Longford family history weekend in Castlepollard

The North Westmeath Historical Society were delighted with the response to their weekend festival dedicated to remembering the role played by Lord Edward and Lady Christine Pakenham in Irish literary life for almost 50 years.

Events began on the Friday in Castle Varagh Hotel with a talk by Bill Ryan on the life of Lord Edward [1902-1961]. On Saturday afternoon in St Michael’s on The Square, Joe Murphy and guest speakers read some of Lord Edward’s bardic poetry translations. The readings were interspersed with traditional Irish music by PJ Kennedy and fellow musicians from Comhaltas Clann Lir.

On Saturday night, Ruth Illingworth gave a comprehensive talk on Lady Christine Pakenham, placing her firmly in the pantheon of early Irish feminists. She was of the opinion that Christine would probably have developed into a major Irish novelist if she had not abandoned the novel in favour of writing plays for The Gate Theatre.

On Sunday afternoon, despite the stormy weather, a large audience gathered in the hotel to hear Thomas Pakenham’s memories of his uncle Edward and aunt Christine. With the aid of slides, Thomas gave an entertaining talk recalling the two Edwards, his uncle Edward and his granduncle Eddie, Lord Dunsany, who was a genuine eccentric.

Thomas paid tribute to his aunt Christine, whom he noted was a most unselfish lady without whose support Edward would not have achieved all he did in his lifetime.

On Sunday night in the hotel, the Cultural Quiz was held, and though the poor weather and the many other events happening on the night meant a small turnout, the five teams seemed to have enjoyed the occasion.

The society wish to thank Westmeath County Council for their grant support, the Coffey family, proprietors of Castle Varagh Hotel, for their sponsorship of the weekend, Castlepollard Library staff for the Longford Exhibition and Thomas Pakenham for all his support.