Mo Pheata: My Pet

Just as the Olympics are based on a Greek sporting contest that took place in the 8th century BC, so did Ireland revive an ancient tradition upon becoming a free state in the 1920s. The Tailteann Games, held in 1924, 1928 and 1932, helped establish Ireland on the international stage after coming out of The War for Independence and The Irish Civil War. Although short-lived, the revival of the Tailteann Games promoted Irish culture and art, while encouraging much needed tourism into the country.

Sometimes referred to as the “Irish Chekhov,” Brian Friel is considered by many to be one of the greatest playwrights of his generation, in both Ireland and abroad. During the five decades that spanned his career, his work demonstrated not only daring artistic approaches, but also a wide range of topics addressed. From political activism to family dynamics, Friel’s plays took chances in form and content, making him a pioneer of his day. Additionally, because his plays were often set in rural towns and his career spanned over half a century, it is often remarked that his work embodied the evolution of the Irish countryside in the 20th century.