Féile Lachtain 2023 launched in Freshford

Féile Lachtain 2023 was launched in Freshford on Saturday by Chair of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick.

In his address, Cllr Fitzpatrick signalled the one-day loan by the National Museum of the Shrine of St Lachtain’s Arm to Ionad Lachtain in Freshford as the single most important cultural event in the county this year. This event will happen on Saturday, June 17. 

Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is based at St Lachtain’s Church of Ireland, Freshford.

The centre was established in 2017 in order to promote the  Church of St Lachtain as a visitor and heritage centre. 

In his address, Cllr Fitzpatrick congratulated the Ionad Lachtain committee on its endeavours since its foundation. He noted the presence of a local museum and the benefit of having an outlet for local craft workers in Freshford. 

He acknowledged the enlightened approach of the authorities at the National Museum in facilitating the display of one of the Treasures of Ireland outside the capital city for the first time. He encouraged everyone to avail of the opportunity of seeing this important piece of our heritage in a local setting. 

The launch of Feile Lachtain 2023 was followed by the first lecture of the year. There was a warm welcome for author Siobhán Doyle’s talk on her book A History of the GAA in 100 Objects. 

Siobhán outlined some of the items which caught her attention during her research and highlighted those with a Kilkenny connection. 

Following the lecture, Cllr Fitzpatrick unveiled a painting by local artist Larry Hamilton. The painting consists of an artistic interpretation of the hymn Lachtaín Naofa written in calligraphy and surrounded by a floral motif. Lachtaín Naofa was composed by the late Tom Waldron in 1984 in honour of the patron saint of Freshford.    

Harpist Mary Kelly opened and closed the proceedings last Saturday. It was   revealed that Mary had turned down the opportunity to play at the welcome home ceremony for President Biden in Ballina on Friday night in order to play in her native Freshford. 

The next item on the Féile Lachtain 2023 programme will take place this weekend when Fleadh Cheoil Chill Chainnigh returns to the village for the second year in a row. The highlight of the weekend will be the Fleadh Cheoil Concert in Ionad Lachtain on Saturday night.