Programme to showcase An Sanctóir

AN innovative programme of events has been devised to showcase An Sanctóir in Ballydehob.

The programme at An Sanctoir – a community centre that was built 20 years ago to promote healing and well being – will start with a workshop by Mary Reynolds, who won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Fodhla Coogan, who has organised the series of events, told The Southern Star: ‘We are pleased to report that our first event on Saturday, February 4th, is nearly booked out.

‘Mary Reynolds is an amazing gardener and a source of inspiration for garden enthusiasts everywhere – especially those who like their gardens to be on the wild side.’

Fodhla explained: ‘The series of events – entitled The Living Land Series – is aimed at celebrating our landscape, and showcasing the beauty of the 30-acre wildlife sanctuary at An Sanctóir,’ which is located just outside Ballydehob village on the Bantry road.

She said: ‘It is our intention to host an event every month from January through to Christmas and on Saturday, February 11th, we are looking forward to welcoming the writer and actor, Donal O’Kelly, who is coming here to perform his acclaimed play, Aillilis Fionnuala, which is about the Shell Corrib gas project.’

Seating capacity on the night will be limited to 100 said Fodhla, who believes there will be massive interest in the play that took the top prize at the Edinburgh Film Festival.

On the night of Saturday, March 24th there will be space for 100 more visitors to An Sanctoir to hear the writer, broadcaster and former editor of The Irish Press, Tim Pat Coogan, give a talk entitled ‘Our Land in My Life’.

In April, radio presenter and wildlife enthusiast, Eanna Ni Lamhna, will give a talk entitled ‘West Cork in the Springtime’ – an event not to be missed by nature lovers.

The Spring series will end with Johnny Walshe of Living Wilderness leading a two-day bushcraft experience.

Fodhla said: ‘I believe this event will also attract a considerable amount of interest, but with spaces limited to just 14 participants early booking is advisable.’

For more information on events at An Sanctóir, check out the Living Landscape page on Facebook; email [email protected] or phone 086 1025484.