Neil Jordan cancels Achill appearance

Neil Jordan cancels appearance at Heinirch Böll Memorial Weekend


Anton McNulty

Organisers of the Heinirch Böll Memorial Weekend in Achill have expressed their disappointment that Irish filmmaker and novelist, Neil Jordan will not be appearing.
The Director of ‘Michael Collins’ and ‘Interview with the Vampire’ was due to make a guest appearance at this year’s programme which will focus on the 60th anniversary of the publication of ‘The End of the Affair’, by novelist Graham Greene - a book which is associated with Greene’s time in Achill.
In 1999, Neil Jordan directed the film, ‘The End of the Affair’ which was based on Greene’s novel and as part of the weekends programme, he was to give an introductory talk before the screening of the film, and also give a reading from his new work.
However, last Wednesday he informed the committee of the Heinirch Böll Memorial Weekend that he was now unable to attend due to work commitments overseas. John McHugh of Achill Heinrich Böll Association said they were all disappointed that Jordan would be unable to attend.
“It is very disappointing because he is a name people outside the literature circles will recognise because of his films. We were contacted last Wednesday night and informed that he would not be able to attend. When we first invited him he said he was not sure if he would be in the country on the date but said he would come. Obviously he has got word that he will have to travel outside the country for a project he is working on,” he said.
John said that the committee were currently working on trying to organise a replacement for Jordan but admitted it was difficult at such short notice. However, he said the programme was very compact and there was still a number of things to do over the weekend.
The annual Heinirch Böll Memorial Weekend will take place on Achill Island from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 and the official opening will be performed by Angela Spizig, the Vice Mayor of Cologne, at the Cyril Gray Memorial Hall, Dugort. The weekend is in its seventh year and honours the memory of the former German Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Heinirch Böll who spent time on Achill and owned a cottage.
There will be a number of events happening over the weekend which include lectures on Graham Greene in Achill, seminars, readings from authors and poets as well as a guided walks in Achill and on Inishskea South led by Archeologist Eoin Halpin.
Places are limited for each event and booking is essential. Registration costs €90 and for further information contact; 086 232 5516 or 087 772 0192 or e-mail: hbollachill@anu.ie or www.achilltourism.com.