'A Gift of Gold'

 Honouring the High King.

Armagh's Tribute to Brian Boru

 Armagh City and District Council, working closely with church  authorities, and the composer Maurice Lennon are staging a commemorative concert in Saint Patrick's  Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh  on June 7th 2003.  This is  a millennium celebration of Brian Boru's life, his High Kingship of Ireland and of his connections with the Armagh.  A lively event of music, Living history re-enactment and lectures will take place against the back drop of this ancient cathedral city.

 The concert which is the centre piece of this festive event entitled 'A Gift of Gold', involves a special performance of Maurice Lennon's musical portrait  'Brian Boru  The High King of Tara'.  This spiritual composition  which features vocalist Sean Keane and the Kincora Band retells in music and word the life of Ireland's most famous  High King from boyhood in Killaloe, County Clare to death at Clontarf and burial in Armagh in 1014 AD.  A Brian Boru Living history re-enactment ceremony will take place at 1.00 pm followed by a Family Fun Day in  Market Square, Armagh on Saturday 7th June.  A free performance of the concert for young people will take place in the cathedral that afternoon between 3.30 and 5.00 pm with the main evening performance commencing at 7.30 pm.

 This unique event is an opportunity for all to come together in celebration and to pay tribute to a man whose dreams, determination and deeds marked a significant turning point in the  history of this island. In 1004 AD Brian Boru presented the monastery of Armagh with a gift of 20 ounces of gold and through this event his legacy lives on as the proceeds from the concert will be donated to the restoration funds in both the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Cathedrals.

For further information please contact;

Colm O Braonain
Armagh City and District Council
028 37521801

email:  education@saintpatrickstrian.com