The intrepid Matt Loughrey, has undertaken to climb Croagh Patrick every day for a year is nearing the end of the 365 days. He will give an illustrated talk at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar this Sat 14 May 2011 at 11am.Croagh Patrick 365 - Come to this Illustrated Talk & Chatback with Matt Loughrey:

ILLUSTRATED TALK Saturday 14th May at 11.00am

In June 2010 Matt Loughrey began his challenge: 365 consecutive daily ascents of Croagh Patrick by one climber. Backed up with a daily photographic and text post to a Facebook page boasting upward of 35000 post views each day, Matt's challenge, Croagh Patrick 365, has been inspiring people the world over. Join Matt at the Linenhall for an illustrated talk which will include screenings of some of the fabulous images he has captured of Croagh Patrick over the past year. Those in attendance will have the chance to ask questions and discuss the Croagh Patrick 365 project with Matt.

(This talk will be complemented by two creative arts workshops with The Reek and the Croagh Patrick 365 project as the inspirational focus. See below for details of these.)

Adm. FREE (Booking ESSENTIAL)

A charitable adventure, a photographic adventure, and a mountain adventure, Croagh Patrick 365 is a fundraising initiative for the Society of St Vincent de Paul, in the West of Ireland. Croagh Patrick 365 website.

CROAGH PATRICK 365 - FROM LECTURE TO LYRIC: SONGWRITING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS (16 yrs+)

with Kate McKeon Saturday 14th May from 12.00pm-1.30pm

A taster of the art and craft of songwriting. Using free writing techniques and verse and chorus templates to get the ball rolling, participants will create a song with the Reek and Matt Loughrey's Croagh Patrick 365 challenge as inspiration. Facilitator Kate McKeon will demonstrate some basic music theory in relation to melody, rhythm and rhyme and will work with participants to provide musical frameworks on which to hang song lyrics. This is a creative, participatory and fun workshop not to be missed. No musical knowledge required.

Kate McKeon holds an M.Phil in Music and Media Technologies and a Diploma in Film & TV Studies. As well as having experience as a teacher and workshop facilitator, she has worked in the areas of photography, video editing, sound recording and graphic design. She is a member of the Linenhall's community arts team.

Adm. €7, booking essential

NB: Participants MUST attend Croagh Patrick 365 - An Illustrated Talk & Chatback before this workshop. See above for details.

CROAGH PATRICK 365 - PAINTING AND DRAWING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS (16 yrs+)

with Gráinne O'Reilly Saturday 14th May from 12.00pm-1.00pm

Croagh Patrick has inspired multitudinous artists and painters. Under the guidance of artist Gráinne O'Reilly, create an art work inspired by the Reek and Matt Loughrey's Croagh Patrick 365 challenge. The workshop will include instruction in drawing, painting, colour and technique. No art experience required. All materials will be provided.

Gráinne O'Reilly is one of Mayo's most prolific painters. She studied fine art at Sligo Institute of Technology and her work has been exhibited throughout the country, including solo shows at the Linenhall Arts Centre and Westport's Custom House Studios. She has extensive experience in designing and facilitating visual art workshops.

Adm. €5, booking essential

NB: Participants MUST attend Croagh Patrick 365 - An Illustrated Talk & Chatback before this workshop. See Performances page on this site.