Legend of the Knight

O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M M E

II

We find ourselves listening to the sound of a lone flute. An old mans voice can

be heard telling us his story. This is the story of The Legend of the Knight. About a young

boy called Mawn. His only wish is to be a knight. Along with his best friend Cormac they

continuously pretend to be Knights, guarding their own Settlement. He also has set his

eyes on Emer and wishes to one day marry her, but Ireland, his island home, is in turmoil.

The Murrough have made their way across the seas from Ghal and have pillaged and

plundered Mawns homeland. The most dangerous of them all is their fearless leader

Morann who possesses evil powers of sorcery.

The Inevitable happens and the Murrough attacks Mawns peaceful settlement.

Mawn must act now if he is to save his people. He defends his settlement from the

Murrough and guards off Morann. Morann looks dejected but during the battle he has set

about to steal Emer from Mawn. Mawn is helpless to reach Emer as Morann has cast a spell

and the Murrough disappear taking Emer with them.

The high King of Ireland has chosen Mawn to defend Ireland, but warned him that

until he had received the four gifts of wisdom, strength, knowledge and fast of feet then

he would be powerless against the Murrough. Mawn along with his friend Cormac bid

farewell to their settlement and set out on a journey to find the Murrough and win back

Emer.

Across Lake Erris and at the other end of the enchanted forest, Morann along

with his two goons and Emer are moving ever closer to Rathowen. However Morann first

sets about to win Emer over by playing a silly game with his two goons. He beckons her to

dance and commands his goons to mimic her. At first she is reluctant but joins in and begins

to laugh and enjoy herself and once again she comes under Moranns spell.

As Mawn and Cormac enter the enchanted forest they get a sense that they are

being followed closely. To their delight they find four Fairies dancing about them, they

sprinkle star-dust on Mawn & Cormac and bestow upon Mawn the gift of wisdom.

Mawn and Cormac soon fall asleep but Mawns sleep is disturbed. Morann appears

as if in a dream with Emer. Again Mawn tries to reach Emer but to no avail. Morann draws

his sword and brings it crashing down on Mawn – Cormac shakes Mawn out of a hellish

nightmare that he was having as he slept.

As they near a Castle on the hills of Rathowen they hear merriment and laughter

coming from inside its walls. A beautiful haunting song fills the air and Mawn bounds into

III

the banqueting hall to great applause as now the news of his deeds and bravery have

travelled throughout Ireland. A great banquet ensues but Morann has cast his evil powers

again and has appeared at the banquet under the guise of Emer. To great delight Mawn

"sees" his love and they dance together. Suddenly with a flash of light Emer is replaced by

Morann and in an instant Mawns head is full of delirious images as Morann holds the whole

banquet under his spell and stirs up a powerful dance.

END OF ACT I

Since leaving the Castle in search of Emer, Mawn has lost Cormac. As he delves deeper

and deeper into the unknown, in the stillness of night while calling out for Cormac he finds

himself in the centre of a Witches Caldron. Surrounded by several witches who are beating

out a constant and spellbinding rhythm. He attempts to escape but cannot move. Soon he

realises that these witches wish to help him and they in turn bring Cormac back to Mawn.

Before sending the boys on their way the Witches entice Mawn to drink a strength potion.

At first he is hesitant but agrees and drinks heartily. Immediately he is full of boundless

strength and rushes off to find Morann.

They journey to the Land of Skatha (Shadows), and there waiting for them is the

woman-warrior named Skatha and her band of female warriors.

Skatha already knows what Mawn is looking for and passes

to him the power of fastest feet. Mawn and Cormac

are treated to a spectacle in the strength and

power of feet that Skatha and her companions

posses. Mawn is now ready to face Morann.

Back on their travels again the two

boys come to the shores of Lough Erris.

They rest a while to take some water and

again as if in a dream Mawns mother

appears to the boys and tells of the

story behind the troubled Swans. For

these swans were once the children

of Lir, who was a Celtic God, and

the father of the sea God

Manannan. Their step-mother had

cast a spell on them and turned them

into swans to wander the lakes and

seas of Ireland for 900 years . Th e

Swans hear their mournful lament and

out of the mist they appear and lay

about Mawns mother.

As the song ends Mawns

mother disappears and the swans

rise and dance about the boys. The

boys join in and at once they are

full of happiness but in re t u r n

Mawn can also see the hurt and

pain in the swans eyes and he

knows why.

IV

As they continue to dance the group are joined by even more swans and the wonderous

Swan dance continues. As the boys take their leave the Swans give to Mawn as gratitude

the gift of 900 years of Knowledge.

As the boys settle down for the night Mawns mother appears and sings a sleep

lullaby but is disturbed as she feels the presence of Morann and knows that Mawns fate

is soon to be realised.

Mawns sleep is disturbed. Morann appears as if in a dream with Emer. Mawn

realises his previous preminition and again he tries to reach Emer, but to no avail. Morann

draws his sword to bring it crashing down on Mawn. Cormac up to this event has faltered

when faced with danger and evil..until now. He jumps in and pushes Morann to the ground.

He brings Mawn to his feet and with a powerful turn, Mawn advances on Morann with his

special step and all the wisdom, strength and knowledge he received. With a final blow he

defeats Morann.

Suddenly out of the mist a hooded figure appears, a god like creature. Mawn and

Cormac are not sure is it more danger and evil. From beneath his cloak this figure draws a

magical Sword and with one wave banishes Morann and the Murrough people for all

eternity. Another wave and Emer awakens from her spell and falls into the arms of Mawn.

This old man now beckons Mawn to kneel and as he places the sword on Mawns

left and right shoulder, the voice of the old man is heard once again. While we hear the

voice we see the old man hand Mawn the sword, and we see now that this old man and this

young boy are really one in the same person. With a heavy heart Mawn stands alone and

watches the old man disappear into the mist…the voice continues and tells of how his life

unfolded after that and how his name and all he had done to save his land from evil were

whispered to children around a fire on cold wintry nights, passed on from generation to

generation. As Mawn thrusts the air with the sword and the lights go out the voice fades

off by explaining that the story that was passed from generation to generation was about

the legend of the Knight.

With Great gusto and excitement the company dance with merriment and joy as

they await the arrival of their Knight Mawn and his Lady Emer for the crowning finale

dance. When Mawn and Emer enter the complete ensemble dance with joy and happiness

leaving us in the knowledge that all is well once again in the world. A gallant Knight has

defeated evil.

..............THE END.

V

STORY BOOK CHARACTERS

Mawn / Old Knight – Tony Nolan / Oliver O’Connor

Mawn / Young Knight – Colin Carmody

Cormac / Friend – Dale Meade Halvey

Mawns Mother – Michelle Enright

Emer – Sinead Kiely / Chloe Ryan

Settlement Clan – Colin Carmody, Dale Meade Halvey, Kim Burke,

Aisling Frawley, Lisa Reilly, Laurie Brosnan,

Deirdre Kiely, Chloe Ryan, Sinead Kiely, Michelle Stack.

Morann – Conor Fleming

Goon 1 – James O’Neill

Goon 2 - Gary O’Connor

Murrough – Michelle Murphy, Melissa Meade Halvey, Nichola

Quinn, Sarah Neilan, Nadia Wright & Sarah Byrne

Fairy Girls – Aisling Frawley, Kim Burke, Lisa Reilly, Laurie Brosnan

Castle Guests – Full Ensemble

Lead Witch – Sarah Neilan

Company of Witches – Michelle Murphy, Melissa Meade Halvey, Nichola

Quinn, Grace Ryan, Sarah Byrne, Michelle Enright,

Michelle Stack, Sinead Kiely, Nadia Wright.

Children of Lir – Aisling Frawley, Kim Burke, Lisa Reilly, Sinead Kiely

Swans – Melissa Meade Halvey, Michelle Murphy, Michelle

Stack, Nadia Wright, Nichola Quinn, Sarah Byrne.

Celtic Warrior Skatha – Sarah Byrne

Skatha’s Soldiers – Sarah Neilan,Grace Ryan, Michelle Enright, Michelle

Murphy, Melissa Meade Halvey, Nadia Wright.

The Crowning Finale – Full Ensemble

Executive Producer – Micheal Carr

Cheorography – Tony & Rose Nolan

Direction – Daire & Cian Nolan

Music – Eric Cunningham

Production & Story – Bryan Carr

Sound & Lighting – Didier Barreau

Backstage – Majella Meade, Deirdre Kiely

VI

Legend of the Knight contains all original music & songs

Composed & arranged by Mr. Eric Cunningham

Concept and story © Mr. Bryan Carr

VII

PERFORMERS

Kim Burke, Aisling Frawley, Lisa Reilly, Laurie Brosnan, Dale Meade

Halvey, Gary O’Connor, Michelle Stack, Sinead Kiely, Chloe Ryan,

James O’Neill, Colin Carmody, Nadia Wright, Michelle Enright,

Sarah Neilan, Nichola Quinn, Melissa Meade Halvey, Michelle Murphy,

Conor Fleming, Sarah Byrne & Grace Ryan.

VIII

LAURIE BROSNAN - I am 10 years old and my name is Laurie Brosnan. I have been dancing for 5 years

for Rose and Tony Nolan. I have competed in Munster, All Ireland, All Scotland and Great Britain

Championships. My highest placing was 1st in the All Scotland in my solos and 6th in the Munster

Championships. In the past 2 years I have danced in Cabarets and variety shows. I was a member of the local

gymnastics squad in recent years.

SARAH BYRNE - My name is Sarah. I live in Cahir in Co. Tipperary. I started dancing at the age of 4

in Australia. I was 4 times state champion in Australia and I am a former Australian National Champion. I

returned to Ireland 2 years ago and am currently a pupil of ‘The Nolan School of Dancing’ in Limerick. I

came 5th in the Munster Championships and I competed in the World Championships in Glasgow this

Easter and was placed in the top 40.

KIM BURKE - My name is Kim. I live in Raheen, Co. Limerick and I am 9 years old. I have been

dancing since I was 4 years old. I am a pupil of the ‘Nolan School of Dancing’ in Limerick. I dance at

‘Ard Grad’ level and have competed at the Munster Championships for the last few years. My highest

achievement was 6th place.

COLIN CARMODY - My Name is Colin. I am from Greenpark, Limerick. I started dancing at 4

years. I took part in shows such as ‘Waves’ and ‘The Irish Famine’ I have competed in numerous

competitions. I am the Munster Champion and I was 2nd in the All-Ireland and in the top 10 at the

World Championships in Glasgow. I perform in cabarets in such places as Dromoland Castle,

Ashford Castle, and Adare Manor.

MICHELLE ENRIGHT - My name is Michelle Enright and I am 16 years old. I am a student at Laurel

Hill Secondary School in Limerick. I began dancing with Scoil UI Nuallan when I was nine years old and I

have won various competitions at all grades in Ireland and Scotland. I began singing in primary school and I

represented Clare in the National Community Games Final. I am a holder of a Junior Bronze medal from

the Royal Victoria College of Music in London also a grade 5 at the Irish Academy of Music in piano. I

intend to pursue a career in music and dance when I leave school. I also work as a part-time model with

Celia Homan-Lee Model Agency in Limerick. My hobbies are music, dance and horse-riding.

CONOR FLEMING - I started dancing at the age of 6 with the Doyle School of Dancing and I

moved to the Nolan School of Dancing when I was eight. I came third in the Munster Boy’s

Championship under 14 in 2001. I have also danced in team events where we have been placed in the

Worlds and have won the All Scotland Championships. I have also danced in Pléaracha na n-Óg with

Newmarket CCE and won the All Irelands twice.

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AISLING FRAWLEY - My name is Aisling Frawley and I started to dance at the age of 5. I am hugely

involved in the tradition of Irish Dance and Music as I also play the Irish flute and tin whistle since I was 6. I

have a keen interest in singing and drama and this year I have been chosen as a lead singer and dancer in

this years Spotlight Stage School production in my native Limerick. My achievements to date include first

prize in regional creative dance and I have been credited with first prize in other major championships. My

ambition is to eventually become a professional show artist and follow on the footsteps of my uncles, Cian

and Daire Nolan, of Lord of the Dance fame.

DALE MEADE HALVEY - My name is Dale Meade Halvey and I am 11 years old. I have been dancing

with the Nolan School of Dancing for 8 years. I was placed 6th in the Munster Championships & 2nd in my

solos and 12th in the All Ireland. I have also danced in the All Scotland Championships and was placed 3rd

in my solos. I have been a member of team dancing also and our team has been placed in the Munster, All

Ireland and World Championships. I have also been dancing cabaret for 6 years performing all over the

country for overseas visitors.

SINÉAD KIELY - My name is Sinead Kiely and I am 12 years old. I have only been dancing for 3 years. I

have been placed and qualified for the World and in the Munster Championships that I have entered in. In

my first All Scotland Championship I was placed 3rd. I also dance team competitions and have been placed

in All Ireland and Munster Championships. I have danced cabarets for 3 years in Adare Manor, Dromoland

Castle and Ashford Castle.

MELISSA MEADE HALVEY - My name is Melissa Meade Halvey and I am 14 years old. I have been

dancing for 10 years. I have competed in major championships for the last 8 years both in Ireland and the

United Kingdom. I have been placed 4th in the Munster Championships in my solos and 3rd in the All

Scotland Championships in my solos. I also dance in team events and our team has won Munster, All Ireland

and All Scotland Championships. I have been a member of the Nolan Cabaret Group for 5 years and have

performed for many visitors who have visited our country. Until 2 years ago I was a member of the Cork

City Ballet and won the Munster Championships in Ballet for 3 years.

MICHELLE MURPHY - My name is Michelle Murphy and I have been dancing with the Nolan School

of Dancing for 9 years. I have competed in major championships both in Ireland and overseas, including

the British Nationals, and the All Scotland Championships. I was placed 1st at the All Scotland

Championships in my solos and I have won lots of trophies and medals in various competitions in the

past 9 years. I have been a member of the Nolan Cabaret Group for 5 years. I have danced in Ashford

Castle, Adare Manor and Dromoland Castle entertaining many visitors from all over the world.

GARY O’ CONNOR - My name is Gary O’Connor. I began dancing at the age of 6 with Scoil Ui Nuallain.

At The age of ten I became a Munster Champion by winning the 2000 Oireachtas Na Mumhan in Tralee. In

2001 I won the Munster Solo Championships and came 2nd in 2001 Oireachtas Na Mumhan. I competed in

the World Championships 2002 in Glasgow.

SARAH NEILAN - My name is Sarah Neilan and I have been dancing with the Nolan School of Dancing

for 10 years. I have travelled overseas for the British Nationals and was placed 6th. In the All Scotland

Championships I was placed 3rd and this year in the Munster Championships I was placed 3rd. I have been

dancing in Team events also for the last 10 years and our team has been placed 1st in the Munster and All

Ireland Championships in Team events. I have danced with the Nolan Cabaret for many years and I have also

performed with the Chieftains in Ashford Castle.

X

JAMES O’NEILL - My name is James O’Neill. I live in Ballyneety, Co. Limerick. I started dancing when I

was 4 at The Nolan School of Dancing. When I was five I won my first competition. I have won Munster

Championships under 8. I came second under 9, 10 and 11. This year I came 3rd under 12. I came 10th in the All

Ireland championships. I came 10th in the Word Championships two years ago. I have been a member of

Championship Teams who have won at Munster, All-Ireland and World Championship level.

LISA REILLY - Lisa is 10 years old and is dancing since she was five years old. Lisa comes

from three generations of Irish Dancers, so dancing is definitely a large part of her life. She has

developed her dancing skills greatly in the last two years and is now competing at Championship

level. She has numerous Munster Solo Medals.

NICOLA QUINN - My name is Nicola. I live in Ballycarney, Co. Limerick. I have been dancing

since the age of 3 years. I am a pupil of the Nolan School of Dancing in Limerick. I danced in my

first feis when I was 3 years and came 1st. When I was 5 years old I won my first cup. I have been

competing in the Munster Championships for the last 3 years. I came 7th in my heavy jig and 13th

in the slip jig. At the moment I am the holder of 7 perpetual trophies and cups.

CHLOÉ RYAN - My name is Choé Ryan and I am 12 years old. I have been Irish Dancing since I was five

years old. I went to the O’Connor/Rea school of dancing first and then moved to the Nolan School of

Dancing two and half years ago. I have danced in the Scottish National Championships, Great Britain and

British Nationals on several occasions. I have been placed in both the solos and championships of these

competitions. In June 200 I danced and was placed 32nd in the North American Irish Dancing Championships

in San Francisco. I also like traditional music very much and play the concertina since I was 7 years old.

GRACE RYAN - My name is Grace Ryan and I am 15 years old. I have been dancing for 10 years and I

have competed in many major championships here and overseas in my 10 years. My highest achievement

was 3rd in the Munster’s and 3rd in the All Scotland Championships in my solos. I have danced cabarets

also for 6 years dancing in Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle for many over-seas

visitors. I have also been a member of a Modelling Agency for 5 years and model on a part-time basis.

NADIA WRIGHT - My name is Nadia Wright. I live in Caherdavin, Limerick. I was born in Cardiff. I started

dancing when I was 5. I am a pupil of the Nolan School of dancing. I have travelled around Ireland to Feiseanna

and Major Competitions - Mini Munster, Munster, All Ireland, All Scotland and World Championships. I have

won medals and trophies at most of these. I have danced cabarets for 3 years in Adare Manor, Dromoland

Castle and Ashford Castle.

MICHELLE STACK - My Name is Michelle Stack. I live in Raheen in Limerick. I started dancing at the age

of 6 with ‘Scoil Ui Nuaillain’. I won first place in a light dance at the Mini-Munsters and this was my first ever

feis. I compete at Munster Championship level and I have won several solo medals. I have also competed in

teams at Munster, All-Ireland and World Dancing Championship level and have won Gold, Sliver and Bronze

Team medals. I play the tin whistle, the recorder, the tenor recorder, the keyboard and the fiddle and I was a

member of the All-Ireland Scór group in 2002. I play camogie, Gaelic football and basketball.

XI

Ceol Chairrai Teoranta wish to thank the following

for their assistance on

Patrick O’Donoghue and staff of The Gleneagle Killarney,

Kuang Hong Arts Management Taiwan,

Eamon Mulvihill, Valerie O’Sullivan, Didier Barreau,

Theresa Stack (administration), Majella Meade, Deirdre Kiely,

All the ladies (and men) that helped backstage,

Oliver O’Connor, Matthew Bashford, Patrick Fleming,

Geraldine O’Callaghan, Patrice O’Connor, Mike Galvin,

Graham Finn (Sound Engineer),

Eoghan Horgan (Programming and Orchestratction)

Daire & Cian Nolan for their huge imput into the production.

Tony and Rose Nolan for their total commitment & unwavering

support. Eric Cunningham for the original music and songs

and for all the "sound" advise. Bryan Carr for co-ordinating

the entire project.

Finally to the 20 terrific children and their parents.

Thank you

Sincerely,

Michael Carr

Executive Producer

For further information on this or any

other of our productions please contact:

Ceol Chiarrai Productions

Main Street, Ballybunion,

Co. Kerry, Ireland.

Tel + 353 (0)68 28003

Fax + 353 (0)68 28006

[email protected]