This video blog carries the formal and informal addresses that marked the Sligo launch of “St Brigid’s Day”, an exhibition featuring works by 90 Women Artists which opened at Hamilton Gallery Sligo on February 9th 2019.

The event was in tribute to poet and writer Leland Bardwell whose poem “St Brigid’s Day 1989” inspired the exhibition and who lived in Sligo for the last 25 years of her life.

“St Brigid’s Day” had already been shown at 12 Star Gallery London as part of the Irish Embassy of Great Britain’s St Brigid’s Day international celebration of women and creativity.

We were delighted that Ciarán Cannon TD Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for the Diaspora and International Development, was able to open the exhibition in Sligo.

We were also joined on the day by author Brian Leyden, poets Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and Mary Branley, Professor Seán Golden and Leland's son, composer Dr. John McLachlan who individually paid moving and humorous tributes to Leland.

Dr John McLachlan’s composition ‘Dog Ear’, composed in memory of Leland features as part of the exhibition.

Welcome by Martina Hamilton and author Brian Leyden. Minister Ciarán Cannon TD officially opens the exhibition.

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Tribute to Leland Bardwell by author Brian Leyden

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Reminiscences by Dr John McLachlan on his mother Leland Bardwell

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Poet Mary Branley pays tribute to her friend and neighbour Leland Bardwell

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Professor Sean Golden pays tribute to his friend and neighbour Leland Bardwell

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Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Ireland Professor of Poetry, member of Aosdána pays tribute to her friend Leland Bardwell.

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