Festival could showcase Lurgan author’s links with Gandhi

The matter was mentioned at the latest ABC Economic Development & Regeneration committee meeting, with the relevant agenda item stating: “The JLF Island of Ireland festival is scheduled to take place in May, and due to Armagh’s historical importance and its prominent role in building peace and reconciliation, organisers have requested that Armagh City be one of the host cities.

“The proposed programme in Armagh includes a concert at the Market Place Theatre featuring Indian and local artists. It will showcase Indian, Irish, and Ulster-Scots musical traditions.

“In advance of the concert, it is proposed to host a reception for invited guests in the Archbishop’s Palace. The second day in Armagh would consist of workshops at the Robinson’s Library. There will then be another evening event in the Market Place featuring writers/commentators.”

Commenting on the plans, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon (SDLP) said: “The Jaipur Literature Festival is coming to the borough later in [May]. This is a fantastic festival. I’ve had some people on about the importance of it on a global scale, and it has links back to India.

“But what has actually been brought to my attention is the link between local writer Æ Russell, and I’m told that there’s a very strong connection between him and Gandhi, and Gandhi very much appreciated Russell’s writings.

“In fact, there has been a project recently taking place in Armagh where they have transcribed and translated some of the writings — even as Gaeilge, into Irish — and there are some booklets that have been published by Réamonn Ó Ciarán, with illustrations by local artist Dara Vallely.

“I’m just checking to see if there’s a way we could link in with the organisers, because I know they’re already doing some work in the Market Place Theatre, the public library, and other buildings, and to see if — I know it’s a tenuous link in terms of Æ Russell, but I think it’s important that if there is that link there, that the borough’s voice is made known and that link is connected.

“There is a local Æ Russell Festival that the council actually funds, so if we could maybe bring some people together — it’s not about a financial ask, it’s about bringing some people together and seeing if that link can be explored and promoted through that festival.”

Head of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Brian Johnston replied: “The festival is taking place on May 26-27 in Armagh.

“At this point, they’re using the Palace, the Market [Place] Theatre, and the Robinson Library. The programme is still forming. There is a strong music element to it, but there will be literature as well. So, we will happily speak with the organisers and see if we can make that link.

“We had actually been approached by some of the Æ Russell Society representatives from Lurgan. They were keen to be involved, and we’ve reached out to John Hewitt [Society] and other literary groups to help generate footfall and people through the event. So, I’ll certainly follow up on that.”