Kevin Barry & the Oral Tradition 1920-2020

Carlow County Council Decade of Centenaries Event:

When Kevin Barry was executed, on November 1st, 1920, he had packed a lot of living into his eighteen years on this earth. From his own comments and letters, from comments of family and friends, we know that he played rugby and hurling, he loved dancing, he enjoyed the company of his friends, male and female, and the camaraderie of sing-songs.

He had a promising medical career before him, as well as potential for a political career. So, why did he, gladly, give it all away and sacrifice such a full and promising life for Ireland?

Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition examines that influences that moulded his character, gave him the principles and the physical and moral courage to engage in conflict with the forces of the British empire, and, to sacrifice his life and his future for those same principles.

The focus for the Carlow County Council Decade of Centenaries Programme 2020 is on Kevin Barry who was executed 100 years ago this coming November 1st. The main event is Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition which has been a year in the making. A Carlow story told by Carlow people, the event will outline the various influences on Kevin as a young boy growing up in Tombeagh, Rathvilly with particular emphasis on the songs and stories which shaped his views and principles.

Filmed in VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and GB Shaw Theatre, Carlow Central Library and the Barry household, the feature will provide for a fitting remembrance of and reflection on a young man who went to his death at a time of great difficulty for this country.