Stage play re-ignites interest in Ledwidge
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THE nearer to church the further from God, as the old saying goes, applies when it comes to the majority of us who live close to places of historical importance.
In this neck of the woods at the gateway to the Boyne Valley there's no end of places to visit that includes a little cottage on the road to Slane which was once home to Francis Ledwidge.
If I had a pound in my pocket for every time I've driven past the poet's abode I'd have accumulated a nice tidy sum at this stage.
However, a visit for one reason or another has never happened but a stage play focussing on a time in Ledwidge's short life has given me impetus to finally make that stop.
Ledwidge was an enigma in that he was an Irish nationalist fighting on the side of the British in World War One. That he lost his life in his twenties in the pointless massacre of millions added to the intrigue and mystique that surrounds him to the present day.
Still The Blackbird Sings is a new play about his time in Derry before returning to the front in Flanders and death after surviving three previous tours of duty.
The contradictions in his allegiance and ability to write wonderful poetry while in the midst of battle are themes running through this new work by playwright Dave Duggan.
It's playing in Dublin, Belfast and Derry but not in any of the fine theatres close to Ledwidge's home which is a real shame.
So come on Droichead, Tain or Solstice and give the locals an opportunity to find out more about one of the regions most famous sons.
