2007 marks the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking the end of an ancient Gaelic order. On the 14th September 1607, four years after the end of the Nine Years War, a group of Ireland’s noble elite left their land and people to find refuge and seek assistance for their cause in Europe.
Among those who left were Hugh O'Neill Earl of Tyrone, Rory O'Donnell Earl of Tyrconnel, The Maguire of Fermanagh, family members and dozens of elite soldiers and scholars.
This "Flight" made way for events such as the Plantation of Ulster. It was also a key event in the establishment of the Irish Diaspora around the world. Descendants of those who took part in the event established themselves as leading lights in many different fields of activity in their adopted countries and they do so to this day.
To mark this keystone in Irish history Donegal is co-ordinating a year long commemoration to take place throughout Donegal during 2007. Donegal is also working in association with other partners in Ireland and Europe in relation to events taking place further a field. It is hoped to involve as many people as possible with an interest in Donegal or in this period of history in the events of 2007.
The extensive programme includes:
- Festivals
- Historical lectures
- Marine events
- Concerts
- Clan gatherings
- Theatre
- Exhibitions
- Schools projects
- Community projects
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
International Conference
August 17th - 19th 2007
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
To mark the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, Donegal County Council in association with University of Ulster and Letterkenny IT will hold a major international conference with twenty-nine leading historians from around the world.
Flight of the Earls International conference, Letterkenny, County Donegal.
August 17th to 19th.
Tickets: Full weekend Euro90 Concessions Euro60
Tickets: Day Euro35 Concessions Euro25
For further information email rory.mcmorrow@lyit.ie.
To book your place Tel:+353 74 912 0777
Flight of the Earls Golf Competition
Ballyliffin Golf Club August 31st 2007
Vera Kearney, Sandra McMonagle, Marian O'Sullivan and Elaine Russell
Letterkenny Qualifying Ladies for the Flight of the Earls Golf Competition
Flight of the Earls 2007 is a major international flagship centenary commemoration to mark the 400th Anniversary of one of the most significant events and periods in Irish history. As part of these commemorations, Donegal County Council is delighted to present the Flight of the Earls Golf Competition.
Clubs to organise a qualifying competition in June.
The first four men and the first four women from each club competition will be invited to play in The Flight of the Earls Golf Competition in Ballyliffin Golf Club on August 31st.
Stableford Rules and timesheets will apply. A 10 euro registration fee will be collected on the day and will be donated to Irish homeless charities abroad.
A substantial prize fund will be organized by Donegal County Council and will be announced closer to the event.
For further information contact your club representative or the Flight of the Earls Office directly on 074 91 94200.
Be part of History at the
PHIL COULTER FLIGHT OF THE EARLS GALA SPECTACULAR
Friday 7th September 2007, Letterkenny Sports Centre
The reigning king of contemporary Celtic Music will be performing at a very special night of music and celebration in Letterkenny on Friday 7th September 2007. This one off musical extravaganza will mark the beginning of the weekling Flight of the Earls Commemorations. The Flight of the Earls Commemmoration is set to be the biggest historical and cultural event to be seen in the County.
Phil Coulter at the launch of his Commemorative Concert at the Letterkenny Sports Centre on Tuesday July 11th, with Cllr Damien Blake, Cllr Ian McGarvey, Letterkenny Town Mayor, Jean Crossan, Cllr Noel McBride and Donegal County Mayor, John Boyle, with cast members from the production 'The O'Neill'.
Phil Coulter will be back in his native North West to perform his greatest hits with the full backing of his wonderful Orchestra.Phil Coulter has written a string of Hit songs including the Eurovision winning Puppet on a String and Cliff Richard's Congratulations to mention a few.
Phil Coulter has been wowing audiences all over the world for over 40 years and is set to give Letterkenny a night to remember. The Phil Coulter Flight of the Earls Spectacular follows hot on the heals of the success of Riverdance and will strengthen Donegal as the place to be for world-class events and top notch entertainment.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! Euro35 BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
To book or reserve your tickets contact An Grianan Theatre Box Office on 074 9120777.
Week of Commemorations September 8th - 16th
For the entire week Donegal's history and deep heritage will come alive with re-enactments, music and drama. The famous tall ship 'Jeanie Johnson' will be dropping anchor at the very site the Earls left from 400 years earlier and from 12th - 16th September visitors will be able to sail up the beautiful Lough Swilly, taking in some of the most stunning scenery Ireland can offer.
Inishowen Carnival Group
A maritime and land festival will take place on Saturday 15th September with Inishowen Carnival Group performing a fantastic spectacle through the streets of Rathmullan, featuring over 200 performers. The evening will culminate with one of Europe's best outdoor performance companies, Walk the Plank presenting a fireworks display. To end the commemorations twenty eight people are offered the chance to re-enact the Flight of the Earls. These twenty eight people will join the crew of the 'Jeanie Johnson' on 17th September and sail to France. For five days they will help out on deck and relive the Earls last journey from Ireland. This is a once in a life time opportunity and tickets can be obtained by contacting the Flight of the Earls Office.
Click here for Information on Flight of the Earls Commemorative Week - 7th - 16th September
Further information can be obtained by contacting flightoftheearls@donegalcoco.ie & www.flightoftheearls.ie
Flight of the Earls Coordinator
Donegal County Council
Letterkenny
Co.Donegal
Ireland
Flight of the Earls 1607 -Part of you. Be part of it in 2007.
The project is part funded by the European Union through Interreg IIIA and the International Fund for Ireland.
Historical Background:
- The Flight of the Earls took place on the 14th September 1607
- Flight of the Earls marked the end of an ancient Gaelic order that had lasted over 1000 years.
- It led to the successful plantation of Ulster.
- Ninety-nine people were on board the ship that left Rathmullan in 1607
- Rory O’Donnell of Donegal and Hugh O’Neill of Tyrone were among those who left. They both died in Rome.