The Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday 6th. March. The event was held on Zoom but we are looking forward to having a “live” celebration next year. Burrow resident Nancy Dempsey opened the celebration. Nancy, at age 96, has contributed to International Women’s Day over the years.

We were delighted to welcome Dr. Annie Curtis, immunologist and Senior Lecturer in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She has worked with Professor Luke O’Neill in his laboratory in Trinity College. Dr. Curtis answered the many questions put to her by the attendees. Catherine Connolly is a Master Clinical Aromatherapist. Catherine demonstrated how to make a cooling menopause spray and cream. Mary Farrell was in conversation with author Rosemary Hennigan, a former resident of Donabate. Her debut novel “The Truth Will Out” was launched on 17th March. Rosemary is a former solicitor, and has worked in the NGO sector on issues of asylum, direct provision and homelessness. These talks were interspersed with music, song and poetry.Margaret Godwin played “Mná na hÉireann” on the flute. Denise O’Toole sang “Bread and Roses”.Marian Neary read two poems “The Secondhand Book” and “Thin Air”. The inimitable Rose from Fingal gave her humourous view on coping with aspects of modern living. Debbie Breslin read “Let Her Breathe” a poem by Becky Hemsley. Thanks to Fingal Co. Co. for their support for this event. We are delighted to say that the Bleeding Pig Cultural Festival is working to bring you Festival 2022 in September.The committee is meeting to put the programme together with the usual mixture of concerts, walks, talks, workshops, music, tours, exhibitions and our 3 day Short Film Festival…something for all. Because of nearly 3 years of COVID restrictions we were unable to fundraise so our coffers are fairly low. We will be holding a number of fundraisers and we ask that you support them. This is your community festival. We are always looking for committee members and if you feel like joining us as we prepare for bigger and better this year, please contact eilish mcdermott on eilishmcdermott64@gmail.com