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From Factory Girls to Freedom...
20.05.10
Frank McGuinness
becomes the first honorary freeman of his hometown
Buncrana.
by Linda McGrory
PLAYWRIGHT Frank McGuinness will have an emotional
homecoming in Buncrana tomorrow evening when family,
friends and locals gather to see him become the
first honorary freeman of his native town.
The award-winning writer and academic will be
conferred with the Freedom of Buncrana at the local
civic offices followed by a reception in the
Inishowen Gateway Hotel.
Plans for the event were set in motion by the town's
mayor and self-confessed 'fan', Cllr Lee Tedstone
who said the long-overdue honour was in recognition
of McGuinness' major contribution to the arts,
academic life and his home town and county.
"Frank is an internationally-recognised playwright
who has raised the profile of Buncrana and Donegal
through his work over the years," said Cllr Tedstone.
"His professional success and achievements have been
phenomenal not only at home in Ireland but on the
international stage as well. Friday's event will be
a chance for the people of Buncrana to say 'thank
you' and let him know how proud we all are of him." |
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Frank McGuinness grew
up in Marian Park, Buncrana, and was educated
locally and at University College Dublin. He first
came to prominence with 'The Factory Girls' inspired
by the experiences of local women including members
of his own family, who worked in the textiles
industry in his hometown.
He went on to win numerous awards for his many
original works as well as adaptations of classic
dramas. He also wrote the screenplay for the
well-received film adaptation of Brian Friel's |
'Dancing at Lughnasa',
starring Meryl Streep.
The 57 year old is also a published poet and is
professor of creative writing in the School of
English, Drama and Film at University College
Dublin.
The local ceremony will kick off with the 'formal'
conferring of the Freedom of Buncrana, at Buncrana
Civic Offices on St Oran's Road. This will include
an address by the mayor as well as an acceptance
speech by the guest of honour. The acclaimed writer
will then receive an official certificate as well as
a plaque bearing the Buncrana coat of arms. A gift
of an original work of art will also be presented as
well as poems and stories, with a Buncrana theme,
written by children from the local Scoil Iosagain.
Meanwhile, Cllr Tedstone said he wanted the event to
be 'Frank's night'.
"Apart from the formal part of things, we want this
to be, first and foremost, Frank's night and one we
hope he will enjoy with all his family, friends," he
added. The celebrations will begin at Buncrana Civic
Offices at 7.30pm followed by a reception, to which
everyone is welcome, in the Gateway hotel. |
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