Draíocht goes from strenght to strength

THE tenth anniversary celebrations of Draíocht in Blanchardstown are in full swing with a huge birthday bash held last month and a great programme of fantastic music, art and cultural events ready to kick-off in September.
Over 400 guests packed into the Dublin 15 centre for the birthday party at which President Mary McAleese – who officially opened Draíocht back in 2001 – was guest of honour.Speking at the celebration director of Draíocht, Emer McGowan, reflected on a great decade and looked forward to an even better future.

“The future for Draíocht has so many possibilities,

? she said.

“We respond, initiate and facilitate; open doors to worlds that people could never imagine. If we keep doing that, our future is looking bright.

?President McAleese’s speech on the night captured the feeling of pride and celebration of all who were in attendance.

“It’s the 10th birthday and we are under the spell of Draíocht,

? she told guests.

“It’s an amazing thing really

?¦ the place has just absolutely resonated with the joy that comes of having arts right at the centre of people’s lives.

“The world is more beautiful, the world is more full of wonder, the world is more full of good things, thanks to the world of Draíocht, thanks to the magic of the arts.

“It’s a great thing to come here, to celebrate 10 years. Now when you think of Blanchardstown, you think of Draíocht. It has become so intrinsic, so woven into the community. What a wonderful gift, right at the heart of the community.

?Music at the celebrations was provided on the evening by children from The Castleknock School of Music, with a solo piano piece played especially for the President by student Rachel Armstrong.All the local performing groups were represented among the guests, including Marie Barber and Gladys Coyle from Stagezone, Bernie Aston from Dance Fusion, Catherine Kennington from Coolmine Musical Society, Linda Tristram from Coolmine Drama Group, John Furlong from Coolmine Panto Group, Mary O’Reilly from the Pioneer Musical Society and Paul Cullen from OnQ Theatre Company to name but a few.Past performers and artists mingled with the crowd including singer Maria Tecce, actress Nuala Hayes, artists Desmond Kenny and Garvan Gallagher, all in the very capable hands of local MC Paddy Coyle.Joining the crowd were local business representatives including David Donnelly, President of the D15 Chamber, Tony Lambert, CEO of Fingal Dublin Chamber and Pat Fitzgerald and Annette Davey from The Blanchardstown Centre.Also there was politicons including Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, Mayor of Fingal Gerry Maguire, Deputy Mayor of Fingal Patrick Nulty and councillors Peggy Hamill, David McGuinness, Daragh Butler and Kieran Dennison.Other guests included Fr Dan Joe, Draíocht board members Stephen Vernon from Green Properties, Rory O’Byrne county arts officer, David O’Connor chairperson and Grainne Ui Chaomhanaigh, Principal of Scoil Oilibheir.Inside in the main auditorium a slide show of 10 years of memories played to a funky backing tune followed by

‘Happy Birthday to Draiocht’ sung by Coolmine Musical Society, recorded a few days previous in Scoil Oilibheir.The entire evening was broadcast live by local radio station Phoenix FM with Donal O’Sullivan at the helm.Key individuals were plucked from the crowd at various intervals for interviews, including County Manager David O’Connor, past board member Oliver Beirne and local hero Fr Dan Joe.The entire evening can be heard on Phoenix FM’s podcast on the station’s website at phoenixfm.ie.Face painted children scurried around happily at the celebration and a bunch of teenagers from Dublin 15’s newest youth theatre were in attendance, having been featured the day before in an interview with RTE’s Drivetime, which the President happened to listen to on her drive to Draiocht just before she arrived at 6pm.The good wishes have continued to pour in via email and on Facebook and even Jedward took time out to wish Draiocht a happy birthday.