An evening of drama, poetry and prose (in both English and Irish) to recognise and honour Samuel Beckett, Nobel Laureate, Dubliner, and one of the world’s most influential writers, was held on 5th March at 8pm in Tullow Church. This included some of his favourite music (Schubert) in the village where he was born, grew up and which influenced him so much. Beckett’s mother was a faithful member of the church and the young Samuel regularly attended with her. As we learned on the night, these, and other local experiences, were ultimately woven into many of his works.
During the evening a plaque in Samuel Beckett’s honour was unveiled in the church by Caroline Murphy, Samuel’s niece and the Archbishop spoke of the legend and enigma that Beckett was in Portora, where he was primarily remembered for his sporting prowess. He said that while Portora would like to claim Beckets, it is clear that the area of Foxrock profoundly influenced the man and his writing. He said that the plaque in the church was an imaginative and appropriate way to remember Beckett and his family as well as his roots in the locality.
Thanks are due to Jane Bowes and her team of organisers/helpers for their work to ensure the smooth running of this event and providing a reception afterwards. Thanks are also due to Dr. Fergal Whelan for linking Beckett’s various works to the locality and to ‘Mouth on Fire’ Theatre Company for bringing to life the selected material in a most entertaining evening.
