MayFest 2017 came to a close last night with the final performance of “Sons of Molly Maguire” by John Kearns.
The inaugural MayFest, a celebration of workers’ culture, which included plays, music events and photographic exhibitions, took place in Liberty Hall from 2nd – 11th May. It began with artist Robert Ballagh opening the Dublin Dockworkers Preservation Society photo exhibition, which catalogues decades of working life on the docks. This was followed by “In Concert”, an evening of tales from the Dublin Punk scene of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. As well as “Sons of Molly Maguire”, theatre performances included “From the Backbone Out”, focusing on the life and death of trade unionist Richard O’Carroll, and “Invisible Lives”, a debut play by Mags O’Brien set at a cleaners’ retirement party.
Kevin Glackin, co-director of MayFest 2017, said: “It is the eclectic line up of events which makes MayFest such an interesting addition to the cultural calendar in Dublin.”
The festival was produced by the SIPTU Dublin District Council and is supported by several unions.
