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Ireland's oldest arts charity
Summer Garden Party 2019 The Friends' summer Garden Party took place this year on June 15th at Altidore Castle, Kilpedder, County Wicklow. Our hosts, Philip and Vicky Emmet, welcomed members and their guests who had come by coach and car. A beautiful high summer day -with a single five minute shower to emphasise our good luck with the weather - enabled us to wander around the terraced garden and admire the striking turreted house. Altidore Castle was built around 1730 for General Thomas Pearce. The Emmet family, who have lived here since 1934 and farm the place organically, are direct descendants of the elder brother of the United Irishman, Robert Emmet. Thomas Addis, on his release from prison after the 1798 Rebellion went into exile in the United States where the family became prominent in medicine and the law. A splendid spread of varied sandwiches, strawberries and cream, accompanied by Pimms and wine, soon received our close attention in the shade of the tented gazebo -this year enlarged to accommodate our members -which was again provided by Council member Anne Kearney Farrelly and Adrian. Contented murmuring followed. Our hosts kindly showed us around their lovely house. As well as interesting furniture (including a splendid army officer's campaign chest with twin drawers impartially accommodating bottles of port in one drawer and a fitted commode in the other) the family have some unusual and touching mementos of their ancestor. The much anticipated raffle then took place. As is always the case with FNCI raffles the prizes, which were donated by members, were numerous and valuable. It raised a goodly sum for our work. The day was a great success. Our thanks are due to all who organised it, as well as to Philip and Vicky Emmet and their family. VISIT to the Tenement Museum and Mark Dion Exhibition Wednesday 29 May, 2019 Visit to Counties Westmeath and Kildare. Saturday, March 30th, 2019. Visit to Northern Ireland. Saturday, October 6th, 2018. Visit to the National Museum, Collins Barracks. Wednesday, October 24th, 2018. Festive Lunch 2018. Saturday, November 24th, 2018.
Visit to Russborough House.
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018. Meet at Russborough House in The Brambles Tea Rooms 10.15 am for Tea/Coffee and Scones followed by a guided tour of the house. Visit to Counties Louth and Meath. Wednesday March 28th, 2018. A guided tour of Townley Hall, lunch at Slane Castle followed by a guided tour of the castle. Visit to Sir Denis Mahon Reading Room. Tuesday February 27th, 2018. An afternoon visit to the Sir Denis Mahon Reading Room, No. 90 Merrion Square. Festive lunch 2017 at the Royal Irish Yacht Club Dun Laoghaire Saturday, November 25th, 2017. On Saturday, 25 November 2017, the annual FNCI festive lunch was held in the wonderful surroundings of the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire. Events committee member Ms Anne Kearney Farrelly was the organiser of this very popular event which again proved to be a great success, with over 70 members and guests attending. The staff at the club, under the management of Gareth McGinty esured that the excellent food and drink was served promptly and efficiently, contributing to a very enjoyable experience by all. Guests were addressed by Dr John Maiben Gilmartin and the lunch was followed by a charming recital by Ireland’s best known harpist Dr Cliona Doris, Head of Orchestral Studies at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in Dublin. Her recital included a superb rendering of I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls or The Gipsy Girl's Dream, a popular aria from The Bohemian Girl, an 1843 opera by Michael William Balffe,with lyrics by Alfred Bunn. Photography was kindly provided by member Mr Pearse Stokes
Harpist Dr Cliona Doris, Head of Orchestral Studies at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in Dublin, provides a charming after-lunch recital.
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Ireland's Oldest Arts Charity
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