Rostrevor
& Kilkeel:
Around and
In-between
This is another episode in the now 4 part series of programmes which visits the two Mourne Coastal neighbouring towns of Rostrevor and Kilkeel and celebrates differences and similiarities through art.
Episode 4
The non- profit community group Artsawonder, dedicated to ‘exploring the art of neighbourliness and well-being’, grew out of the ongoing annual “Music of Healing” seminar which in turn took its name from a song of that title written by Tommy Sands and Pete Seeger.
This is the 4thand final episode of this “Betweening” series and it brings us to some of the precious hidden spots of history on the journey both within and between Rostrevor and Kilkeel. With this Lockdown piece of Artistic license we visit lesser known places inspired by dates like 1887, 1690 and as far back as when Adam was in short trousers. Guiding us on the way are musicians Danny McGreevy and Judith Annett, Roberta Heaney from the Schomberg Centre in Kilkeel, Historian Hilary McGrath and a singer who virtually performs in a theatre that has lain dormant and hidden for more than a hundred years. That’s well-known Rostrevor singer Matthew McGrath ... who maintained afterwards that his lighting technician went slightly over the top. We hope you enjoy and are able to join us when we are able to all meet up physically once again. Thank you and please stay safe and well. T.S.
The Artsawonder initiative which has members from both areas acknowledges the funding support from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, T:Buc and the co-operation and courtesy of Northern Ireland’s Screen Digital Film Archive.
Episode 2
In Episode 2 of ‘ROSTREVOR AND KILKEEL (Around and in between)’ we feature an interview of memories with Canon Dermot Jameson who served as Church of Ireland Rector in both towns. We were not to know while speaking with the Canon that within a few short weeks this great man would have passed on to a new Parish in Paradise.
We also remember fondly the magnificent Kilkeel born Leo Murphy who won two All Ireland medals with Down in 1960 and 61, lived and taught in Rostrevor and Killowen and inspired the lives of hundreds of young children in the area.
Episode 3
In Episode 3 of ROSTREVOR AND KILKEEL (Around and in Between)Hilary McGrath, footballer, musician and local historian shows us some fascinating changing images of Rostrevor while Roy Teggarty, sportsman, teacher and Kilkeel Harbour expert looks at the amazing changes in Kilkeel down the years. Also ... Writer of verse Wendy Graham-Hanna gives us a beautiful insight into the sea calling of the Herring fishing men with her special Ulster/Scots, Kilkeel brogue while Bróna McVittie shows how the seas around can both divide and unite with the beautiful emigration song ‘A stór mo Chroí.’
Episode 1
In this first episode from Artsawonder, Tommy Sands films, sings, listens and learns from a singing five times world champion drum major Alan McBride, two young women, Jenna Stevenson and Wendy Graham Hanna, who initiate and drive an Arts hub shop, a rhythmic drum weaver rhythmic drum weaver Damien McKeown and a young woman Bronagh Kelly who lovingly echoes the poetry of her mother.