The Jack Doyle Centenary Weekend will be held on the last weekend in August to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Jack's birth on 31st August 1913. The following Press Release was launched by the County Cork Boxing Board with actor Luke Barry posing as Jack Doyle.
Highlights of the weekend include:
- A Boxing Tournament - organised under the auspices of the County Board on Friday 30th August.(Tickets are priced @ €10 and are available at the Commodore Hotel)
- A gala dinner on Saturday 31st August with guest speaker Michael Taub, author of 'Jack Doyle; the Gorgeous Gael.' (Tickets are available at the Commodore Hotel @ €34.95 - Music by the 'Contenders')
- Jack Doyle play, with actor Luke Barry, on Sunday 1st September (Tickets at Commodore Hotel @ €5)
- Official opening of the Jack Doyle Mural (pics below)
- Guided Walking Tours, Historical Workshops, street theatre, classic car displays, commemorative mass & subsequent ceremonies in Cobh's historical Promenade, guided tours of the Old Cemetery where Jack is buried and much more.
Press Release:
The Gorgeous Gael, Jack Doyle, Boxer, Singer, Movie Star and Legendary Lover
Born 100 years ago on the 31st August, in the small harbour town of Cobh, Jack Doyle went on to become one of the most memorable names in the Irish and International Boxing scene.
His talented singing voice, movie star good looks & charm took him all the way to Hollywood. But as a lover he will always be remembered for his love affair with Movita or she with him should we say….many a woman paid to be introduced to the handsome devil.
The Gorgeous Gael Gathering, taking place in Cobh from 31st August to the 1st September illustrates the Rags to Riches and sadly return to rags story of Jack Doyle.
On Friday 30th August the official launch of the festival will take place in the towns Promenade. This will be followed by a boxing tournament, in conjunction with Cork County Board, in the Jack Doyle Room of the Commodore Hotel. A full boxing card of local & provincial boxers will be on display and it is sure to be a fitting event to kick off the celebrations. Tickets are on sale at only €10 from the Commodore Hotel.
Saturday’s events really pack a punch with something for everyone to remember the dark haired hero. There will be the official launch of the Jack Doyle Mural, painted by local artist Jack Hickey. There will also be street theatre, kicked off by ‘Jack’ himself, markets in the local promenade and guided walking tours to the Holy Ground, Jack’s Birthplace, by local historians.
In addition there will be exhibitions, book signings by Michael Taub, author of the Jack Doyle biography, and guided walks of the Commodore Hotel- a museum to the great man. The day’s events will really illustrate Jack’s impact on the people of Cobh and Ireland during that time and the more than interesting life he lived. Should any member of the public wish to contribute to the exhibition all items will be gratefully returned after the weekend.
The highlight of the weekend is the Gorgeous Gaels Gala Dinner- Jack’s Birthday Bash with a capital P for Party! Is there any more fitting tribute to Doyle than a three course meal, guest speakers and special guests (incl. Michael Taub and Jack’s nephew Chris Doyle) Of course there will be entertainment provided by local band “The Contenders” and dancing into the early hours. Tickets are available from the Commodore Hotel but they are going fast so book your place today!
Sunday commemorates the life of Jack. The 12 noon mass in Cobh Cathedral on Sept 1st will commemorate his birth, his life, his career and his death. This will be followed by a procession, lead by the O.N.E. and includes some of the greatest musical talents the town has ever seen. The first stop will be to Jack’s newest claim to fame, the mural depicting his life. Then on to the Promenade to his long standing monument, loved and cherished by many in the town who remember their families’ stories about the man who was forever champion in their eyes.
The grand finale to the weekend will take place at 4pm with a new play in the Jack Doyle Room of the Commodore Hotel written by and acted by fellow Cobhite, Luke Barry. Luke has been fascinated by Jack's life and has written and presented several short scripts about his life. A well recognised actor in Cork theatre circles Luke will bring Jack's life back into focus, the good , the bad and the ugly with amazing insight, knowledge and empathy.
The VIP tickets are now on sale, that allow YOU to share in all of these events and much more over the Gorgeous Gael Gathering weekend in Cobh Aug. 30th to Sept. 1st. For just €50 you can be “Ring-Side” for all these events throughout the town. A warm welcome is extended to all his friends and drinking buddies from across the water.
In summary, 100 years ago a talented baby was born to humble parents in a small harbour town. The people of Cobh remember Jack Doyle, the boxer, the actor, the singer and the lover. The Gorgeous Gael is now at peace, at home in Cobh, a town that will never forget him. A man that had it all & lost it all as well! What mere mortals could only dream of was his fate. Though a life of many textures, not always of the colourful kind, the town of Cobh still remembers his name, his achievements and his charm!
Happy 100th Birthday Jack from your town, your friends and your fans.
Let us know of your stories and memories of Jack and the best could a wonderful prize of an overnight stay for two people with tickets to the Commemoration boxing tournament on Fri. 30th Aug. Please contact the hotel reception at the Commodore Hotel on tel: 021 4811277 for further details.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment