Talk 1: Penance and the Roots of Military Chaplaincy

Ordained in the Church of Ireland, Rev Andrew Totten OBE was an Army chaplain for 27 years. He was a padre on the ground in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and became an Honorary Chaplain to The Queen. His final post as Principal of the Armed Forces’ Chaplaincy Centre involved the creation of a new museum at the Defence Academy in Oxfordshire, in which Columbanus features prominently. His talk will explain how the roots of military chaplaincy drew on a fundamental contribution by Columbanus and his fellow Irish monks.

Talk 2: Uniting People of Europe through Cultural Connections

Even after 1,400 years, the legacy of Columbanus continues to unite the people of Europe.  Deborah Girvan, chairperson of Friends of Columbanus, will illustrate how the Columban Way, a pilgrim route that traces the footsteps of Columbanus through eight European countries, is gathering momentum.  Manuela Bertoncini from the Green Butterflies, Italy, will explain how cultural projects through education, music, song, and sport are connecting groups and organisations from Bangor to Bobbio.

Eva Kavanagh

Eva Kavanagh is an 18 year-old soprano from Hacketstown on the Carlow/Wicklow border. She was a Junior Eurovision televised semi-finalist (2016), a Pan Celtic national festival finalist (2017), Community games all-Ireland singing finalist (2018), and student of the year in Carlow College of Music (2022).  She studied with James Nelson of the Celtic Tenors from 2019-2022 and is now currently studying a four year Bachelor’s vocal course at the Royal Irish Academy of Music under the tuition of Kathleen Tynan (RIAM’s Head of Vocal Studies and opera.)

Bangor Ladies Choir

Ards and North Down Borough Council conferred the status of Borough Ambassadors on Bangor Ladies Choir in recognition of their ability to deliver world class entertainment not just at home but also on the international stage. Formed in 1976, the 76 strong choir has travelled widely in the UK, Ireland, North America and Europe. They have a strong connection with Columbanus having sung in places connected with the  Bangor monk including Bregenz in Austria and Myshall in Co Carlow.  

Ards CCE

The 2^nd half of the programme will feature Ards CCE musicians and dancers who will accompany David Lennon, a well-known local musician, singer and historian.  The talented and award winning young entertainers will enthral the audience with their skill, repertoire and love of Irish music.

Brigid Watson

Brigid Watson of Sustainable Journeys Ireland will lead a guided walk that traces the journey of Columbanus from Bangor to Bobbio by following the Bangor Bell Trail.