Photos by Pat Shortall
Kilkenny is now recognised as one of the ‘go to’ places in Ireland. Apart from her castle, cathedrals and festivals, Kilkenny is also known for her many lane ways.
These lane ways are a reminder to all who walk them of the incredible legacy the slipways hold. When one thinks of the people, and the businesses that occupied these narrow walkways it evokes a truly wonderful history.
Alas, many of the lane ways no longer exist. But for those that remain, they are a constant reminder of our rich heritage.
Today we concentrate on Colliers Lane. And in particular The Kilkenny Involvement Centre.
The centre is a warm, welcoming place where people with mental health difficulties can go to socialise, relax and simply have fun. Their vision is to have a space where people who have, or have had, mental health difficulties, their families or friends, can drop in at specified times to meet other people who are on their recovery journey. The philosophy is recovery focused.
Over the last four weeks, The Kilkenny Observer attended various culture night sessions at the venue which included song, music, poetry and a series of history talks.
The series of entertainment was a joint venture between The Involvement Centre and Kilkenny County Council.
David Dwyer who is manager at the centre said he was delighted with the outcome. “To be honest, we weren’t sure what way it would go but we are thrilled that there was such a positive response. Through some interaction with member of the community, we succeeded in presenting an array of music, song and poetry.
David went on to thank Lake Productions, JB’s Kitchen session, and the cast of a Seamus Heaney documentary made up of members and volunteers from The Involvement Centre. The Kilkenny Saturday walkers group also participated with a series of history talks about Kilkenny which included such topics as Lady Desart, Kilkenny in 1914, Robert Cane and place names of Kilkenny.
The night was complemented by the music and songs of Kilkenny entertainer Adrian Cashin.
