Cultúrlann Caisleán Ruairí

14/05/2026

In Memoriam

Dr. Rory O’Hanlon, former TD and Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann

It was with great sadness the Tom Dunn Society noted the recent passing of its esteemed member
Dr Rory O’Hanlon. Rory was a founder member of the Society over 40 years ago and was a loyal
and stalwart colleague who helped promote the work of the Society on both a national and
international stage.

Every year Rory contributed generously to the annual Tom Dunn Summer School, sharing his profound knowledge, wisdom, experience, learning and erudition through his many talks, seminars, debates and discussions.

He was particularly proud to attend the recent unveiling of the Tom Dunn Memorial on Rostrevor
Square and the launch of the Tom Dunn Trail through Rostrevor and Kilbroney.

Rory was a true son of the Enlightenment: he embodied the ideals and values of the United
Irishmen of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all, the principles upon which the Tom Dunn Society was founded and continues to espouse through the ongoing work of Cultúrlann Caisleán Ruairí.

We will greatly miss our dear friend and comrade and send our deepest sympathy to Teresa and family, and to our Tom Dunn comrades Eilish and Gary Mills.

Suaimhneas síoraí a Rory, laoch mór na hÉireann. Go ndéana Dia grásta air

06/05/2026

We are delighted to be working with Youth Theatre Ireland on an exciting creative arts project.

On June 6th, a group of young people from Rostrevor and Warrenpoint will take to the big stage at The Mac Theatre Belfast. They will perform “All Gone!” — a short 15-minute play set in a café in Rostrevor, where lots of interesting visitors come through the doors. The play was written by Julia Donaldson and has been adapted, directed and produced by Bronagh Clerkin.

The production reflects our commitment to inclusive arts practice, bringing together young people of all abilities, including children with disabilities and additional needs, to participate fully in a shared creative experience.

As part of the day, the children involved will also take part in drama workshops and have the opportunity to meet young people from other theatre groups, including Brassneck Youth Theatre, Droichead Youth Theatre and Griese Youth Theatre.

Thanks to St Bronagh's GAA for providing the rehearsal space. We are currently looking for some help with props and basic staging for the production and would be very grateful to hear from anyone who may be able to assist!

20/04/2026

Delighted that our successful funding application for this project was announced today!

More information to follow in coming weeks.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18NLh9CKNS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Confirmed: €96,624 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded
Recipient: Cultúrlann Caisleán Ruairí - Preserving the Tom Dunn Legacy ( )
Purpose: An intergenerational arts and heritage project featuring living history work, theatre production, primary and secondary school programmes and community workshops focused on music, crafts and placenames.
Find out more here: www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-maker-funding-programme

20/03/2026

Cór na nÓg had a wonderful time in London this week. Here’s a reel documenting their trip: https://youtu.be/U7o9dKIJf_s?si=MGxiUVaFGPCgO87l

14/03/2026

Go n-éirí an t-ádh le Cór na nÓg i Londain!

15/02/2026

Comhghairdeas Cór na nÓg!
Congratulations to some of our primary school choir members who won the choir competition at Feis na nÓg today.

11/02/2026

Cór na nÓg Caisleán Ruairí, under the direction of Siubhán Ó Dubháin and her daughter Rós, has been honoured with an invitation to perform at the official St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London!

As part of the festivities, the choir will give a public performance in Trafalgar Square for the Irish community and the wider audience in the city. Forty-five children will make the journey, marking the choir’s first performance outside of Ireland.

This trip offers a wonderful cultural and educational opportunity for the children. It celebrates their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work, while giving them the chance to represent their community — and Ireland — with pride on an international stage.

We would like to sincerely thank the following contributors and businesses who have kindly supported our fundraising efforts so far, to help make this trip possible.

Jigsaw Financial Associates Ltd (Gerard Kelly)
Danny & Ann Hughes
Mourne Hydraulic Hose & Fittings Ltd
BMC Accountants Limited (Directors: Brian McCullagh & Jarlath Farrell)
Bawnless Recruitment Ltd

If you are in a position to support us, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Please feel free to get in touch using the contact details below. All sponsors will be acknowledged on our social media platforms and, where possible, in publicity.

Tracey Rice,
PRO, Cultúrlann Caisléan Ruairí (registered charity number: NI110463)
[email protected]
079 734 32016

The children are working hard to prepare for the trip. You might enjoy watching this video footage from Sunday:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

17/01/2026

🎭 CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – PAID PROFESSIONAL ROLES 🎶

Ceoldráma na nÓg | 2026

Cultúrlann Caisleán Ruairí is inviting expressions of interest from experienced arts professionals to join the professional creative team for Ceoldráma na nÓg, an exciting cross-border youth arts project taking place during 2026.

We are seeking expressions of interest for the following paid, freelance roles:
DIRECTOR
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
PROJECT MANAGER / COORDINATOR

Ceoldráma na nÓg is an inclusive Irish-language music drama project bringing together approximately 60 children and young people (ages 8–18) from counties Down, Louth, Dublin, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. Working with a professional team, participants will collaborate over several months to rehearse and perform a one-act ceoldráma (opera), with public performances across multiple counties and a professionally filmed documentary.

🗓 Indicative commitment includes:

Six weekend workshops (one every 4–6 weeks, rotating locations starting in April 2026)
Planning and preparation between workshops
Six public performances at the end of 2026
Participation in a documentary film
Working with young people in inclusive performance and production settings

🎶 This opportunity will suit individuals with experience in music, theatre or participatory arts, who enjoy collaborative, educational work with young people and have an interest in Irish-language and community-based projects.

📧 To register your interest, email [email protected]
with the role(s) you are interested in and a short summary of your relevant experience.

Táimid ag súil go mór le cloisteáil ó ealaíontóirí agus ó ghairmithe atá paiseanta faoi obair chruthaitheach le daoine óga.