Actor Chris O’Dowd lavished praise on the “countless zany individuals donning the mask of creatives” in his native Boyle, County Roscommon, during the inaugural ceremony of the local arts cultural event.
Extending his heartfelt appreciation for a “youth immersed in creative influences”, the artist behind the recent Sky sitcom Small Town, Big Story, partially shot in Boyle, acknowledged the immense local populace who attended the inaugural ceremony at the historic King House on a fine Thursday evening.
“They often say that by being in the company of inventive minds, one won’t experience a dull moment. And indeed it’s true. It would rather not let you enjoy a moment’s tranquillity,” quipped the 44-year-old.
O’Dowd reminisced about his early life memory dating back to August 1988, a stone’s throw from the spot he was currently at, where crowds of well-dressed folk amassed to welcome the acclaimed actress Masureen O’Sullivan as she made her return to her birthplace on the busy Main Street.
He fondly recalled his childhood curiosity questioning his mother, Denise, “who is this person, aren’t we frightening her by hollering like that?” to which the response was of O’Sullivan being a celebrated figure in Hollywood.
“And it dawned on me ‘wait, she gets to film and is welcomed with a parade. By Jove, I think I’ll venture into that’,” he further voiced.
Earlier that day, O’Dowd strolled by a memorial plaque for O’Sullivan, renowned for her role in the classic Tarzan series, recollecting the past and pondered “that time and place possibly led me here and I must say, I’m fortunate to be in this place.”
Endorsing Boyle as an “epicentre of imaginative prowess” is Brian Doherty, recognised by festival chair Patricia Golden as one amongst many who relocated to the area, drawn by the allure of the arts festival. Two decades prior, Doherty and his companion, David Brett, resided in Dublin. However, a trip to Boyle led them to King House, where they encountered one of the “most exceptional and emblematic contemporary Irish art exhibitions they had ever laid their eyes on”.
Reflecting upon the showcase, the festival’s main attraction, Doherty expressed it as staggering; a town that treasures artistic creativity could truly influence your spirit to grow.
This year’s key exhibition, titled Visual Presence, has been organised by Paul McKenna and boasts the participation of over 150 artists such as Hughie O’Donoghue, Donald Teskey, Nick Miller, Daniel Nelis, Elizabeth Cope, Tommy Weir, and Jenny O’Dowd Jessop, who happens to be Chris O’Dowd’s sibling.
The festival will continue until the 27th of July and for this period, numerous local shop fronts will transform into miniature art galleries, much like “the Louvre right there on Bridge Street”, as remarked by O’Dowd.
Additional festival highlights comprise an engaging conversation between Booker Prize-longlisted author Elaine Feeney and journalist Darragh Kelly, live music performances by Regina Nathan, Stocktons Wing, and Paul Brady, writing workshops, activities for children, and a session conducted by Irish Times writers and contributors Martin Doyle and Ronan McGreevy. Furthermore, former RTÉ broadcaster Bryan Dobson is scheduled to engage in a discourse with author and host Dawn O’Porter, who is Chris O’Dowd’s spouse, slated for Saturday.
O’Dowd has guaranteed his presence at that event to ensure Dobson keeps a “spotless” conversation.