President Michael D. Higgins to attend celebration of the work of artists and prison

20th February 2012

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is delighted to announce that President Michael D Higgins will attend as very special guest of honour our upcoming event, ‘The Old Triangle: A Celebration for the benefit of the Irish Penal Reform Trust’, which takes place on Sunday 26th February, 2012 at 8pm in the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

The featured musicians and writers, all of whom are waiving fees for the night, are: Christy Moore, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Peter Sheridan (patron of IPRT), Karan Casey and Niall Vallely, Tony Curtis, Shaz Oye, Noel Shine & Mary Greene, Leanne O’Sullivan, Jimmy Kelly and friends. The artist Eddie Cahill, introduced by Brian Maguire, will speak about and show images of his work.

Poets Paula Meehan, who is also a patron of IPRT, and Theo Dorgan are hosting this event to draw attention to the work of IPRT. Many of the artists taking part in this celebration have worked in prisons, and the event will highlight the important role the arts and artists have to play in the life of our prisons – while being a memorable evening’s entertainment for everyone.

We are very grateful to Poetry Ireland and Sheehan & Partners for their support of this event.

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Fíona Ní Chinnéide, Communications Officer, Irish Penal Reform Trust

T: (01) 874 1400                 M: 087 181 2990                E: communications@iprt.ie

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

‘The Old Triangle: a Celebration for the Benefit of the Irish Penal Reform Trust’ 

This event takes place on Sunday 26th February, 2012 at 8pm in the Abbey Theatre, Dublin 1. Tickets cost €20 (standard) and a limited number at €40 (supporters) available from the Abbey Theatre box office on +353 (0)1 87 87 222 or online at www.abbeytheatre.ie

Patrons of IPRT: 

IPRT is delighted to have the support of patrons who champion our work in the area of prisoners’ rights and penal reform. Prior to his election as President in October 2011, Michael D Higgins was also a patron of IPRT. Each of our patrons has a strong connection with arts in prisons and/or advocacy for the human rights of prisoners. They are:

• Paula Meehan, poet
• Peter Sheridan, author and director
• Senator Ivana Bacik
• John Lonergan, former governor of Mountjoy Prison.

Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT):

IPRT is Ireland's leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for the rights of everyone in prison and the progressive reform of Irish penal policy, with prison as a last resort. Please visit: www.iprt.ie