Thomas Russell, ‘The man from God knows where’ was the Gaol’s most famous prisoner. Executed at the door in 1803 and buried in Downpatrick, he was a centrally important figure in the foundation of the Society of United Irishmen. Folk-singers, writers & broadcasters, Jane Cassidy and Maurice Leyden, tell the story of this remarkable man, through eye-witness accounts of his life and times, extracts from Russell’s diary, woven together with local traditional songs, expressing the drama and pathos of that ‘time of the hurry’. http://www.downcountymuseum.com/What-s-On Tickets £8 (concessions available)

Maurice and Jane have been enjoying giving Singing/Walking tours of Lisburn and Belfast over the last 2 weekends, telling the story of Ulster’s Linen Industry through folk-song. Thanks to Angela Carroll and Fergus O’Hare for the photos!

Maurice and Jane doing the actions for Fair Rosa, sung at this great session by Vincent Shrunks. Thanks to Mairead Walls for organising such a fantastic night of traditional singing.