Special music for javelin event

Sir Anthony and Lady O'Reilly of Castlemartin have provided sponsorship for a specially composed piece of music which will get its inaugural performance at the official opening of the Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park on July 13.

The piece is being written by uileann piper Liam O Floinn, a founder member of the famous Planxty group. It is described as a 'musical celebration' of the ancient Royal site at Dun Ailinne, just south of Kilcullen.

Items found in archaeological excavations during the 1960/1970s are the inspiration for the Noel Scullion javelin sculpture which is the key element of the Interpretive Park. It was commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action and paid for with the help of grants from KELT and Kildare County Council. An explanatory sign at the site was funded by the Heritage Council.

The director of the archaeological digs at Dun Ailinne, Professor Bernard Wailes, will be the main guest of the opening.

In addition, the occasion will incorporate the Irish launch of the Report on the Dun Ailinne excavations, edited by Dr Susan Johnston, a colleague of Professor Wailes.

Brian Byrne.