The 2025–26 season opens with an evening dedicated to one of Ireland’s most cherished creative figures: Percy French. Known as a songwriter, humorist, painter, and performer, French captured the wit and warmth of Irish life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More than a century later, his work continues to resonate, bridging generations through music, storytelling, and art.

On Thursday, 18 September, audiences are invited to an immersive cultural experience that will both honor and reintroduce French’s remarkable legacy.

This event will be delivered by Lila Jackson who will provide a narative of French’s life while Tom Sweeney will deliver a musical illustration.

A Legacy of Music, Laughter, and Art

Born in 1854, Percy French became renowned for his witty, heartfelt ballads such as The Mountains of Mourne and Phil the Fluter’s Ball. His songs painted vivid pictures of rural Ireland, often blending humor with gentle social observation. Beyond music, French was a talented watercolor painter, celebrated for his evocative landscapes that captured Ireland’s beauty long before mass photography brought these vistas to the world.

His work endures not only because of its craftsmanship but also because it expresses a timeless humanity—joy, longing, and an affectionate understanding of everyday life.

Insightful Talk by Lila Jackson

Lila Jackson, renowned cultural historian and author, will explore French’s life, influences, and impact on Ireland’s artistic identity. Jackson’s talk will delve into how French’s work reflects the social fabric of his era while remaining relevant in today’s conversations about heritage and creativity.

Music by Tom Sweeney

During the talk, acclaimed folk musician Tom Sweeney will illustrate via song French’s most beloved songs. Sweeney’s rich, expressive vocals and deep knowledge of the Irish folk tradition promise an authentic and stirring musical journey. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to hear these classics performed as they were intended—intimate, heartfelt, and alive with storytelling spirit.

Why Attend

This event is a celebration of an Irish icon whose creative output shaped the cultural memory of a nation. Whether you are a lifelong admirer of Percy French or discovering his work for the first time, the evening promises inspiration, entertainment, and a deeper understanding of one of Ireland’s greatest artistic voices.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025

Venue: Benburb Priory

Time: 7:30pm

Click here to book tickets

Join us as we launch the new season by stepping into the world of Percy French—a world of melody, laughter, and enduring artistry.

Full programme available here 

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