Event Details
Time: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November 2024 (12.00 pm to 3.00 pm)
Place: Tholsel, Kilkenny Town Hall, High Street, Kilkenny
Locals and tourists are invited to honour the memory of Petronilla de Meath, the alleged maid to Dame Alice Kyteler, who was persecuted and executed for witchcraft 700 years ago. In 1324, Petronilla was tortured under Church Law until she confessed to heresy and witchcraft, becoming the first woman in history to be burned alive at the stake on 3rd November.
The event, commemorating Petronilla’s life, is set to unfold over two days, allowing the public to reflect on her story and those of others who have endured persecution, both in the past and in the present. By tying brown paper tags with the names of individuals who have suffered injustices, have been forgotten by history, and those we’d like to honour, onto the wrought iron railings of the Tholsel (Town Hall), High Street, Kilkenny, this personal act serves as a tribute to her memory. It becomes an expression of solidarity and remembrance for those who have faced wrongful persecution too.
This event, organised by artist Pauline O’Connell and curator Rachel Botha, invites participants to gather in reflection and respect, and serves as a call for justice, inspired by Petronilla de Meath’s life. As an icon of resilience and a symbol of intersectional feminism, Petronilla’s story remains a powerful testament to the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and dignity for all who have been silenced or erased by societal, religious, or state institutions.
The public is invited to join in marking this significant anniversary as it creates an opportunity to honour those who have suffered at the hands of unjust institutions and practices. Through this shared moment, participants will engage in a collective remembrance of the past and take a stand against ongoing injustice.
This event is free and open to all. Let us come together to commemorate these stories and elevate the voices of those who have been silenced, invisibilised, and erased from history.
