Description
In 2007 ‘X-PO’ was activated as a public art project by Deirdre O’Mahony. Since 2008 it functions as a space for social activity and creativity. The X-PO project was set up in order to establish a space for a long-term, public exchange process that could allow for open discourse on notions of “belonging” with/in rural communities in North Clare. It was re-openeded in a rural post office in Kilnaboy, North Clare, in December 2007 with the aim of providing a space for public, collective reflection in order to a review, recall and examine ideas of place, space and beonging in the rural west. By re-activating the post office; a place with a history of being a site of exchange and social contact, the intention was to enable the articulation of community history(ies) from within and without.
The initial programme of context specific events and exhibitions dealt with a number of issues affecting rural communities; relations between locals and newcomers, the impact of tourism on small rural communities and the effects of regulation on agricultural practices and local ecology. These events ran in tandem with social clubs and groups that began to use the space in 2008. The artworks generated a dialogue around the cultural authority of public “exhibitions” and began an process whereby a mapping group and a local history research group used the space to publicly frame and represent alternative accounts of local knowledge which are now available for reference in the X-PO.
The primary objective was that X-PO become a self-sustaining social and cultural space. Public meetings were held with the intention of creating a structure that would actively involve newcomers and locals. Teams were set up in August 2008 and the responsibility for running the space passed to the community. Clubs are active and exhibitions continue to be held in the space though not on a continuous basis. The Mapping and Tracing group run a monthly gathering where different individuals bring specific local knowledge to the table, freely exchanging information on aspects of the area from caves to dry-stone walls, Cillíns and Holy wells.
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X-PO Christmas party Thursday 15th December at 9.00 p.m. Tree lighting, mulled wine, savouries, song, music and seasonal craic. Bring your own bottle…. and some eats if you can. Bígí linn (be with us). Nollaig Shona!
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CITY OF GOD TEMPLE CRONAN, CARRAN The December heritage talk at the X-PO in Kilnaboy will be given by Tony Kirby. The talk is entitled City of God -Temple Cronan, Carran. The illustrated lecture will take place on Thursday December 8th at 8.30 p.m. Temple Cronan is one the most spectacular ecclesiastical sites in North Clare. Archaeological highlights include holy wells, rare slab shrines, cemetery, penitential stations, ancient church, monastic enclosure and a complex of ruins of lay buildings. Temple Cronan was a centre of pilgrimage of regional importance in the past - monks and pilgrims following the cult of a now obscure localised saint, Cronan. The talk will focus on the archaeology and the history of the site. Tony Kirby is a walking tour guide. He is author of the book The Burren and the Aran Islands A Walking Guide published by The Collins Press. The X-PO is located in the former post office in Kilnaboy. It is a community hub for social and cultural activities. All are welcome to the talk. Tuille eolais (more information) 086 087 29 83.
Heart of Burren Walks
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EXPLORING ARCHAEOLOGY SITES in KILLINABOY A Talk at X-PO KILLINABOY by Christine Grant 17th November at 8.30 p.m. X-PO in Killinaboy will host an illustrated talk on Thursday 17th November at 8.30 p.m. The lecture is entitled “Exploring Archaeology Sites in Killinaboy” and the guest speaker is archaeologist Christine Grant. Christine has been an archaeologist for almost thirty years now. She has been doing archaeological work in Clare since 1988 and finally came to live here twenty years ago. In the past Christine worked as a private consultant and now work for the state archaeological service, The National Monuments Service in the Department of Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. She has a particular interest in the archaeology of the Burren and is currently doing a study of the prehistoric enclosures on the Burren. The X-PO is located in the former post office in Killinaboy. It is a community hub for social and cultural activities. All are welcome to the talk. More information 087 292 54 87.
POSTPONED until further notice due to recent events: FILM SCREENING @ X-PO Killinaboy Thursday 10th November at 8.00 p.m. “The Closer We Get” by Karen Guthrie
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GAEILGE IN KILNABOY Irish language classes at X-PO A Irish language winter course will begin in the X-PO Kilnaboy on Wednesday November 9th at 7.00 p.m. X-PO is a small community hub located in the former post office in Kilnaboy. Each class will last 90 minutes. Doolin-based Mick O’Riordan is the múinteoir. Mick has many years experience teaching the language. The class atmosphere will be relaxed. Craic is guaranteed as well as learning. The classes are aimed primarily at lower intermediate level. The classes are free of charge and donation to X-PO is voluntary. Registration takes place on the first evening at 7.00 p.m. Tuille eolais (more information) is available from phone number 087 216 23 51.
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The October heritage talk at the X-PO in Kilnaboy will be given by James Neylon and Seán Roche. The talk is entitled Sonnie Murphy – Kilnaboy’s Olympian and will take place on Thursday October 20th at 8.30 p.m. Michael Sonnie Murphy was a native of Ballycashen, Kilnaboy. Sonnie was an accomplished athlete and took part in a heat of the 3,000 metres steeplechase in the 1932 Los Angles Olympic Games. He suffered from severe dehydration during the race which took place in extreme heat. Murphy never fully recovered from the effects of the dehydration and he died back in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day 1936. The talk in the X-PO coincides with the 80th anniversary of Sonny’s death. James Neylon and Seán Roche are both natives of Kilnaboy and are active in local community groups including Kilnaboy Athletic Club. Moreover, James and Seán are involved with the Sonnie Murphy Memorial Race in the parish since its inception in 1984. James and Seán have a keen interest in local history. The X-PO is located in the former post office in Kilnaboy. It is a community hub for social and cultural activities. All are welcome to the talk. More information 087 292 54 87.
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Colin Johnston's - Drawing from Observation - Tuesdays Oct 7:30 to 9:30 Get yer pencil sharpeners out. All welcome
Important Public Meeting: Visitor and Traffic Management Plan for the Burren National Park Brendan McGrath and Associates has been commissioned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to prepare a plan for the Park. Brendan McGrath and Paul Murphy are running an information meeting about the project in the Corofin Community Hall at 8.30 on Tuesday night 18th Oct. Everyone welcome.
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Great to see X-PO get a fresh coat of paint today, thank you Stevie Malone!
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A packed at the XPO for First Citizens Speak screening! Part of the 'Seanfhocail' series of films about ageing, curated by Deirdre O’Mahony for X-PO
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XPO Singers back on song. Mon 3rd Oct. All welcome. Every Monday 8.30 pm. XPO Kilnaboy. We sing because we sing because we sing because we sing because we sing ............
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