Legendary Mayo opera star to be celebrated in her home town
Castlebar will come alive on Friday, September 19, with The Margaret Burke Sheridan Trail – a vibrant evening of music, storytelling, exhibitions, and live performances celebrating Castlebar’s very own international opera star, Margaret Burke Sheridan.
Margaret Burke Sheridan (1889–1958), affectionately known as “La Sheridan”, was one of Ireland’s first great international opera stars and a world renowned interpreter of Puccini.
Born in Castlebar, she studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London before making her operatic debut in Italy, where she became celebrated for her powerful interpretations of Puccini’s heroines.
Her performances at La Scala and other renowned opera houses won her worldwide acclaim, making her one of the most remarkable Irish sopranos of the 20th century.
Organised by the Linenhall Arts Centre, avents will take place across multiple town centre venues and in unexpected spaces, animating Castlebar in a unique celebration of music, creativity, and identity.
From intimate opera recitals to traditional sessions, from talks and readings to multimedia projections, the Trail promises to surprise and delight audiences of all ages.
“We are delighted that with the support of Culture Night Late, we can bring these events to the very heart of our town,” said Fiona Neary, co-director of The Linenhall.
“People can dip in and out, spend time at one event and move on, or decide to stay a while longer at a recital or performance. It’s an open invitation for the community to come together in celebration.”
All events are free of charge and no booking is required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Programme Highlights
Early Evening | 7.00 p.m. – 7.40 p.m.
Reading | La Sheridan: Adorable Diva with author Anne Chambers | Christ Church, The Mall
Late Night Trail | From 9.00pm – Choose your own path through Castlebar’s streets and enjoy a series of intimate, inspiring events:
Live Opera Recitals with Anne Marie Gibbons, Alex Nisse | Christ Church, The Mall
9.30 – 9.55 p.m. | 10.15 – 10.40 p.m.
Traditional Music & Choir Performances | Christian Fellowship, The Mall
9.00 – 9.25 p.m.: St Joseph’s Trad Group
9.30 – 9.50 p.m.: Le Cheile FRC One Town One Voice Choir
10.00 – 10.30 p.m.: St Joseph’s Trad Group
Talk by Yvonne McDermott | Castle Books, Main Street
9.00 – 9.30 p.m.: Castlebar in Margaret’s Youth
9.50 – 10.20 p.m.: Margaret’s Childhood in Castlebar
Music & Storytelling with John Hoban | Upstairs at Bridge St., Main Street
9.30 – 10.00pm | 10.15 – 10.45 p.m.
Trad Session with Ceoltóirí Humbert | Collectors Lane
9.00 – 9.30pm | 10.00 – 10.15 p.m.
Memorabilia Display | Tourist Office & Chamber of Commerce, Linenhall Street
9.00 – 11.30 p.m.
Exhibition | “To Make a Blessing of My Song” | Linenhall Foyer Gallery, Linenhall Street
9.00 – 11.30 p.m.
Multimedia | A Diva’s Life in Light | MBS Family Home, The Mall
From 9.00 p.m. until late (weather dependent)
(With thanks to: all participating venues and artists, Elaine Mears, Jennifer Cunningham, McDonald AV, Castlebar Library, Mayo County Council, The Arts Council, Mayo Arts Office, An Garda Síochána, all ushers, and Linenhall staff).