MacNeice celebration at Carrick Civic Centre

A timely celebration of the life and work of Louis MacNeice has taken place at Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre.
Local Writer Phillip Orr giving a talk on the works of Louis McNeice. INCT 38-141-GRLocal Writer Phillip Orr giving a talk on the works of Louis McNeice. INCT 38-141-GR
Local Writer Phillip Orr giving a talk on the works of Louis McNeice. INCT 38-141-GR

Organised by local writer Philip Orr and Museum officer Shirin Murphy, the event on MacNeice’s birthday, included a short talk by former Ulster Museum curator, Trevor Parkhill and poetry readings by Stephen Sexton, Stephen Connolly and Kate Newman.

The well-attended evening also featured music from jazz duo Michael and Milana Barkley, who sang cabaret songs in recognition of Louis MacNeice’s wife Hedli Anderson, a well-known cabaret singer, whom he met in a theatre during the London blitz.

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Also on display was the museum’s extensive collection of material relating to MacNeice, which includes his christening cup and letters he sent home from boarding school.

The collection also contains personal items relating to his parents, the fiery and influential Reverend MacNeice, Rector of Saint Nicholas’ Church and his mother Lily Clesham, who died when Louis was a child.

A refurbished display of MacNeice material is expected to feature in the Antrim Street venue later this year. For museum enquiries, telephone Shirin Murphy on 028 9335 8049 or email [email protected]

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