The Last Rose of Summer

Saturday June 22nd 2013 at 8 pm in Jenkinstown Park, Kilkenny, a concert to commemorate the bicentenary of the publication of Thomas Moore’s “The Last Rose of Summer”, which was one of his best-known works. Thomas Moore, Ireland’s National Poet (or Bard of Ireland), composed “The Last Rose of Summer” when visiting his good friend, George “Punch” Bryan in Jenkinstown and it is fitting that the concert will be held within the original walled garden area of the Jenkintown woodlands. an internationally renowned Irish tenor, will perform, along with his usual repertoire, some Thomas Moore Melodies. Nicola Brennan and some excellent young talent will also perform. Thomas Moore was an international celebrity and many including the Prince of Wales sought his company. Moore had been a frequent visitor to Kilkenny and he had performed at The Private Theatre there, 1808-10, also it’s where he met his future wife Bessy Dyke. In Jenkinstown, while staying with his very close friends the Bryans, he composed “The Last Rose of Summer”. Rose X Odorata Pallida was the inspiring flower. Tom Moore has preserved many old Irish tunes by adding lyrics to them. His collection of Irish Melodies and National Heirs consisted of 130 original poems set to folk melodies including The Minstrel Boy, The Last Rose of Summer, and Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms.

The concert will be in the original walled garden area, within Jenkinstown Woods. Parking will be adjacent to the venue. More information at www.conahyhs.com and Conahy Heritage Society Facebook, you can also follow on Twitter @conahyhs

Tickets are €22.50, available www.ticketmaster.ie

Enquiries: conahyheritagesociety@gmail.com

Ticket information; Eileen Gunner, 087 2859660