FILM

After five long years in the saddle, the eagerly anticipated 'No Party for Billy Burns' premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh 2017. Shot in Cavan the off beat tragi-comedy stars Kevin McGahern in the lead role of Billy, a simple fellow who wishes he was a cowboy. In production for the last half a decade the film now makes its first public appearance at one of Ireland's best film festivals.

No Party for Billy Burns premiere in Cavan will take place at The Odeon, Cavan on Thursday 29th December at 8pm.  

Directed by Padraig Conaty and produced by Lisa McNamee, aside from Gowna's McGahern, it features a strong Cavan cast, including Shane Connaughton.
 

ARTS AWARDS

Twenty-six Arts Awards were facilitated by the Elected Members of Cavan County Council to provide seed funding for arts programme in local communities to the value of €12,000. Five artists: Maria Bagnoli, Rosario Mc Hugh, Michelle Boyle, Robbie Perry and Kate Ennals  were award €2,000 and each of these artists created new work and honed a specific project or element of their practice.

Kim Doherty spent a month at the Uillinn – Arts and Health residence at the West Cork Arts Centre working on her own practice and working in health care settings.   Inigo Purcell and Maria Farrington were awarded The Moth Young Artists Award and spent an intensive period at the Milltown retreat.

National Awards for Cavan Writers

Bailieborough based Lit Lab celebrated Poetry at their festival in 2017 and Mairead Donnellan from the group received a national award at the Leaves Poetry Festival in County Laois. Kilnaleck

Alice Lynch from the Moogles won the inaugural New Writing Award at the All Ireland One Act Drama Festival adjudicated by Padraic Mc Intyre.

All Ireland Award Winners

The number of Cavan musicians young and not so young who travelled to Ennis to compete and receive glory is a testimony to the work of Comhaltas, the vision of founding members including Cavan Man Dr. Brian Galligan, parents and the dedicated musician teachers and most particularly to the musicians who practice in halls, garages and bedrooms day in, day out. A record number of Cavan musicians travelled to Ennis this year to create traditional music and arts with their peers and the very best international talent.
 

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