Page 15 - The 17th Percy French Festival: The Quest for Authenticity

Irish Historic

Houses Association THE PERCY FRENCH FESTIVAL 2025

JULY 24 TH THURSDAY

Ireland’s remaining historic houses are evidence
of our cultural and historical relationship with
the rest of Europe. With their estates, gardens,
demesnes, and parks they have long had (and 10:00 am Dr Eve Watson
continue to occupy) a central position in the The extraordinary realm of meaning and affirmation
economic and social life of the communities that comes from direct human interaction
in which they were built. 10:30 am Q & A

The preservation of this part of Ireland’s cultural
heritage is of national importance. This has been 10:45 am Laoise de Brún BL
recognised by successive governments which have Ireland, a century on, our culture in crisis; have we segued
enacted legislation to help safeguard our historic from one theocracy to the next, one master to another,
houses for current and future generations and on the journey to find our authentic selves?
in the public interest. 11:15 am Q & A

Heritage properties remaining in private hands 11:30 am Tea/Coffee
have unique value, especially those owned
by the same family over generations. 12:00 pm Michael Hardiman
With artefacts and archives, many Authenticity: the antidote to postmodern nihilism
encapsulate local history and
preserve valuable long standing 12:30 pm Q & A
relationships with local communities
and if houses are sold and contents The Sean Freyne Memorial Lecture
dispersed, as alas has frequently been 12:45 9m Una B Agnew
the case, their cultural, historical, and social value Authenticity: learning not to care
is irreversibly reduced. Sean Freyne 1:15 pm Q & A
1935–2013

The HHI aims to promote and foster the immediate 1:30 pm Lunch
and long-term future of Irish privately owned historic
properties. For further information on our members 3:00 pm Dr Stephen J Costello
and activities please see www.ihh.ie
Meaning and the drama of authentic human existence
3:30 pm Q & A

3:45 pm Afternoon Recital

Malachy Tuohy
Percy French in view

4:30 pm Gardens Open

Nine nights of top-class amateur drama

Roscommon Annual Drama Festival 2025

Roscommon Arts Centre Friday 7th–Saturday 15th March
for further information and online booking visit
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www.roscommondramafestival.com