PICTURES: British Ambassador visits Longford for launch of Maria Edgeworth festival
Edgeworthstown welcomed a very special guest last Friday as the annual literary celebration, the Maria Edgeworth Festival, got underway.
The British Ambassador to Ireland, her Excellency Kara Owen, officially opened the festival in Edgeworthstown Library, marking its 30th year.
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During her visit, Ambassador Owen toured the Maria Edgeworth Centre and, following her arrival at the library, delivered a speech about the ‘Wonderful Friendship’ postcard exhibition on display.
The exhibition - which consisted of a vibrant collection of student artwork in keeping with the theme of friendship - was inspired by the bond between Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth.
Speaking to the Longford Leader, Ambassador Owen stated that her trip to Edgeworthstown was not her first time in the county.
“It's not my first time to visit Longford, but it’s my first in my official capacity as British Ambassador, and it couldn't be a better occasion to come than the launch of the Maria Edgeworth Festival, bringing these fantastic postcards that have been produced by kids all across the UK and Ireland, and that celebrate the friendship between Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth.”
Ambassador Owen added, “There’s nowhere better to have them on display than in this phenomenal library that the town pushed and pushed for and that is used by people, young and old, from early in the morning to late at night. “
“It's a fantastic start to my trip.”
Matt Farrell, Manager at the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre spoke of the centre’s delight at having the British Ambassador to open the festival, which, he said, came about through the celebrations of Jane Austin’s 250th anniversary and the postcard friendship project that had been established.
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Also in attendance was TD Micheál Carrigy, Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh, and Deputy Chief Executive John Brannigan, John Brannigan.
Deputy Carrigy praised the committee involved for their work on the festival which, he said, brings Maria Edgeworth and Longford to the international stage.
Cathaoirelach of Longford County Council, Garry Murtagh, praised the exhibition which consisted of 800 postcards collated by the students of 35 different schools across Ireland and the UK.
Cllr Murtagh complemented the Maria Edgeworth festival committee for keeping the focus on Edgeworthstown and making it one of the top visitor attractions in Longford.
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