merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gealtacht attended a number of events in Dublin today (16 June 2011) in celebration of Bloomsday.

Minister Deenihan began today's proceedings at the launch of the 2011 Bloomsday Festival at the James Joyce Centre. Minister Deenihan said: "The James Joyce Centre has consistently been pro-active in promoting the works of Joyce and providing visitors with a wonderful Joycean experience throughout the year. Of course, the highlight of the Joycean year is the Bloomsday Festival and this year there really is something for everyone to participate in and enjoy." The Minister also acknowledged the beautiful plaster work internally in the house and also noted that the house was used by Valentine Brown, the Earl of Kenmare as his townhouse.

Minister Deenihan then attended the Bloomsday breakfast at the Gresham Hotel, where a recital of extracts from Ulysses were performed. He said: "The actors performing passages of the book, really capture the mood and mix of Joyce’s iconic work and his interpretation of theDublin of that era."

Minister Deenihan then went to Dun Laoghaire, where accompanied by his colleague Mary Mitchell O'Connor TD., he read a passage from Ulysses before visiting businesses on Georges Street to enjoy the celebrations and performances of local people many of whom were dressed in period costumes.

The Minister was later photographed with the proprietor of Hicks Butchers before listening to a musical performance by violinist Vladimir Jablokov. Minister Deenihan said: "I am delighted to be here in Dun Laoghaire on this very important day in Ireland's and indeed the world's literary calendar.

For many years, Bloomsday has been synonymous with Dun Laoghaire and has always enticed great participation among the local people and visiting Joyceans. The wonderful performances and re-enactments by all who are celebrating Bloomsday is a great testament to Joyce and his vision of Dublin on that famous day in our literary history that chronicles the passage of Leopold Bloom through Dublin"

In conclusion said: "This year, Bloomsday is a much more significant international event with Dublin's designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. Dublin is one of just four cities worldwide that has been deservedly awarded this designation. This year is also the 70th anniversary of Joyce’s death which means the lifting of copyright restrictions on all of Joyce’s work at the beginning of 2012. Without such restrictions, next year’s Bloomsday promises to be the most exciting yet, one which I eagerly look forward to."