAS) `The ante-Nicene Christian Pasch: De Ratione Paschala - The Paschal tract of Anatolius, bishop of Laodicea', Four Courts Press, Dublin, 2003. Dr McCarthy and Dr Dáibhí Ó Crónín worked and published on the famous `lost' Irish calendar which Columbanus used to argue the date of Easter with Pope Gregory in the early 7th Century. Thought lost for over a thousand years, the 84 Year Easter Table was rediscovered in the 1980s in the Biblioteca Antoniana, Padua.
- Dr Andrew Breeze of the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. A Welshman lecturing in Spain, Andrew has published widely in the field of the medieval literature of Wales and Ireland. His Medieval Welsh Literature, Four Courts, Dublin, 1997, is regarded as a classic study of the subject. He was particularly intrigued by the Fidelma adventure - Smoke in the Wind - when, voyaging from Ireland, Fidelma lands in the Welsh kingdom of Dyfed and finds surprising links between the two cultures while solving the mysterious disappearance of an entire religious community.
- Dr John Scaggs of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick University. A lecturer in the Department of English, John is a specialist in modern crime fiction and author of such books as Crime Fiction (Routledge, 2005) and Historical Crime Fiction (Routledge, 2006). He has also written an analytical essay on the Sister Fidelma books for The Brehon magazine. He was involved in the organisation of the international conference on crime fiction held at the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2005, introducing a talk given by Peter Tremayne on his creation.
- Hans van den Boom of De Leeskamer, who publish the Dutch editions of the Sister Fidelma books. After taking a degree in business studies at the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Hans spent several years working for the international publishing companies Elsevier and VNU. For more than ten years he was one of the editors of Stripschrift, the world's oldest magazine about graphic books and comics. He has written a number of books about European comics and has estimated that during the last thirty years he has translated nearly a thousand graphic novels and historical thrillers, mostly from French and English, but also some from Spanish, German and Danish. In 1981 he launched his own publishing house Arboris, which today publishes graphic novels in Dutch, Danish and German. In 2002 De Leeskamer was founded as a publishing house specialising in historical thrillers. The Sister Fidelma Mysteries are now among their most popular series.
- David R. Wooten - director of The International Sister Fidelma Society and editor of its magazine The Brehon. Now a Charleston, South Carolina, businessman, David took his degree in Ancient Near Eastern History at North Carolina State University. Before launching his business career he worked in the State Archives and remained interested in history and heraldry and currently serves as the Executive Director, as well as member of the Board of Governors, of the American College of Heraldry. He is the author of We All Become Forefathers (1993) and was special editor (heraldry) on The New Oxford Dictionary of American English (Oxford University Press, 2001). He launched a small publishing house Phoenix Press and became a website designer and graphics consultant, running his own `August 9' consultancy. He devised the first Sister Fidelma website, with the permission of the author, in 2000 and such was the response he obtained the author's permission to launch The International Sister Fidelma Society a year later.
- Peter Tremayne - the creator and author of the Sister Fidelma series is, of course, no stranger to Cashel. In 2004 he was given a civic welcome, reception and presentation by the Mayor of Cashel, Cllr. Tom Wood. Born in Coventry, England, his father was a Cork journalist who started his career on the then Cork Examiner. Although he took his degrees in Celtic Studies, Peter also went into journalism for a while and became deputy editor of an Irish weekly newspaper. Under his own name, Peter Berresford Ellis, he is the equally well known for his works of non-fiction about the Celts and aspects of Irish history. His History of the Irish Working Class (1972) is still regarded as a classic of Irish historiography. His study of the Cromwellian colonisation Hell or Connaught! has been continuously in print since publication in 1975. His novel The Rising of the Moon (1987) set against the IRB (Fenian) invasion of British North America in 1866 was on the Irish bestseller lists for several weeks reaching No 4 position. In 2003 he was made an Hon. Life Member of the Irish Literary Society (founded in 1891 by Nobel Literary Laureate W.B. Yeats) whose current president is the Nobel Literary Laureate Seamus Heaney. The Sister Fidelma series now consists of 16 titles.